The elementary music program at CSD is a developmental one that follows the NC Course of Study (http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/artsed/scos/music/index) and incorporates many things. The focus is on building a solid foundation so that students will be life-long music learners and appreciators. Students learn the basic musical skills of how to create and read music.  In addition, they learn some music history and how to have an appreciation of music as a way of creative self-expression and art form.  Our program is a true “connect” to the child’s regular classroom as we incorporate the classroom thematic studies into music instruction.   We use a variety of ways to do this that includes direct instruction, listening, movement, instrument exploration, participating in classroom performances, and attending live performances.  

Kindergarten

KIndergarten starts what is, for most kids, their first formal music instruction.  We focus on developing a steady beat, singing on pitch, repeating rhythms, and reading simple rhythms, among other things.  Also, we start talking about composers like Bach and Tchaikovsky. Performing in front of an audience is introduced in Kindergarten as well.

First Grade

In first grade we continue what we started in Kindergarten.  More practice with steady beat, singing on pitch, repeating and reading simple rhythms. Simple dances are taught as their steady beat develops.  Most times we incorporate those dances into performances.

Second Grade

Skills of the second grade musicians are really starting to develop!  Of course we continue building on what we learned in kindergarten and first grade.  We do more dancing where we really have to match an external steady beat and listen to cues in the music. Mozart and the study of orchestra instruments are highlighted during second grade. 

Third Grade

By third grade, almost everyone has mastered steady beat.  At this point, we can dance more easily together, play instruments together, and accurately read rhythms together.  We introduce handchimes (handbell-like instrument) and xylophones.  Singing in simple harmonies are introduced, as well. We also focus on reading and building rhythms so they can be ready for the challenges of fourth and fifth grade music. 

Fourth Grade

4th graders are introduced to the recorder.  In teaching this simple instrument, they practice body control, fine motor skills, listening skills, reading music, playing together as a group, and composition.  4th graders also get to compose using our Orff (barred) and percussion instruments.

Fifth Grade

5th grade is a big year for our music students.  Everything they have learned from K through all the grade levels comes into play.  The focus of the 5th grade year is to use their skills and creativity to compose.  This composition training culminates in the creation of an original opera completely written and performed by the 5th grade classes.  The opera is based on a novel that connects to their unit of study. In addition, we study famous operas not only to help them in writing their own, but to broaden their artistic and cultural horizons.