Here at Chaparral Elementary the general music education program provides creative and learning experiences for students TK through Fifth grade that coincide with the National and California Music Standards. Lessons are taught from an organized grade level curriculum called Game Plan by Jeff Kriske and Randy Delelles. The curriculum centers around active understanding and use at different levels of Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Form, Timbre and Creativity. It embraces several teaching methods that include the principles of Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly.
The Orff approach is a process of teaching children music on a level that they can easily understand through singing, literacy, dance, movement, drama and the playing of percussion instruments.
The Kodaly method uses a child developmental approach to develop skills in ear training and sight singing. After the student becomes familiar with the concept he or she learns to notate a melody.
The fourth grade students are introduced to recorders which provide the opportunity for note reading in preparation for fifth grade band. A continuation of recorders and general music education is provided for the fifth graders who do not take band.
Music enhances many of the other subjects taught in the classroom. It has been said, that it’s not that children make beautiful music, but that music makes beautiful children.