“We are the movers, we are the shakers, we are the music makers."

                                    from Ode by Arthur O'Shaughnessy. (1844-1881)

          During the year students will sing a variety of songs, some of which will be learned in Spanish and French. The students will also play many instruments  this year including handbells, kazoos, boomwhackers,  percussion instruments (with emphasis on drums) and xylophones. They will also be engaged in movement and dance both for fun and to dramatize or act out sounds that are heard.   Throughout the year several songs and activities will be developed around two key themes:  stars and animals. An emphasis is placed on several wonderful children’s picture books about music and these are integrated with the singing, playing, and listening experiences.  Learning about the orchestra will be a yearlong discovery.  Students will be asked to identify the individual instruments that make up this large ensemble.  The rhythms of many nursery rhymes (known to most children) will be used as a launching point for improvising tunes on xylophones.