Rowntree Academy provides a Music curriculum that spans Pre-School children to Grade 8 students inclusive.
The Pre-School Music program includes singing songs, listening activities, improvisation, playing rhythm instruments, and the introduction of basic musical concepts. Music classes are scheduled once a week for a duration of thirty minutes for the Junior Kindergarten classes, and forty minutes for the Senior Kindergarten classes.
Grade 1 Music provides an introduction to the use of Kodaly hand signs. Singing, developing an understanding of basic note values and the concept of pitch, are introduced at the Grade 1 level. Students also learn about the families of instruments, and explore how sounds are made by playing the percussion instruments. Grade 1 Music class is scheduled once a week for a forty minute period.
Grades 2, 3 and 4 Music includes learning songs by using Kodaly hand signs to develop the concept of pitch. The recorder is introduced in Grade 2 Music and is continued in Grades 3 and 4. The development of recorder skills is accompanied by an introduction to music notation. Students are strongly encouraged to learn how to read pitches and note values as they are noted on the treble clef staff. Grade 2, 3 and 4 Music classes range in duration of forty to eighty minutes per week.
Grades 5 through 8 Music is an introductory course to the keyboard. Students are assigned to a keyboard, and learn the basics of keyboarding through method books. Students are encouraged to learn how to recognize and play notes from both the treble and bass clef staff. The duration of these classes range from forty to eighty minutes per week.
Finally, students may choose to participate in one of our choirs as an extra curricular activity. Throughout the school year, concerts are presented and many musical activities such as talent shows, contests and mini concerts provide a wonderful display of students’ talents.
Music Department Head: Mrs. M. Krever
