Music
Music classes at Heatherwood follow a designated curriculum and support the various content areas of the classroom – literacy, science, and social studies. Our music program provides a myriad of opportunities to learn music concepts through singing, playing instruments, moving and listening. Reading notation, composing, music history, music appreciation and performance are also a regular part of the program. In addition to music classes, Heatherwood also gives an opportunity to 4th and 5th grade students to join the Hot Shot choir and the Handbell choir. 5th grade students can also participate in band or orchestra by learning to play an instrument of choice.
Curriculum
Students experience a wide range of activities that develop their musical knowledge and ability in four areas:
1. Expression of Music - The expression of music is the demonstration of human thought and emotion through the medium of performance, which is a product of knowledge and skills gained in the study of music.
2. Creation of Music - The creation of music is the demonstration of learned skills in the composition, improvisation, and arranging of music. Creating music involves writing music, fashioning new music from an existing piece of music, or forming an entirely new piece of music.
3. Theory of Music - The theory of music is the understanding of the distinctive language, conventions, mechanics, and structure of organized sound. Investigation of music theory allows for a more complete understanding of all aspects of the musical process, including musical performance and composition.
4. Aesthetic Valuation of Music - The value of music focuses on the knowledge needed to make an informed evaluation and to provide a well-thought-out critique about a musical piece. It also addresses the beauty, heart, and soul: the aesthetics of music. Valuing music will permit individuals to distinguish between a scholarly and an individual judgment of music.
Instrumental music
Boulder Valley offers instrumental music instruction to fifth grade students in all elementary schools. Students begin learning their instruments the first full week of school, and attend classes twice a week through the year until the last week of the school year.
In addition to receiving instruction from licensed instrumental music teachers, there is no cost of instruction for students who participate in the program. Students are expected to rent their instrument and purchase a music stand and book, at an average cost of around $20/month. Your instrumental music teacher can recommend a music store, but we feel it is important to support the local music stores of the Boulder Valley area, as they offer quality instruments and services.
Instrumental music students participate in two concerts throughout the year. The first is an informal winter concert that takes place the Wednesday before winter break. In the spring, students participate in large, multi-school culminating concerts. Students should arrive one hour before the concert to rehearse.The spring concert is an amazing way to trace a student's growth in instrumental music throughout the year. Approximately 120 orchestra, and 120 band students participate in the final concert from schools throughout the district. Their efforts are highlighted in this exciting and fun demonstration of music learning!