K - 4 Music Overview

The general music program at Open Window is implemented using the Orff approach (from composer Carl Orff), which incorporates language and movement. The most basic and important of our activities are moving to the beat and singing. Besides singing, moving, playing instruments, and listening, we also create (composing and improvising). Our repertoire is based in American folk and some patriotic songs, with time also devoted to Western art/classical music and to folk music of other cultures. Do people everywhere sing the same way? How are elements of music used differently in different parts of the world?

Listening:
--to analyze: how elements of music are used to create form (unity and variety)
--to “classical” music by various composers (first grade focuses on Bach; second grade, Mozart; and third grade, Beethoven)
--to relate music to cultures, history, and other arts

Performing:
--Singing: 
in tune
using head voice
blending
--playing instruments
--principles of music literacy

Creating:
--improvising vocally and instrumentally
--using unity and variety to create form
--composing melodies
--principles of harmony (tonic and dominant)