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Elementary General Music
Students in grades one through six receive one forty-minute period of General Music instruction every week. Music class consists of a wide variety of interesting and challenging experiences that present music as a means of self-expression, enjoyment, and as an academic discipline. The voice is used as the primary means of expression. Music material is presented in a sequence that follows the child's natural ability at various stages of growth. Concepts, skills and activities are divided into musical expression, rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, and musical form. The continuing refinement of musical concepts and skills through singing and performing are an important goal of the elementary program. Students learn about American and European composers and their music; the development of blues, ragtime, jazz, swing and rock; the instruments of the band and orchestra; and have opportunities to play classroom percussion instruments. The elementary staff utilizes updated music textbooks and a variety of technologies in the music classroom to reinforce musical concepts and provide musical enrichment activities.
General Music Teachers:
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Frank Bolkus- Doyle
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Elaine Copeland- Jamison
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Linsey Griffin- Warwick, Mill Creek, Titus
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Tom Gromball- Bridge Valley
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Mike Gruver- Cold Spring
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Carol Kalbach- Linden, Kutz
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Karen Mudry- Mill Creek
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Christina Quinn- Pine Run, Buckingham
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Andrea Raynor- Barclay, Bridge Valley
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Steve Reilly- Groveland
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Christine Remiker- Gayman, Groveland, Buckingham
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Susan Talley- Titus, Kutz
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Bill Weir- Butler, Cold Spring
Grade 4 Strings Instruction
Fourth graders are invited to participate in the Elementary Strings program. Classes meet for one thirty-minute large-class instructional class each week, during lunch recess time or before or after school. This program is recommended for students interested in studying violin, viola or cello. Specific scheduling is dependent on the number of students enrolled and time availability within our instrumental teachers' schedules. Knowing how to read music is not a prerequisite for entrance into this program. During the first year, students are introduced to basic string instrument playing skills. Students will participate in various performance opportunities during the school year.
- Students may also choose to wait until fifth grade to begin string instruction.
- Students who are primarily interested in learning a band instrument are encouraged to wait until fifth grade, and then enroll in the band program.
Grade 5 and 6 Instrumental Instruction
Fifth and sixth graders are invited to participate in the Elementary Instrumental program. Instructional classes meet for thirty minutes once a week and are scheduled during the school day. This instruction enables students to participate in the school band or string orchestra. Students may choose to play a woodwind, brass, percussion or string instrument. Knowing how to read music is not a prerequisite for entrance into this program. Participants perform in a large band or orchestra ensemble as a culminating experience in the spring. The goals of the program are:
- to develop comprehension and interpretation of the elements of music as applied to that student’s particular instrument.
- to enhance musical skills and creativity through performance, individual home practice and group instruction.
- to optimize the student’s problem-solving skills through the critical listening of their own playing, especially in terms of rhythmic accuracy and intonation.
- to encourage collaborative workers who can demonstrate cooperation and leadership within their groups.
- to prepare for successful participation in the middle school music program.
Band Teachers:
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Mark Appiotti: Barclay, Cold Spring, Warwick
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Aric Branchfield: Buckingham, Jamison, Linden
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Elaine Copeland: Jamison
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Neil Delson: Bridge Valley, Mill Creek, Titus
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Paul Losch: Doyle, Gayman, Groveland
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Marie Sprenger: Butler, Kutz, Pine Run
Orchestra Teachers:
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Donna Hartzell: Barclay, Butler, Jamison, Mill Creek
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Lauren Herrschaft: Bridge Valley, Doyle, Kutz, Titus, Warwick
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Eileen Telly: Buckingham, Cold Spring, Gayman, Groveland, Linden
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Aric Branchfield: Pine Run |