Music
 
 
Paul P. Gates, M.D. School Where we reach for the stars
Schedule Principal’s Page Staff Teacher Pages schedule.htmlprincipal%27s%20page.htmlour%20staff.htmlteacher%20pages.htmlshapeimage_9_link_0shapeimage_9_link_1shapeimage_9_link_2shapeimage_9_link_3
Grade Level Pages Curriculum Library grade%20level%20pages.htmlcurriculum.htmlhttp://mail.ab.mec.edu/~jobrien/shapeimage_10_link_0shapeimage_10_link_1shapeimage_10_link_2
The music program at Gates School includes general music classes for all students as well as an instrumental band program for interested students in Grades five and six. Kindergarten classes receive thirty minutes of music class per week and all other grades participate in music for forty-five minutes. The Gates School also has a chorus program for interested students in grades four and five. General Music General music classes for grades kindergarten through fourth are taught by Kim Ward. Judy Melillo teaches general music to the fifth and sixth grade classes. The objective of the general music classes follows the arts frameworks as developed by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Activities at all grade levels include singing, playing instruments, movement and dance, creative composition and music appreciation. Students are exposed to a large variety of musical styles and participate in many types of activities which allow them to experience and enjoy music in ways which are most suitable to individual learning styles and tastes. The third grade and fourth grade program includes learning to play the recorder which provides students with the musical skills needed to participate in the elementary band program. Special Programs Composer of the Month Each month, the students will learn about a composer during the general music classes. Age appropriate activities will help students learn about the life and music of each composer. Some composers we have studied are Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, John Williams and the Beatles. When we studied the Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi second grade students listened to the Classical Kids story “Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery” and completed a written response journal. While learning about Camille Saint-Saens, we studied “Carnival of the Animals,” “Danse Macabre,” and Piano Concerto No. 2. Music Journals At every grade level, students will complete written work in a music journal. The journal is an evaluation tool which includes writing music notes and symbols, drawing pictures in response to music, and word games which reinforce learning on a particular musical subject. The journals are completed during music class and go home with the student when complete. Performance Parties and Musicals Several classes participate in “Performance Parties” or “Musical Plays” during the year. The “Performance Party” is a demonstration of music that we are learning in music class. Parents are invited to attend and enjoy the musical skills that the students can demonstrate. In addition, to the above scheduled events, several musical presentations occur during the year which are related to classroom curriculum activities. Look for a Hawaiian Luau and Medieval Feast coming up in the second half of the year.band.htmlchorus.htmlhttp://ab.mec.edu/curriculum/apsobjmusic.shtmlshapeimage_13_link_0shapeimage_13_link_1shapeimage_13_link_2