Music & Band

K-5 General Music

Music classes at ArtSpace expose students to a wide selection of instruments, genres, music theory and composition practices. General music classes are structured around the Kodály pedagogical method – this includes focus on rhythmic and melodic concepts through singing and kinesthetic movements which create a physical understanding in the body. This system is a sound to symbol process that results in better reading, writing, and performance skills. We also use the Orff approach to classroom music instruction; play, imitation, and experimentation lead to confident and creative musicians. All music lessons are aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study and are creatively planned to integrate various academic learning goals.

K-5 students have music instruction at least once a week for 50 minutes. They are taught to read traditional notation and count rhythmic patterns and sing and perform with proper posture, breath support and technique. Students demonstrate their understanding of specific guidelines as well as through improvisation.  All grades have two or more performances a year to showcase their learned material through a collaboration of art forms including music, dance, technology, drama and visual art.

Making connections to local and national history and traditions, as well as world practices and culture studies, is a large focus in our music program. K-5 students engage in activities inspired by a selected “Musician of the Month”.  These opportunities allow students to explore artists of various races, gender, musical styles and backgrounds. This comprehensive unit encourages listening skills, global awareness, recognition of specific genres, and aids in developing the use of music vocabulary. 

Music Ensembles

Ensembles at ArtSpace include 5th/6th grade Chorus, 6th grade Beginning Band, and 7th/8th Intermediate Band.  Each ensemble focuses on the elements of music and music performance.  Music is selected to display an array of genres, at an appropriate skill level, that lends opportunities for individual performers as well as group collaboration.  

Chorus is an optional group activity available to 5th and 6th graders. 6th graders may also choose to join Beginning Band, and will spend the year building skills and technique. They have a performance at the end of the year. 7th and 8th grade Band is the next phase of our instrumental music program.  These students spend at least a semester of study and meet every day. This ensemble performs in the Winter and Spring concerts.