The music program at SPA immerses students in creative process. Singing, speech, instruments, and movement, provide the impetus for exploration.
Through the process of exploration, critical thinking skills and aesthetic values are developed. Each child contributes to the musical community as creator, composer and performer.
Curriculum
Our music program is based on the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education where students learn to improvise, compose, read, and perform music both through the playing of instruments and singing. Orff Schulwerk is a philosophy of teaching and learning based on things children already like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and play. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing it later, just as we all learned language. Orff Schulwerk incorporates traditional and original poems, rhymes, games, songs and dances. Students play xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, soprano recorders, drums and other unpitched percussion instruments as they explore, improvise and perform music. Creative movement activities and world folk dances are woven into the curriculum, which approaches musical concepts through integrating them through the whole body. In a collaborative environment, students become sensitive listeners and learn to work as a group as they develop skills and make aesthetic decisions. Music classes meet twice each week for all students in grades K-5.
Program Highlights
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All students have the opportunity to perform in all-school assemblies as well as impromptu hallway, living room, office and classroom performances.
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Differentiated instruction ensures that every student experiences success.
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Collaborative projects connect homeroom units with music instruction and culminate in community performances.
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Third graders begin soprano recorder instruction and learn to take care of an instrument and practice.
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Third, fourth and fifth grade students may expand their music learning through music focused mini courses.
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Optional private instrumental lessons are available during and after the school day.