Music Standards in the Music Curriculum

Standards from MENC, National Association of Music Education

By Mr. Timothy Dries (subbing for Ms. Wilson)

1.Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

Songs that we have sang so far include, The

Golden Rule, Vacation, Listen, Sing Me Your Name. These are shorter songs that we learn in one class period and periodically review in the following classes. In addition, the 5th grade classes have started to work on repertoire for the holiday concert. They will be singing a medley of familiar Christmastime tunes entitled Swingin with Santa Claus.

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

Most of the classes so far have had opportunities to play the following Sonor Orff instrument musical instruments: pictures:
http://img3.musiciansfrie nd.com/dbase/giard/ima ges/reports/sonar_orff_3 00x294.jpg

Xylophones*

Glockenspiels* Metallophones*

*These instruments are Orff instruments. Designed by the German composer Carl Orff. They are diatonic, and the bars are removable which allows the students to see which notes to play in a given song.

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music (continued)

Wooden percussion instruments (Claves, Guiro, Maracas)

Metal percussion instruments (Cowbell, Tambourine [which has metal jingles])

Guiro picture: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/guiro.html

3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments

Students will have the opportunity to

improvise on Orff instruments as well as other percussion instruments.

Improvising is sometimes called spontaneous composing.

4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines

We have discussed musical forms in the 4th grade class. Musical forms are important to understand for composing and arranging music. Some classroom songs call for unique arrangements (Sing Me Your Name.)

5. Reading and notating music

Most classes have looked at rhythm

cards. We learn to count various rhythms saying, Ta, TeeTee, and Teeka-teeka

Tee

Tee

Tee

Ka

Tee

Ka

6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music

All classes will have opportunities to listen to recordings of great music.
So far, 2nd grade has listened to Vivaldis Four Seasons Other grades will be listening to a jazz recording of a band from Chicago called Air.

Extra info
Information about the music books that

are used to reach national standards: http://www.kid-sounds.com/gameplan

Mr. Dries can be contacted via email at the following addresses:
tdries@cedarburg.k12.wi.us timothydries@gmail.com p.s. Mr. Dries does have experience giving beginning piano lessons. Please contact if interested!