Cocalico School District Elementary Music Department
There are five elementary music specialists in the Cocalico School District. Mrs. Lisa Helock serves Reamstown K-5. Mrs. Stephanie Ciabattoni serves Adamstown K-5. Mrs. Kristin Burkholder serves Denver K-5. Elementary Instrumental Music is taught by Mr. Howard Boots who serves Adamstown and Reamstown while Mrs. Tess Kennedy serves Denver.
Students at the elementary level, Grades1-5, have General Music for one 45-minute period in a 4-day cycle. Kindergarten students have one 30-minute period in a 4-day cycle.
Kindergarten
Students will explore proper singing voice, echo and perform melodic patterns, demonstrate ability to keep steady beat, explore free movement with selected songs and stories, respond to musical, visual, and oral stimuli with movement, distinguish between music comparatives, and explore expressive qualities of music.
First Grade
Students will continue learning propersinging voice, explore the difference between melodic rhythm of thewords and steady beat, music comparatives, and expressive qualities of music. Students will also learn to identify so-mi melodic pattern andrhythmic patterns containing quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarterrests in songs. Students are introduced to meter bar lines andmeasures, and will become familiar with the timbre of classroom rhythminstruments.
Second Grade
All musical concepts taught previously will be reinforced. In addition, students will explore notating simple melodic patterns of so, la, mi, do and playing ostinati accompaniment on bells and Orff xylophones. Students will identify phrases in music and ABA form. They are also introduced to the String and Percussion families of the orchestra. The half note, whole note, half rest, and whole rest are included, along with identification of repeat signs, phrase markings, and term D.C. al FINE. Music for specific events and seasons is also explored.
Third Grade
All previously taught musical concepts are reinforced at the third grade level. Solfege pitch re is introduced along with dotted half note and 3/4 meter. They will learn to differentiate between duple and triple meter and major and minor tonalities. Woodwind and Brass families of the Orchestra are introduced. Students will begin to learn treble staff notation and begin to play the recorder. Students will begin to understand the function of music in society, and how concepts in the various arts are similar and different.
Fourth Grade
All musical concepts previously taught will be reinforced at the fourth grade level. Solfege pitches fa and ti will be introduced along with dotted quarter – eighth note rhythms and 16th notes. Rondo forma and theme and variation are explored at this level. Students will continue using simple rhythmic notation, learning treble notation and playing the recorder. Students will explore different ways of creating harmony by round singing, counter-melodies, ostinati, partner songs, and chords. Music associated with historical, social, and economic events is also explored. Students interested in additional music activities are invited to join Chorus or begin Instrumental lessons.
Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade Level has emphasis upon performing and demonstrating mastery of proper singing techniques, demonstrating the ability to perform multiple and melodic rhythms and rhythm patterns in duple and triple meter on a variety of classroom instruments. Students will recognize the influence of historical events and composers, technology, and social events on music. Students interested in additional music activities are invited to join Chorus or continue Instrumental lessons and Elementary Band.
4th and 5th Grade Choruses
Chorus is offered to all 4th and 5th grade students at each of the elementary schools. Chorus meets for one 30-minute period in a 4-day cycle.
There are two programs performed by Chorus and Band, the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May. Programs are performed for the student body, and in the evening for parents and friends.
Instrumental Music – Grades 4 and 5
This course will reinforce and expand musical knowledge, creativity, interaction skills and self-discipline through regular group lessons, and ensemble performance on traditional band instruments.
