General Music

• All students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade receive instruction in General Music (Music Enrichment).  Seventh and Eighth graders have the option of participating in either an Instrumental Ensemble or General Music.  The General Music curriculum includes:
  • Singing
  • Performing on classroom instruments (Orff-style keyboards, recorders, guitar, hand percussion)
  • Improvising
  • Reading and notating
  • Composing and arranging
  • Developing listening skills
  • Evaluating music and performances
  • Understanding relationships between music and the other arts as well as disciplines outside the arts
  • Music from other cultures (examples include the World Music Drumming curriculum by Will Schmid).
  • Integration of music and other subject areas is done whenever possible.

Recorders

• All Fourth grade students study the recorder for part of the school year, as a pre-band wind instrument. The recorder and book are provided by Anderson School unless a student has their own. Replacement charges for lost or damaged items is $5.00 each.

5-8 Music Enrichment/World Music

• All Fifth and Sixth grade students participate in Music Enrichment.  Seventh and Eighth grade students have the option of taking either Music Enrichment or Band, or both (no study hall). 

Instrumental Ensembles

The Instrumental Music program at Anderson School began in 1988 as lunch-recess program with one beginning band group, expanding the following year to two groups (Beginning and Intermediate-Advanced Band).  Currently, there are three different bands offered at Anderson School.

Fifth Grade Band

Meets Monday, Wednesday (2:50-3:20) and Friday (11:20-11:50).  You will need the “Measures of Success – Book 1″ for your instrument, and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder with pockets for sheet music.

Sixth Grade Band

Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:15.  You will need the “Measures of Success – Book 1″ at the start of the year, and continuing with “Essential Elements – Book 2” (green/yellow cover – school provided), and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder with pockets for sheet music. Percussion: a stick bag with concert sticks, and drum set sticks (if applicable).

Seventh & Eighth Grade Band

Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:39-1:26.  You will need the “Essential Elements – Book 2” (green/yellow cover – school provided) for your instrument, “Essential Technique” (black/yellow cover – school provided), and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder with pockets for sheet music.  Percussion: a stick bag with concert sticks, drum set sticks (if applicable), and either 1 pair medium yarn mallets (Adams, Balter, Yamaha or equivalent) or 1 pair timpani mallets (Vic Firth T3 Staccato or equivalent).

For All Instrumental Groups

•  A pencil, your complete instrument, and music is needed in order to participate.  At least three working reeds (for wind players) are needed with you every time class meets.  Brass instruments should be oiled and in good working order before each rehearsal starts. String instruments should be tuned up and ready to play, with bows rosined if needed.  Percussionists are responsible for set-up, breakdown and storage of all instruments, accessories and sticks each time we rehearse.
• If you are unable to play due to slight illness, dental work, etc…  you can still do fingerings and work with the group. IN-SCHOOL = IN-CLASS = PARTICIPATING – have your instrument!  Consistent tardiness or absence from rehearsals may result in your dismissal from the ensemble. Home practice time is expected of all (consistent daily practice is far more beneficial than “cramming” for an hour once or twice a week – try to schedule your practice time for 4-5 different days of the week for a period of time so it is “part of the routine” and not something “if I get around to it”).
• Home=Practice (where you learn your part), Classtime=Rehearsal (where you learn everyone else’s part, plus new concepts and techniques to practice).

Lost or Damaged Pieces

You will be charged $5.00 for each lost or damaged original copy of music that was checked out.  Books that are lost or returned damaged will be charged at the current retail price plus any additional shipping/handling charges. Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble pieces sometimes do not have individual parts that can be replaced, and whole set replacements can run $40-$70 each.

The Anderson School Choral Program is designed to provide all students the opportunity to perform vocal music with their peers in a large ensemble setting.  This format allows for learning new musical concepts, skills and techniques as well as reinforcing those learned in the general music classroom. This includes posture, tone production, intonation, pitch matching, balance, breath control, flexibility, dynamic control, articulation, diction, reading skills, and music history.  We have five primary objectives:

• Cultural – To continue the development of music appreciation and understanding through the study and performance of fine choral literature.
• Educational – To develop interested and discriminating listeners and performers, and provide a well-rounded background of musical knowledge.
• Service – To lend a meaningful atmosphere to school and community events while promoting the reputation of the Anderson School Music Program at all performance appearances.
• Recreational – To provide Anderson School students an opportunity for a worthy and lifelong leisure activity, an emotional outlet, and positive social experiences.
• Spiritual – Through singing music that is significant historically, musically, or in text, students will learn to appreciate the deeper meanings of life.