Learning at Rashi
CurriculumMUSIC
We encourage students to develop their creativity and find their own expressive voices by creating, analyzing, and performing music of diverse styles and genres.
Music is integrated into the educational program, playing an important role in assemblies, family programs and class plays. We celebrate Jewish holidays and customs through song, movement and instrument playing.
Music lessons often focus on what students are learning in their grade-level curriculum. For example, when children study the Civil Rights era in America, they also study the history of music leading up to the Civil Rights movement.
Music Emphasis
The music program for grades K-2 introduces and reinforces core concepts such as melody, harmony, beat, rhythm, form, and timbre through singing, movement, and listening. Students also create music and experiment using various classroom instruments such as the glockenspiel and xylophone.
Students in grades 3-5 continue to build on knowledge learned in previous years with the addition of more advanced skills and concepts, including melodic contour, knowledge of the musical staff, and rhythmic notation. Grades 3-4 have the opportunity to sing in the Rashi Chorus, performing Jewish and secular songs at school assemblies and special programs. They learn to play the recorder and participate in a Recorder Karate program in which students earn “belts” by playing progressively difficult pieces. The fifth grade completes an additional unit on international folk music which is integrated with their social studies curriculum.
Middle School students (grades 6-8) may choose to further their study through the middle school elective program. Private piano, violin, guitar and flute lessons are also available through the Extended Day Program.
