K I N D E R G A R T E N  -  3RD  G R A D E 

 

Lower elementary school students will receive an introduction to music, dance, and theatre as an integrated part of their daily learning.  For more information, feel free to contact Kimberly Marsden (music) or Katherine Winder (dance).

 

 

4 T H  -  5 T H  G R A D E

 

In addition to performance opportunities (auditioning for the spring K-12 musical, etc.), we are thrilled to introduce a rich program of performing arts “specials” that will be offered this year to 4th and 5th graders every other day.

 

Over the course of the three terms (trimesters) of the school year, each student will sample theatre, dance, choir, bucket band, instrumental music, and ukulele (one trimester) and then choose one area to focus on in greater depth (two trimesters).  

 

T H E A T R E

 

Those involved in our theatre class will have the exciting opportunity to experience various theatrical styles, both process-based and performance-based.  Students will explore Shakespeare, Musical Theater, Improv, Creative Drama, and more!  

 

 

D A N C E

 

Elementary school dancers will explore various forms of movement and work together in small groups to engage in dance-related activities, learn about the history of dance, and create movement-based pieces together. 

 

 

C H O I R

 

Choir students will sing with their friends in a variety of styles (classical, musical theatre) and participate in activities that introduce them to melody/rhythm and allow them to create their very own music!  Students will also learn basic sight-reading skills, music terminology, performance etiquette, and how to sing in harmony and canon.  Each trimester will culminate in a fun performance showcase for family and friends. 

 

 

M U S I C A L  I N S T R U M E N T S

 

• BUCKET BAND:  3rd Graders will strengthen their teamwork skills and study musical rhythms in bucket band, drumming with drum sticks, buckets, exercise balls, and other percussion instruments.  This will be an active class that places an emphasis on the therapeutic properties of music--a combination P.E./Music course.

 

• UKULELE:  4th Graders will study harmony and strumming patterns and learn some note reading while learning how to play the ukulele.

 

• GENERAL MUSIC:  5th Graders will have a music theory, history, and culture class.​

 

• STRING INSTRUMENTS:  5th graders may elect to study a string or band instrument in small group sessions with music faculty. 

 

 

Feel free to support your child’s learning in the following ways:

• Help us form and lead after-school clubs (during flex time) in ukulele, bucket band, instrument practice, dance, and theater, or other proposed subjects.  Scheduling is flexible and can be negotiated with volunteers (example: once-a-week meetings after school for one trimester).  Parents: This is a fun way for you to get involved in the school culture in an area that interests you.  To volunteer or ask for further information, please contact Kimberly Marsden.

• Ask about what your student experienced in his/her “special”.  Feel free to send us feedback - positive and negative.  We want to improve continually.

• If your student demonstrates particular interest in the musical instrument he/she is studying in school, consider acquiring a ukulele, drumsticks, or another instrument for home use.  Visit a music store like Summerhays and look for music method books for that instrument.

 

We appreciate all that you do to support your children.  If you have any questions about these specials, please feel free to reach out.  We look forward to an exciting, enriching, educational year with these bright young minds!

 

Kimberly Marsden

K-5 Performing Arts Coordinator