our sixth grade program
Music
Sixth Grade students examine the essential question, “What responsibility do we have to ourselves to expand our knowledge of music?” by studying the basic components of music – beat, rhythm, form, contrasts and similarities. Focus is on compositional practices and the use of form. Students study the music of famous composers and the history of music from the classical time period to the present and discuss the nature of music related to the events of the era. Writing personal musical compositions using elements such as counter melodies, harmonies and variations is an important part of the music study.
Sixth Graders often begin class listening to music representing different styles and genres and keep a listening log that includes the name of the piece, its composer, the composition date, a list of the instruments and musical techniques used, and peer reaction to the piece. Students sing during class and are encouraged to take solos in order to become comfortable when performing.