In the multitude of counselors there is safety - Proverbs xi. 14

What is your Child Learning in Music Class?

I’ve been asking the students what they say when you ask them what they did at school today. If your child is like my own, when you ask ”What did you learn today?” The answer is, “Nothing.” My goal is to keep your informed as to what is going on in your child’s music class.

 

New parents and students, let me introduce myself, “I’m Debbie Volgelsberg or as the students call me ‘Mrs. V.’. This is my 26th year at St. Louis School. I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Music Education. I have a Kodaly Certificate and have taken the I Orff training. I have been married to my husband, Jerry, for 36 years and have two grown children who are both music teachers. The joys of my life are my three grandchildren, Mary (7), Ellie (5), and Noah (7 weeks old).”

It is always a pleasure to work with our students. Stop by and visit a music class—because music is for EVERYONE!!

Grading

In the primary grades, K-3, they receive a single grade for music. This grade is a combination of their participation/conduct and knowledge.

 

In grade 4-5, the students receive two grades, one for participation/conduct and one for knowledge.

 

In Middle School the students receive two grades, one for participation/conduct and one for knowledge.

 

In Choir there will be no written tests for this quarter—Participation is the grade.

I can’t express how important it is for our students to actively participate in music class. I need to hear them sing and see them do the activities as this is one of the most important ways that I can assess their knowledge.

Beginning of Class

We begin each class with a game song or a song that will be used for preparing or practicing an element of music that we are focusing on followed by music for Mass or an appropriate age-level religious song. Games play a large part in learning about music, so it’s of utmost importance that the students participate.

What is taught at each grade level

 

Each grade incorporates the previous years lesson and builds new lessons on top of the lower grades lessons. Example: 6th grade would review K-5 lessons and add new lessons.

 

Kindergarten Comparative music (fast/slow, loud/soft, same/different, high/low, etc)

 

First Grade include Kindergarten lessons, rhythm, beat, quarter note, two eight notes

 

Second Grade include 1st grade lessons, songs, staff placement of notes in songs.

 

Third Grade include 2nd grade lessons, part-singing, rhythm, quarter notes, 2/8 notes, rest & half notes, 4 and 16 notes.

 

Fourth Grade Include 3rd grade lessons, add new notes, read melodies, just as they would read words from a book. Learn Melodic vocabulary.

 

Fifth Grade Identify aurally (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, da) sight read pentatonic scales. Then pentachord and hexachord.

 

Sixth Grade Part choir and part general music class. Quizzes' are implemented.

 

Seventh & Eighth Grade Choice of music instrument, voice, guitar or band instrument. Quizzes' are implemented.  Note: this requires 20-30 minutes each day of practice. Students in 7 & 8 grade choir participate in Mass.

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