MUSIC
Music contributes to the quality of every student’s life in important ways. Children learn creativity through composition, singing, and instrument playing. LaGrange Academy bases it’s entire K – 12 music programs on the National Standards for Arts Education (Music), The School Music Program – A New Vision, that MENC took the lead role in developing. All nine National standards are met through a sequential and comprehensive program of music instruction.
All students in grades K – 8 participate in music classes at LaGrange Academy.
Students are exposed to a variety of cultures and historical periods through their studies in music. Students are required to study the history of American music through song and music appreciation according to grade level.
Students perform concerts or musicals several times a year. Students volunteer community service time by visiting area nursing homes to give monthly performances.
There are also several concert venues to attend as well as musical opportunities through the local orchestra and the music department at LaGrange College. Our emphasis is on making music a fun learning experience so that each child will want to continue participating in the fine arts as they go to their next level of education. The musical experience will enrich their skills, knowledge and habits needed throughout their adult life.
The standard curriculum materials used include but are not limited to: Music Expressions for general music instruction, World Music Drumming for drumming, and Music Ace Maestro for music theory, ear training and composition. Students are required to take music three days weekly through grade 8.
K5 Music
Kindergarteners learn opposites and contrast through singing and instrument playing. Children are encouraged to be creative through singing as well as movement. They are encouraged to sing alone as well as with others. Basic music rhythm is begun at this age.
1st Grade Music
At this stage children build on the concepts learned in K5 as well as melodic direction, dynamics, tempo, and mood. Music theory and ear training begin and are taught through grade 8.
2nd Grade Music
Focus is on patterns in rhythms, form, melodies and movement. Instrument families as well and ensembles are recognized. There is a cross curriculum unit on China where song and dance as well as culture of that country is explored.
3rd Grade Music
Here the children build upon and combine knowledge from previous years. Musical style is introduced as well as patterns, mood, and setting. Culture and history are explored through cross curriculum teaching of folk songs and folk tales. Students explore the families of the orchestra and attend a concert.
4th Grade Music
Children at this grade build upon previous studies to a larger concept. Musical style and genre through history and culture are explored. Students participate in the “National Anthem Project” by cross curriculum studies in art, history and music. At this level students begin to develop rhythmic and melodic independence. Beginning circle drumming is introduced as well as the ancient art of Ti Rakau Lummi Stick.
5th Grade Music
This course enables students to advance their musical training to a higher level of understanding and performance. Students are ready to put concepts into a more personal context. Circle drumming and Ti Rakau are taken to an advanced level.
6th – 8th Grade Music
Students begin to explore their own personal musical connections and learn how music impacts their life while also seeing world connections within the music they hear and perform. Studies of composers and their music, music history, advanced theory and ear training, world drumming, and vocal training are also taught. Students in grade eight may audition for High School chorus as well as Literary competition.
High School Music
Students are allowed to choose from a variety of music classes. Chorus, music appreciation and history, and music theory are offered. At this level students may compete in Literary; All Select Chorus; Orchestra or Band; as well as the SCALA competition from the LSO hosted at LaGrange College.