Music
Mr. Eric Kemnitzer
Email: eric.kemnitzer@standrewscds.org
Class room news
St. Andrews General Music Program
The Middle School Music Program continues the practice of Orff-Schulwerk at all levels of development. The commitment to music as a basic part of every student's education continues, while simultaneously providing some choices for those with special interest and talent. Learning through hands-on music-making and creating one's own music remain at the core of the St. Andrews Music experience. While ensemble is primarily featured, folk dance, movement, song, speech and body percussion remain an integral part of the program. The curriculum is organized topically: 6th grade studies World music and dance, 7th grade, the Western art music tradition and Composition, and 8th grade, jazz from the Swing Era to the present day. These topics determine the repertoire of pieces to be learned and also constitute the academic core of the year's study.
The Music Classes
Pre-K through 8th grade will have music classes that last 40 minutes. 7th grade will meet in the Fall and 8th grade will meet in the spring. Students will do many listening activities through out the year. We will cover every genre of music in order to fulfill a well rounded repertoire of music knowledge. Listening always demands an active response, from writing down feeling reactions to the piece to mapping the form to moving to the music to identifying key musical elements. Videos are sometimes used as part of the discussion time.
K-6 Grading Policy
- 80%-Participation and Behavior
- 10%-Homework/Projects (20% Grades K-3)
- 10%-Final exam (Grades 4-6 only)
7th and 8th Grading Policy
- 40% Participation and Behavior
- 25% Homework and Projects
- 35% Final Exam
Content Integration
Music is studied both as a self-contained content area and as an integral component of the academic curriculum. Integration with visual arts, dance, and theatre is ongoing, as are interdisciplinary projects with English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and other content areas.
Projects and Presentations
Presentation of work is a natural progression in the study of music. Students are provided opportunities to demonstrate their work in many ways. However, the final product or performance should not be the primary emphasis in the music class; performances are simply a culmination of the process of studying and/or creating music. Performing is a learning experience that helps students define the roles of performers and audience members, teaches students to respond to and critique music appropriately, and helps students to build confidence and pride in their work. Performances also help foster an appreciation of music as an art form and as a form of communication.
Singing
Besides opportunities for singing in music classes, we will also be singing in choral ensembles in preparation for the Christmas and Spring Concert! CONCERT ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!! Our Christmas Concert will be celebrated on December 15th
After School Music Opportunities
Students in grades 3-8 can study beginning guitar, piano, bass, drums and voice.
Opportunities are also available through the schools instrumental program!