ONLINE CALENDAR

Music

Curriculum

At Patterson School, the primary tool for learning in general music is the singing voice.  All students,  1st - 5th grade are encouraged and assisted in using their singing voices appropriately in order to make music and enjoy their own music making.  Most activities in learning music involve the voice.

In meeting the educational needs of the whole child, singing occurs in combination with other activities such as:  playing instruments, ensemble experiences, movement, critical listening, reading music, composing, and using symbols and musical language.

Children are assisted in their journeys to reach the highest level of music literacy possible with the hope that their elementary experience will serve as a springboard for lifelong enjoyment of music.

Student evaluation is based on effort, participation, and skill development.  Written assignments, quizzes, and tests occur more frequently in the higher grades.  Routine assessment takes place in class. Ability to use one's singing voice, accurate reading and understanding of music symbols, rhythmic and melodic notation, identifying musical for, conducting of patterns, and playing Orff and rhythm instrument patterns accurately are some of the areas assessed on an individual student basis.

Third graders have an extensive study of soprano recorder playing including note reading, rhythm, reading, and composition.

Students in grades 2 and 5 are administered a formal written assessment in the spring.  Results are used to determine individual student progress and the curricular needs across the district.