The music curriculum at Grace, beginning in the first grade, includes instruction in: music appreciation – the diversity of folk music and the history of art music; literacy – reading and writing music; and technique – both vocal and instrumental. In addition, students learn movement and folk dance during music classes. Along with preparing hymns for Chapels, students sing songs that assist them with cross-curricular, multi-cultural, social-emotional and service learning.
Students learn good vocal technique throughout the elementary years so that they will be better able to handle the changes that occur during middle school, and keep singing for the rest of their lives. All instruction is sequenced to ensure that students understand concepts and gain skills on one level before going on to the next. The entire program is thus driven by essential learner outcomes that are age-appropriate.
Music technology and world drumming are taught on the 6 th grade level. These students learn to compose music using laptops and cutting-edge sequencing software. Using authentic instruments they master drum pieces that include African and/or Caribbean polyrhythms.
Performance opportunities for Grace students include “Lunchtime Performances” that avail individuals, on an elective basis, to an audience consisting of the entire lower or upper student body. The whole school joins together in music and pageantry at the annual Christmas Chapel. The upper elementary students also do a musical revue each spring.
