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Curriculum for Grades K-5
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Kindergarten General Music:
Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.
Types of Voices
Instruments (Unpitched Percussion)
Steady Beat
Movement Exploration
Exposure to American & Multicultural folk songs
Music listening
Introduction to storytelling through music
Introduction to Beat and Rhythm
Sound vs. Silence
Steady Beat
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician
PA Standards
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month).National Core Arts Standards
Cr1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
a With guidance, explore and experience music concepts (such as beat and melodic contour ).
b With guidance, generate musical ideas (such as movements or motives).
Cr2. Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
a With guidance, demonstrate and choose favorite musical ideas.
b With guidance, organize personal musical ideas using iconic notation and/or recording technology.
Cr3. Refine and complete artistic work
a With guidance, apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback in refining personal musical ideas.
b With guidance, demonstrate a final version of personal musical ideas to peers.
Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.3.D: Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.3.K: Identify, explain and analyze traditions as they relate to works in the arts (e.g. storytelling-plays,oral histories,-poetry, work songs-bluegrass)National Core Arts Standards
Cn11 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA Standards
9.1.3.E: Demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts.9.3.3.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities (Contextual criticism, Formal criticism, and Intuitive criticism).
National Core Arts Standards
Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.3 C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.3.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
First Grade General Music:
Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.
Types of voices
Instruments (unpitched percussion)
Steady beat/meter
Movement exploration
Exposure to American & Multicultural folk songs
Introduction to storytelling & emotions through music
Basic Note Reading
Loud vs. Soft
Exposure to Meter
Basic Tempo: Fast, Slow
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician
PA Standards
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month)National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.3.D: Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.3.K: Identify, explain and analyze traditions as they relate to works in the arts (e.g. storytelling-plays,oral histories,-poetry, work songs-bluegrass)
National Core Arts Standards
Cn11 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA Standards9.1.3.E: Demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts.
9.3.3.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities.
Contextual criticism
Formal criticism
Intuitive criticismNational Core Arts Standards
Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.3.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.3.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.
National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.Second Grade General Music:
Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.
Voices (head vs. chest)
Instruments (pitched percussion)
Melody vs. Harmony
Beginning dances
Developing understanding of: American & Multicultural folk songs
Beginning composer study
Expressing stories & emotions through music (students as performers)
Introduction to composer intention
Beat vs. Rhythm
Introduction to Meter
Basic Dynamics
Notation Introduction
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a MusicianPA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.3.H: Handle materials, equipment and tools safely at work and performance spaces.
Identify materials used.
Identify issues of cleanliness related to the arts.
Recognize some mechanical/electrical equipment.
Recognize differences in selected physical space/environments.
Recognize the need to select safe props/stage equipment.
Identify methods for storing materials in the arts.
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month)National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Cr3. Refine and complete artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.3.D: Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.3.K: Identify, explain and analyze traditions as they relate to works in the arts (e.g. storytelling-plays, oral histories, poetry, work songs-bluegrass)National Core Arts Standards
Cn11 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA STANDARDS
9.1.3.E: Demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts.
9.3.3.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities.
Contextual criticism
Formal criticism
Intuitive criticism
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month).National Core Arts Standards
Cn10. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7. Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8. Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9. Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.3.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.3.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.National Core Arts Standards
Cr1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and works.
Re7. Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Third Grade General Music:
Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.Voice (timbre)
Singing rounds
Instruments (recorder)
Beginning dances
Beginning composer study
Developing understanding of: American & Multicultural folk songs
Expressing stories, emotions, & ideas through music (students as performers)
Further exploration of composer intention
Strong/Weak Beats
Experience with different types of form
Major / Minor
Introduction to Scales
Dynamic Markings
Exposure to Clefs
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician
PA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month)National Core Art Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.3.D: Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.3.J: Identify, explain and analyze historical and cultural differences as they relate to works in the artsNational Core Arts Standards
Cn11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA Standards
9.1.3.E: Demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts.
9.3.3.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities.
Contextual criticism
Formal criticism
Intuitive criticism
9.4.3.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month).National Core Arts Standards
Cn10. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7. Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8. Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9. Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and
Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.3.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.3.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and works.
Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Fourth Grade General Music:Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.
Rounds, Beginning Part Singing
Multicultural Instruments
Instruments (Recorder)
Percussion Skills (Unpitched and Pitched)
Instrument Ensemble Technique
Movement (Folk Dancing)
In-Depth Composer Study
In-Depth Study: American & Multicultural Folk Songs
Developing Interpretation Skills as Performer and Listener
Developing Compositional Skills (Aural/Written)
In-Depth Study of Instruments and Vocal Timbres
Cross Curricular, Collaborative, Student Centered Projects
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician
PA Standards
9.1.5.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.5.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.4.5.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month)National Core Art Anchors
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.5.D: Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.5.J: Identify, explain and analyze historical and cultural differences as they relate to works in the arts (e.g., PLAYS BY Shakespeare, works by Michelangelo, ethnic dance and music).National Core Arts Standards
Cn11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA Standards
9.1.5.E: Know and demonstrate how arts can communicate experiences, stories or emotions through the production of works in the arts.
9.3.5.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities.
Contextual criticism
Formal cream
Intuitive criticism
9.4.5.B: Investigate and communicate multiple philosophical views about works in the arts.National Core Arts Standards
Cn10. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7. Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8. Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9. Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.5.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and
Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.5.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.5.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.5.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.
National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and works.
Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Fifth Grade General Music:Students will learn about themselves as music makers (how to sing, move, play on instruments, listen, create, make connections). They will learn how to reflect and respond to the musical world around them. Students will explore and develop an understanding of music from various time periods and cultures. Students will explore music as a language and interpret intents and meanings. Students will learn about how music is organized and will learn how to read and use music notation/symbols.
Rounds, Part Singing
Instruments (Ukulele)
Harmonic Analysis
Percussion Skills (Unpitched and Pitched)
Instrument Ensemble Technique
Movement (Folk Dancing)
In-Depth Composer Study
In-Depth Analysis: American & Multicultural Folk Songs
Developing Interpretation Skills as Composer, Performer and Listener
Developing Compositional Skills (Aural/Written)
Cross Curricular, Collaborative, Student Centered Projects
Unit 1 Knowing Myself as a Musician
PA Standards
9.1.5.A; Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.5.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.4.5.B: Know how to communicate an informed individual opinion about the meaning of works in the arts (e.g., works of an artist of the month)National Core Art Anchors
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 2 Exploring the Musical World Through Time and Across Cultures
PA Standards
9.2.5.D : Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
9.2.5.J: Identify, explain and analyze historical and cultural differences as they relate to works in the arts (e.g., PLAYS BY Shakespeare, works by Michelangelo, ethnic dance and music).National Core Arts Standards
Cn11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Unit 3 Music as Communication
PA Standards
9.1.5.E: Know and demonstrate how arts can communicate experiences, stories or emotions through the production of works in the arts.
9.3.5.E: Describe and use types of critical analysis in the arts and humanities.
Contextual criticism
Formal criticism
Intuitive criticism
9.4.5.B: Investigate and communicate multiple philosophical views about works in the arts.National Core Arts Standards
Cn10. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Pr6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Re7. Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re8. Interpret intent and meaning in artistic
Re9. Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Unit 4 How Music is Constructed
PA Standards
9.1.5.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
Elements (duration • intensity • pitch • timbre) and
Principles (composition • form • genre • harmony • rhythm • texture)
9.1.5.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
Sing, play an instrument, read and notate music, compose and arrange, and improvise
9.1.5.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.5.B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.
National Core Arts Standards
Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and works.
Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.