All music students are listeners, performers, and composers. From Kindergarten to fifth grade we will continually refine our skills as a class, in small groups, and individually. As listeners we will identify melodies, rhythms, structure, timbre, and other elements from a variety of genres and time periods. As performers we will sing and play xylophone, recorder, African drums, and other instruments. As composers we will arrange existing songs, write lyrics, and create new songs.
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we will have music once a week. We will learn the basics of melody, rhythm, and musical structure primarily through singing and playing xylophone. We will also learn music games, movements, and dances as well as play other classroom percussion.
First Grade
In first grade we will begin expanding our knowledge of the concepts learned in Kindergarten. We will start singing and playing instruments in more than one group by echoing, doing call and response, partner songs, and rounds. In the Spring, all first graders will sing their first concert with the Fourth Grade Choir.
Second Grade
In second grade we will continue the same concepts from Kindergarten and first grade as well as add varied charts and other visual representations to analyze music. Similar to first grade, all second graders will perform with the Fifth Grade Choir for the Winter Concert.
Third Grade
Third graders study melody in depth using instruments, decoding visual representations, and solving puzzles. They expand their definition of music and how it fits into the world. Our Hambone Unit focuses on rhythm and storytelling. Our Pipes Unit explores how length affects pitch and students will use measurement skills to create their own pan flute.
Fourth Grade
In fourth grade we focus more on music technology and composition. Our units include theme and variation form, loop-based music, and harmony through piano. In January students can join the Fourth Grade Choir, where we practice once a week outside of music class in preparation for the Spring Concert.
Fifth Grade
All fifth graders are invited to join choir and perform at our Winter Concert. Fifth graders study musical structure and layers in depth. We explore these concepts by singing, writing, performing, making charts, and composing. At the end of the year, students apply the basics of music notation to play recorders.
Sixth Grade
Middle school choir is a performance-oriented class. Students will sing a variety of styles, and learn about music reading, music theory, and vocal health.
Elementary Choir - Fourth & Fifth Grade
All fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to join choir! We rehearse 50 minutes per week outside of music class to prepare for the concert. Fifth Grade rehearses from September until our Winter Concert in December. Fourth Grade rehearses from January until our Spring Concert in May. Choir students are expected to do their best, have excellent behavior, and perform at the concert. Letters with full concert details will be sent to choir members about one month before the concert.
Drumming Unit - 2nd Graders
2nd graders will participate in a hand drumming unit. This is made possible by a L'Anse Creuse Foundation Grant awarded to Carkenord Elementary. Students will play 2, 3, and 4 part drumming songs, with a focus on learning rhythm.
Keyboard Unit - 3rd Graders
3rd graders will participate in a keyboard unit. Students will work in small groups to perform piano music, study harmony on a chordal instrument, apply reading skills, and compose their own music. This is made possible at Carkenord through the music bond purchases.
Ukulele Unit - 4th Graders
All 4th graders will participate in a new ukulele unit thanks to a L'Anse Creuse Foundation Grant awarded to Carkenord Elementary. We will study chords, tuning, songwriting, and perform at the Spring Concert.
Recorder Unit - 5th Graders
At the end of the year, 5th Graders will play recorders in music class. This is an important and required part of the LCPS music curriculum. Students will apply basic music reading skills to perform on the recorder. Individuals can earn belts in the recorder karate program. Students will also play duets, learn popular songs, and write their own compositions. A letter will be sent home with more information about ordering recorders.
National Music Standards
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State Music Standards
View details of the State Standards.
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