Music

Kinder

Students in Kinder are working to develop their singing voices. Through songs from around the world they discover how to match pitch and use different vocal sounds. They are also working on differentiating steady beat and rhythm using body percussion.

1st Grade

Students in 1st grade are learning the principals of reading music. Through the use of percussion instruments they are learning about quarter notes, quarter rest, measures, repetition signs, etc. They are also learning about the different families of instruments in the orchestra.

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

Third grade is activating their singing, dramatic and movement skills in preparation for their grade level musical "Squirm". Students will present this musical to parents during the week of November 3-7. After their performance third graders will begin the Recorder Unit.

4th Grade

Fourth grade begins their year with the Recorder Unit. Students will master reading 5 notes on the musical staff and playing them on the recorder. The final project of this unit will give the opportunity for students to demonstrate their music literacy skills that they have learned in the unit. Students will compose a 4 measure duet to be performed on the recorder while integrating technology using ipads and the Garage Band app.

5th Grade

They begin the year with the Recorder Unit. Students will master reading and playing 6 notes on the musical staff and recorder. Their final project includes the integration of technology by using ipads with Garage Band as well as activating music literacy skills in composing an 8 measure duet with additional Garage Band accompaniment.

Curriculum Overview

1st Grade
Overview - Students in first grade are offered an “Introduction to Violin” class. Any student interested in learning will be given the opportunity to take part in this class. After a few months in the program, students who show a passion and have taken an initiative to succeed will be asked to continue taking lessons.

Criteria for Continuation
Meeting Academic Goals
Good Effort in Violin Class and Willingness to Learn
Good Behavior in Violin Class

Classes - Classes will meet once a week for 30 minutes. Students will be pulled from math, reading, or writing at the homeroom teacher and parents’ discretion. Any student not willing to be pulled from academic classes once a week will have the option of meeting after school.

Home Violin - Because of the size of the violin program at ASFM, violins will only be provided during school hours and will not be allowed to be taken home. For this reason, we highly recommend that you purchase a “right size” violin for your child for home practice. This is not required, but learning will be very difficult without consistent practice outside of school.

2nd Grade
Overview - Students in Second grade are offered a “Beginning Violin” class. We will build on the basics learned during the introductory year and will begin working on music in preparation for concerts.

Classes - Classes will meet once a week for 45 minutes. An after school class will also meet to accommodate anybody that wants to attend. This class will meet during the same time frame as after school sports so students can utilize the carpool and Senda pick-ups.

Home Violin - Because of the size of the violin program at ASFM, violins will only be provided during school hours and will not be allowed to be taken home. For this reason, students must have a “right size” violin for home practice.

3rd Grade
Overview - Students in third grade are offered an “Intermediate Violin” class. We will build on the basics learned during prior years and will begin working on music in preparation for concerts, including two part duets.

Classes - Classes will meet once a week for 45 minutes. An after school class will also meet to accommodate anybody that wants to attend. This class will meet during the same time frame as after school sports so students can utilize the carpool and Senda pick-ups.

Home Violin - Because of the size of the violin program at ASFM, violins will only be provided during school hours and will not be allowed to be taken home. For this reason, students must have a “right size” violin for home practice.

Instrument Care

All students, Grade 2 and up, of the ASFM String Program must have an instrument that is in good, playable condition. Instrument repairs can be expensive but proper and consistent maintenance will help avoid these costly repairs. When you are not using your instrument, please make sure that it is packed in its case correctly and in a safe place. Music or other papers should not be stored in your case, as this can also lead to needless damage to your instrument. Finally, if you think your instrument needs to be repaired, show it to Mr. Ryan. He can either fix it or put it into the hands of a professional repair technician.

School Owned Instruments

ASFM is currently building it’s instrument inventory that some students may need to utilize. School owned instruments will be issued to students in need as part of the tuition paid to the school. Students and parents must read and sign the commitment contract at the end of this page. Students are financially responsible if a school owned instrument is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Required Class Materials

• An appropriately sized Instrument
• Rosin - for the bow
• Cleaning Cloth
• Essential Elements 2000 for your instrument