Performing Arts

List of 3 items.

• General Music - PreSchool through 4th Grade

  In PreSchool and PreKindergarten, students participate in the joy of musical learning through certified Music Together classes. Families in PreS and PreK will receive Music Together cds, booklets, and online applications so the songs can be shared and enjoyed both during and outside of school. Families will also be invited to one or more singalongs at school with their children during the year.

   

  In Primary grades, students engage in four foundational concepts of musical learning (Sing, Move, Listen, and Play) and Kodaly-based active music making. Particular emphasis is placed on the learning of echo songs, call & response songs, and song tales for further development of pitch matching and rhythm skills with the body (clapping, marching) and rhythm sticks. Listening skills are developed through exposure and discussion of musical genres (Folk, Classical, Jazz, etc) with emphasis on verbal and written reflection (“What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you wonder?”).

   

  Intermediate grade levels participate in the development and practice of note reading and writing skills through a variety of pathways (songs, games, assessments). Students make creative connections to academic learning through studies of musical genres (Folk, Classical, Jazz, etc) in relation to instruments, musical expression, improvisation, and cultural literacy. Classes perform throughout the school year at Morning Meetings and at the Holiday Program. Students also participate in Celebrations of Learning through collaborative STEAM projects during the year.

• Choral Program - 4th - 8th Grade

  The TCS Choral program has three vocal groups: Intermediate (4th/5th) Chorus, Middle School (6th/7th/8th) Chorus, and an audition-based Chamber Chorus (grades 6-8). In rehearsals, there is an emphasis on ear training and pitch matching through the use of vocal warm-ups, scales, and exercises. Reading and understanding vocal music, 2-part harmony (Intermediate) and 2- or 3-part harmony (Middle School), vocal dynamics, expression, and blending are also core components of the learning process. Students perform vocal repertoire throughout the school year at the Winter Concert, Holiday Program, and Celebration of the Arts Spring Concert.

• Band-Instrumental Music

  5th Grade

  First year beginning band covers instrumental basics. Proper assembly of woodwind and brass instruments, proper care of percussion instruments, and correct use and care of reeds. All woodwind, brass and percussion instruments work from Standard of Excellence Book I by Bruce Pearson. First year curriculum includes: Introduction to clef signs, time signatures, key signatures, note values and 1-3 major scales. Students have one sectional per week and one band rehearsal.

   

  6th Grade 

  Sixth Grade band is an intermediate band, a transition to upper band and covers the following: They continue in Standard of Excellence Book I. More extensive musical terms list, more major scales and extending the range on their instruments. Students have one sectional per week and one band rehearsal (also one rehearsal with the 7th and 8th grade band). Students have the option to audition for the CMEA Regional Music Festival.

   

  7th and 8th Grade 

  The 7th and 8th Grade band plays with the 6th grade band to form the concert band. Both grades cover more major scales, musical terms, sight-reading, ensemble playing and chamber music. Students branch out to more difficult music and have two band rehearsals per week. Students have the option to audition for the CMEA Regional Music Festival.