SBEC Elementary Music Classes

1st–4th Grade Music class at SBEC engages students in active music making.  Children learn by doing.  They have room to move around and are active participants making music.  In the music room is open space for movement as well as lots of fantastic instruments :  bongos, congas, hand drums, cymbals, bells,  xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, slide whistles, shakers, guitar, contra bass bars, and much more.  If  you were to walk by my classroom at SBEC during music time, more than likely you would see us playing instruments, musical games and imagination games.  You might also see us singing, dancing or using our own body as a percussive instrument in order to introduce, learn, or reinforce certain musical skills. 

Folk songs, folk rhymes, traditional games and dances form an integral part of the repertoire included within the curriculum.  Christian songs are interspersed throughout the year that show children that God Almighty is the one who gave us the capacity to make and enjoy music.    

The curriculum demands students to simultaneously process multiple layers of musical skills.  For example, while they are singing a song, I might have the class divided into two concentric circles rotating in different directions.  After 8 beats, the concentric circles change direction and they might be given another layer of movement such as clapping every other beat.  All the while they are singing a song.  This method of teaching requires tremendous concentration and focus from the students.

We had the privilege to have two musical guest visit the 3rd graders during our last 9 weeks of music. A professional violinist as well as a Blue grass band came and shared their music, knowledge, and skills. What a delight it was for me to see the excitement and curiosity in the students as these fine musicians shared their joy.

Mr. Ransom

1^st – 4^th Grade Art/Music

SBEC

Elementary Athletics

The SBEC elementary intramural sports program was developed with the hope of allowing all children, regardless of skill level, an opportunity to succeed in athletics.  For a nominal fee, children who attend SBEC and/or Broadway Baptist church may register to play in one (or all) of the sports offered in our program.  The sports included in this program are:  soccer for JrK-4th grade (the fall sport), basketball for 1st-4th grade (the winter sport) and t-ball/coach-pitch for JrK-4th grade (the spring sport).  The fees cover the cost of jerseys, trophies, pictures, referees and equipment. 

These games are a substitute for neighborhood games of old, when children could go to an empty lot and play games with their friends.  It was a chance for kids to enjoy the fresh air and to have fun in a non-competitive environment.  Emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, both from the parents and the players.  Respect is to be displayed at all times to all players, referees, and coaches.  Positive reinforcement for all players is expected.  Negative criticism of others is not allowed.

Most organized sports tend to exclude children with little or no skills and are usually very competitive.  In the SBEC intramural sports program, rules for each sport are established to help all children succeed, regardless of skill level.  This program gives kids a chance to get together and play for fun in a non-competitive atmosphere, without the stress and pressure of making mistakes.

The SBEC elementary competitive teams are available to SBEC students only in the 5th and 6th grades.  These teams play other school teams from around the Memphis area in the Parochial Athletic Association (PAA).  Volunteer coaches with a heart for children and a working knowledge of each sport are recruited to help the athletes learn fundamentals about the sport.  The sports that are offered to these students are:  Cheerleading, Cross-Country, Football, and Volleyball in the Fall; Basketball in the Winter; Baseball and Softball in the Spring.

These competitive teams are the most visible representation of SBEC to the Memphis area, so it is very important that the players are taught how to not only compete at the highest level, but also how to do so in a way that shines a positive light on themselves, SBEC and ultimately our Lord Jesus Christ.  At this level, the athletes, coaches, fans and parents are held to a high standard of sportsmanship and respect for others, including the officials.  Fans and participants alike are to be positive and encouraging to all of the children playing, not just their own.

SBEC has some of the best children and parents in the Memphis area.  It is the desire of the Elementary athletic program to shine a light on our amazing families when these games are played.

Sherri Howard
Elementary Athletic Director