Kindergarten

Kindergarten learns songs about animals as well as the seasons of the year, and performs in March for the school and parents. They discover lyrics that rhyme and find patterns in rhythm and sound, with an emphasis on listening skills. Word recognition is an important part of learning songs.

1st Grade

1st Grade learns songs about the alphabet, coins, friends, and seasons of the year to name a few. There is an emphasis on increasing vocabulary and word recognition along with instruction in rhythm patterns, intonation, and listening skills. Instruments and hand actions support this learning. They perform a Halloween Program in October and for their mothers in May.

2nd Grade

2nd Grade learns many classic children’s songs as well as songs from musical theater, such as The King & I, Bye, Bye Birdie, The Sound of Music, and Singing in the Rain. They are introduced to simple polyphonic music where groups learn to sing Rounds in two or three parts. Vocabulary and phonics are discussed in learning lyrics. Each April they perform for the school and parents a program centered on the five Community of Caring values of trust, respect, responsibility, caring and family. Our 2nd grade was privileged to have the national director of Community of Caring attend the performance two years ago. Dr. Parker was thrilled with how our school is teaching those values.

3rd Grade

3rd Grade learns classic songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s as well as songs from musical theater. With their increased reading skills they learn songs easily and continue to expand their vocabulary and phonics skills. The spelling of words and pronunciations are a big part of learning the lyrics. They have an increased ability to participate in more complicated polyphonic music where groups learns to sing two or three melodies at the same time as well as singing songs with simple harmony. Each year they perform a Holiday Program in December where they learn about holiday celebrations and cultural traditions throughout the history of the world.

4th Grade

4th Grade spends the first two months of school in music learning songs about the rock cycle and about Utah. The state history, the counties, and the people who were here when the pioneers arrived are a big emphasis of their studies. Because of the music training received in previous grades they have more ability to sing songs with a wider vocal range and complex rhythms. They perform a Utah Program at the end of October for the school and parents with a few additional Halloween surprises.

5th Grade

5th Grade performs an impressive Patriotic Program every February. The songs focus on the history of the U.S.A. and its form of government. They learn to sing all fifty states in alphabetical order, as well as songs that teach about events and inventors in U.S. history. They pay special tribute to the many

veterans who serve and fight for our freedom. Last year they were invited to do a special performance for a group of veterans at the City Library. It was a huge success and very well received by the group of veterans. Our 5th grade can proudly say they know all three verses of The Star-Spangled Banner.

6th Grade

6th Grade works all year to present a review of the impact of music in the recent history of the country and world. They are exposed to music from theater and movies, different dance styles, and the music of jazz, country, and pop culture as part of the study. The historical influence of the music is discussed. Expanding their vocabulary, spelling and definitions of words are part of the study. They learn the basics of theatrical performing, such as singing while dancing, simple costume changes, staging and acting, as well as the importance of lighting and sound.

All Grades

All the grades have a focus on literacy through music as we sing the lyrics from charts, overheads, and word clues on the board. We look at basics in word structure and find repeating patterns in lyrics, rhythms, and song themes. Every grade has become more familiar with musical terms and simple notation and theory. They have been introduced to a variety of American folk songs, American children’s classics, as well as music from American musical theatre. Basic reading, listening and analyzing skills are a continual practice in Mrs. Jorgensen’s music classes.