Music
Every Lower School student receives 45 minutes of general music instruction once a week. Lower School music classes are centered on the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music and movement education. This approach, developed by composer Carl Orff, begins with what is natural to every child: their body, their voice, and play. A musical experience may start with moving the body, saying a rhyme, or playing a singing game. These playful explorations spark curiosity. Through auditory imitation, such as singing a melody or clapping a rhythm by ear, children begin to develop musical skills. A chant may expand into a percussion piece. A song may expand into an instrumental ensemble with different rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic parts. From there, children begin composing, improvising, and choreographing their own music and movement. The emphasis on student-created music and movement distinguishes an Orff music classroom. The simplicity of the media used (the body, the voice, and developmentally appropriate instruments) allows children to create and perform music that is rich in complexity and artistic integrity. The special xylophones which can be played in various pentatonic and diatonic keys offer a beautiful sound immediately. The Orff approach helps children build musicianship while fostering creativity and collaboration.