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| Home > Parents > Curriculum > Elementary > Music |
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Elementary Music | Secondary Music | Instruments | Concert Schedule
Elementary Music Program (1 - 5)
Primary Grades (1 - 3)
Students in 1st - 3rd grades study music once each week for 30 minutes. Instruction covers the basic elements of music and introduces students to music from many cultures. Lessons are sequential and based on the Visual and Performing Arts curriculum standards for California public schools.
A Traveling Team of credentialed music teachers provides lessons to students at each elementary school. Their names and contact information are posted on individual school Web sites
| Skills taught: |
Activities include: |
| Pitch recognition and differentiation |
Singing songs |
| Rhythm-pulse-beat |
Playing simple rhythmic instruments |
| Vocal development |
Movement and dance |
| Music notation |
Composition |
| Appreciation of music from other cultures |
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Intermediate Grades (4 - 5)
In 4th and 5th grades, students study music twice each week for 40 minutes. Fourth graders may continue General Music classes or join Beginning Strings (through a lottery) or Orchestra (if they have been reading music and taking private lessons for 2 - 3 years). Fifth graders continue with stringed instruments or receive beginning instruction on the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, or cello.
| General Music (4th grade) |
Instrumental Music (4th & 5th grades) |
| Music history |
Music fundamentals |
| Music theory |
Music theory |
| Composers |
Note reading |
| Instrument families |
Rudiments of performance technique |
| Music from other cultures |
Culturally and historically diverse pieces |
| Singing |
Performance at year's end |
| Recorder playing |
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| Listening & movement exercises |
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Secondary Music Program (6 - 12)
The music program in middle and high schools continues the instruction provided in elementary education and gives interested students the opportunity to further their skills and expression. Classes are aligned with state and District Visual & Performing Arts Content Standards
In 6th grade, students are required to participate in band, orchestra, or choir. In 7th - 12th grades, music becomes an elective. Students can join numerous classroom and after-school music activities and take advanced placement theory courses. Classes may vary at each school. Details are provided in school course catalogs.
| Middle School |
High School |
| Advanced Band |
Chamber Choir |
| Choir |
Concert Band |
| Concert Band |
Concert Choir |
| Jazz Band |
Jazz Band |
| Jazz Ensemble |
Madrigal singing groups |
| Orchestra |
Music Theory |
| Symphonic Band |
Orchestra |
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Symphonic Band |
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Treble Choir |
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Wind Ensemble |
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Palo Alto Unified School District Honor Band, Choir, and Orchestra is made up of students primarily in 6th grade. Students may audition for this after-school program. Rehearsals are once a week from October to May at different middle schools. Please check the rehearsal and concert schedules listed below.
Honor Band rehearsal and concert schedule (  10K )
Honor Choir rehearsal and concert schedule ( 11K )
Instruments
Purchasing Instruments
If you are trying to decide whether to buy or rent an instrument for your child, keep in mind that young string students usually need a small-sized instrument. As they grow, they will need larger, full-sized instruments. Some stores have trade-in policies that will allow you to exchange a smaller string instrument for a larger one.
Instruments can be purchased through a variety of sources. Buying instruments over the Internet can be risky. If you do choose to buy online, we recommend that you choose a reliable brand.
Renting Instruments
Many Bay Area music stores rent instruments. Check your phone directory for a list of local stores. Each music store has its own rental contract program, so ask stores for specific information about their policies.
Lending Library
A few school-owned instruments are available for students with financial need. For more information, call the District Music Office at (650) 329-3944.
Concert Schedules for 2006-07
Music Calendar – a comprehensive list of music events at all schools in calendar format.
If you have questions, contact the District Music Office at (650) 329-3944 or music@pausd.org.
Revised February 2007
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