SSPJ
Music Department!
The Saints Philip and James School Music Department is a dynamic organization headed by Ms. Thomas. The Music Program progresses through
several levels including Beginner Band, Intermediate/Advanced Band, and Choir A and B.
General Music Class
Pre-K and Kindergarten grades are exposed to the fundamentals of music through the avenues of simple songs and singing games; students
are encouraged to explore the concepts of rhythm, pitch, interval and texture through listening to and participating in musical
selections from a variety of cultural and aesthetic experiences, at times accompanying themselves with simple rhythm instruments.
First and Second grade students continue with basic musical principles, stretching their skills to include more abstract concepts as
expressed through music and movement. Call and response singing is introduced, and singing games continue, particularly of the
Dalcroze approach (see below). Folk and traditional songs are emphasized, both sacred and secular in nature.
Third and Fourth graders are introduced to a multicultural musical experience through songs, dances, games, and the study of ethnic
musical instruments. Vocally, the children begin singing in rounds and canons, developing the concept of harmonizing, or “part singing”
As always, the fundamentals of music and singing continue to be stressed.
Fifth graders study the lives and compositions of famous composers- they are introduced to the sounds, history, and concepts involved
in the American musical idiom known as “jazz”.
Students sing songs and do assignments (both in and out of class) that are relative extensions of the concepts to which they are
introduced in class.
Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st-5th grades are exposed to the Emile Dalcroze method of music education, which is described as follows:
The Dalcroze approach to Music Education teaches an understanding of music -- its fundamental concepts, its expressive meaning,
and its deep connections to other arts and human activities -- through a path-breaking approach incorporating rhythmic movement, aural
training, and physical, vocal, and instrumental improvisation.
A Dalcroze class divides into three components: Eurhythmics, for which Dalcroze is best known, which teaches concepts of rhythm,
structure, and musical expression using movement; Solfege, a reinvention of traditional ear training and sight singing which develops
an integrated and expressive understanding of pitch, scale, and tonality through activities emphasizing immediate aural comprehension
and vocal improvisation; and Improvisation, expressing an understanding of musical concepts, form and meaning through spontaneous musical
creation using movement, voice, and instruments.
Sixth through Eighth grade music classes focus heavily on Music Appreciation, utilizing a cross-disciplinary approach to aesthetics
with the intent of instilling an appreciation for the arts that will stay with the student as he/she develops into a young adult.
In-class group projects, out-of-class papers, assignments and projects, performance participation, and discussions all lend themselves
to the overall process. Some of the specific units of study for these middle grades include but are not limited to: Musical Theater,
Music of the Old South/Civil War, Church Music History and Appreciation, and Music and Social Change.
All classes sing patriotic songs and hymns sung at school masses.
A percussion elective is offered to middle school students who wish to improve their rhythmic reading and performance skills, utilizing
instruments applicable to a percussion ensemble experience. This culminates in several ensemble performances throughout the academic
school year.
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Instrumental Music
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Curriculum
