Music Teacher Vanessa Mendes

Music

The music program provides a basic framework for students to have the tools, confidence, and desire to become active music makers, rather than simply consumers of music. Through listening, singing, moving, and playing instruments, each student works toward achieving and maintaining basic music competence, or the ability to sing in tune and move to the beat of a piece of music. In addition to the applied side of musical studies, students are also exposed to the more academic side of music including music history, ethnomusicology, and theory and notation. Students are encouraged to think critically about the music to which they listen, study and perform.

While the voice and body serve as our primary vehicles for experiencing music, students also have an opportunity to use a variety of instruments throughout the year. The classroom is equipped with a variety of
Orff and percussion instruments. Additionally, each student is required to care for his or her own recorder and have it available for practice during selected class periods.

Our musical studies at every grade level also promote positive group interactions and individual responsibility, as we stress the importance of each individual as a contributing member of the collective whole. Students in
4th-6th grades have a chance to practice these skills in chorus and other ensemble situations in class and school performances. Our music classes also attempt to be as inter-disciplinary as possible by integrating topics with school-wide themes and learning being done in other classes.  Lastly, it is hoped that through class activities, each student has an opportunity to capitalize on their individual creativity and learn to recognize
music as a medium for self-expression.

Music Curriculum (PDF Document)