The South O’Brien Elementary General Music Curriculum is a creative and active learning experience in which all TK-6 elementary students participate. To reach the whole musical learner, while also meeting the State of Iowa Education Standards and the National Music Standards, the elementary general music classes will teach techniques and approaches drawn from several teaching pedagogies. The curriculum used by all General Music classes is the Quaver Ed. Music curriculum. The curriculum uses technology to enhance music pedagogies from Gordon, Kodaly, Orff, and others.
The beginning band program in the South O’Brien School District is designed for 1st and 2nd-year players, in grades 5 and 6. Students may try band instruments near the end of the 4th-grade year. Instruction is offered on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion. Parents may rent or purchase an instrument for their children. There are two components in beginning band instruction; 1) students have 1 15-minute individual instrument lesson each week, and 2) a total of 3 30-minute large full-band rehearsals within a 6-day cycle. Throughout lessons and band rehearsals, students are expected to perform with a sense of tone, breath support, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.
The General Music classes have a Winter Concert they sing for in December. The Band students have the Winter Concert and a Spring Concert they perform, as well as two solo festivals in the Spring. There is also optional Band & Choral Festivals to participate in throughout the school year.
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