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
1st – 4th Grade Art/Music
SBEC
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