Cooper School Music focuses on two very important musical concepts that fit with the child-centered and whole child approach of the school. These concepts are individual musical abilities and community music. We accomplish individual musical abilities through the learning of voice, ukulele, recorder
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten
First Grade
First Graders will enjoy music and movement lessons each week. Building on their repertoire and skills from Kindergarten, students will continue with basic music skills. These students learn percussion including drums, shakers, tambourines, and mallet instruments. Musical styles and instruments will be covered including the instruments of the orchestra and classical repertoire like “Peter and the Wolf” and “Young People’s Guide to the Orchestra”.
Second Grade
Second Graders will have recorder class each week. In this exciting class, students will learn about the history of the recorder and how to play notes. Students will learn about ensemble music, note reading, breath control, and tone. Second Grade will learn a few simple folk songs that will lay a foundation for wind instrument playing and ensemble playing.
Third Grade
The Cooper School has had a long tradition of Grade 3 creating their own radio show. In this year-long project, students work to create a ½ hour variety show complete with music, bands, announcers, news, weather, interviews, drama and jokes! The radio show has a live presentation for parents and siblings in the Spring semester.
Fourth Grade
In ukulele class, students will be learning how to play basic melodies and chords for accompanying singing. The text will be the Essential Elements of
Middle School
Middle School students will participating in our brand new Strings program. Fifth and Sixth graders will be introduced to and begin instruction on violin. Students will learn to or enhance already learned skills in reading music, rhythm ensemble playing and ear training.