Lower School

Lower School Music

Based on the Hungarian system of Zoltan Kodaly, the following elements are presented sequentially so that the skills are cumulative.

Musical knowledge is prepared, presented, and practiced through folk and classical music. Our commitment to develop global citizens means that we involve students in various styles of music from a variety of cultures.

Readiness Concepts

  • Fast-Slow, Same-Different, Loud-Soft, Strong-Weak
  • Vocal Exploration
  • Inner Hearing
  • Socialization
  • Concentration, Memorization
  • Large Motor Development Through Singing Games

Melodic Skills

  • Matching Pitch
  • Melodic Ostinati
  • Sightreading
  • Staff Notation
  • Canons (rounds)
  • Partner Songs
  • Descants
  • 3-part Canons
  • 2-part Harmony
  • 3-part Harmony
  • Multi-voice Canons

Rythmic Skills

  • Steady Beat (Duple Meter)
  • 2-beat Ostinati
  • Stick Notation, Sightreading
  • Rhythmic Canons
  • Triple Meter and 6/8 Rhythm
  • Syncopation
  • Changing Meter

 

Form

  • Motivic Forms
  • Same-Different-Similar
  • Phrase Forms
  • Theme and Variations
  • Short Sectional Forms (Sonata)

Appreciation and Performance

  • Annual Evening of Arts and Music
  • Annual Presentations by Each Form Chorus, Forms IV & V
  • Study of Composers, Styles, and Historical Significance
  • Visiting Artists
  • Field Trips and Audience Experience
  • Community Outreach
  • CSG Special Events
  • Retirement Homes, Hospitals, etc.

Instrumental Music

  • Beginning Strings, Forms III and IV
  • Intermediate Strings, Forms IV and V
  • Beginning Band Instruments, Form V

FORM I

  • Sequenced melodic and rhythmic skills with folk songs 
  • Singing games, hand signs, listening activities
  • Assembly/Chapel presentation

 

Meet the Music Department Faculty
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Gail Kopetz
Middle and Upper School Choral Director, Music Department Chair
US Concert Choir, The Grace Notes Vocal Ensemble
step1.jpgPatricia Stephens
Lower School Music Director
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Agnes Becker
Lower, Middle and Upper Schools
String Ensemble
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Kristen Cook
CSG Director of Bands
Wind Esemble