Music Program Crow Island School
Music Teacher: Betsy Gmitro

The music program at Crow Island is one that combines a variety of approaches to music education while reflecting the progressive educational philosophy of the district. Students are at the center of a curriculum that emphasizes singing, playing, creating, listening and moving. Students learn the elements of music through a comprehensive, sequential curriculum. They and are given the tools to help them participate in music throughout their lives by performing, appreciating, evaluating, creating and enjoying.

Another component of the music program at Crow Island is the creation of our spring music programs. These performances are student generated emphasizing process over product. By creating them, give students gain experience in problem solving, risk taking, and self-expression. Many times, they are integrated with other subject areas to help students make connections with the many things they learn through out the day.

Crow Island also has a tradition of all-school assemblies, where singing is the focus. These assemblies teach students a repertoire of songs and how music can help build a sense of community. The goal is to develop in them a life long love of music and provide an experience rich in tradition.

GENERAL MUSIC AT CROW ISLAND
Here is what is happening at each grade level-Winter/Spring 2012

Kindergarten: Our kindergarteners have been exploring sound and vibration through playing classroom instruments. They have been listening to and responding to music through movement with the addition of ribbons and scarves. In addition, they have also been learning songs, which they will sing together on the last day of school at the annual kindergarten popsicle party. Listening, moving, singing, playing and creating are all important components of the kindergarteners time in the music room.

First Grade: The first graders just finished creating and presenting their first Spring Sing. The theme was the ocean. The process of creating the program included choosing songs, writing a script, creating dances and playing instruments Through rehearsals, they learned important performance skills and continued to improve upon their singing. The first graders will be listening to “Peter and the Wolf”, using it as a vehicle by which they will learn more about individual instruments of the orchestra and also create their own compositions to tell a story. Finally, the first graders will begin “Sharing Day”, a time when they can perform for their classmates or bring in something musical from home. This is an activity that will be continued on a bi-monthly basis through fourth grade.

Second Grade: The second graders just finished presenting their Spring Sing, which they created with the first graders. The theme was the ocean. The process of creating the program included choosing songs, writing a script, creating dances and playing instruments. They continued to improve their rehearsal and singing skills and were given the added responsibility of being role models for the first graders. They rose to the occasion! Moving forward, the second graders will continue their study of musical instruments and styles by revisiting “Peter and the Wolf”, and listening to “Peter and the Wolf Goes Jazz”. They will also be learning more about musical notation and how to notate some of their own compositions.

Third Grade: A big part of third grade is the study of Native Americans and Pioneers. They have learned about the music of both cultures through singing, dancing and playing instruments. At the end of the year, they will create their own pioneer songbook. The third graders are presently in the process of creating their Spring Sing. This year’s theme, which they chose, is “Camp”. They are in the process of selecting and writing songs to which they will add a story line, movement and instruments. We hope you will be able to see the finished product on May 9th!

Fourth Grade: Learning how to play the recorder has been a focus all year for our fourth graders. They have continued to improve their recorder skills by learning about and playing the 12 bar blues. They even took turns improvising on them, a skill that involves knowledge of the instrument and the willingness to take a risk! They also listened to and sang music relating to African American history, a subject that is studied in their classrooms. Presently, the fourth graders are in the process of creating their Spring Sing. The theme they chose is “Camp”. After they select and write their songs, they will be creating a script, making up dances and adding instruments. It is an exciting time from now until the performance on May 9th! We hope you will be able to join us.