Music is an integral part of the curriculum at the Episcopal Day School and led by Mrs. Anne Zufelt. Every grade level, from 2K through 6th grade, has the opportunity to come to Music class each week. The Pre-Kinder/Kindergarten grades come once a week and 1st – 6th grades come twice a week. In addition, music is incorporated in to the daily chapel services.
Pre-Kinder/Kindergarten: introduced to the basic concepts of Music such as direction, dynamics, register, rhythm patterns, etc. as well as have opportunities to experience the playing of rhythm instruments and learn movement through music.
1st grade: learns to follow the words in songs, becomes better connected with musical concepts,learns folk dances, and begins understanding the concept of “reading” music while playing instruments.
2nd grade: begins seriously focusing on learning and remembering specific rhythmic patterns through the use of hand drums. They expand their knowledge and appreciation of instrument classification,as well as move into the more difficult dances in square dancing.
3rd grade: enjoys the opportunity to learn the technique of playing the barred instruments. All third graders are spotlighted in the 1st – 3rd Christmas program, having the privilege of a special part.
4th grade: learns to read the notes of the treble staff and employ that knowledge into learning how to play the soprano recorder. Students learn to sing in two-part harmony.
5th grade: continues study of the recorder. In the second semester, they learn to read bass staff notes and take up the study of playing the hand chimes. Their knowledge of dance upgrades to learning modern country western dance.
6th grade: upgrades their knowledge of playing the hand chimes to playing music incorporating 5 octaves of notes. Students are involved with creative movement activities: storybook presentations, development of choreographic abilities, talent show. Students are well rounded and ready to transition into any middle school music based program (Band, Choir, or Drama).
Special Events and Activities Include:
- 2K – 5K Thanksgiving Program
- 2K – 5K Christmas Program
- Kinder Charro Days Program
- 5K Graduation
- 3K – 6th Easter Program
- 1st – 3rd Christmas Program
- 2nd Grade Drumming Presentation
- 4th – 6th Christmas Program
- 4th Grade, BANSA Chorale Festival
- 4th – 6th sing at community events
- 1st – 5th annual Square Dance
- 6th Grade conducts Fall EDS church service at Church of the Advent (EDS Week)
- 6th Grade Storybook Presentation, and Creative Movement Presentation
- 6th Grade Talent Show
- 6th Grade enacts stations of the Cross during Holy Week and depicts Crucifixion of Jesus in Easter Program
- 6th Grade Graduation