Elementary
Students in grades K - 5 study four basic elements of music; rhythm,
melody, harmony, and form in the music classroom with a focus on expressive
terms, vocabulary, core songs, and core listening. All students sing,
move, play instruments, and listen to a variety of musical styles in
classroom music. Exploratory music begins in grade 4 with students studying
clarinet, violin, and trumpet as they learn about the instruments of
the orchestra. The band and choral program are in every fifth grade
elementary school program in addition to the classroom music instruction.
Middle School
In grades 6 through 8 music instruction, students are involved in listening,
reading, singing, and playing musical instruments. Performing ensembles
present concerts throughout the year and are assessed annually by countywide
standards aligned to Maryland Learner Outcomes. Sight- reading in ensembles
develops notation reading and performance skills. In each grade level,
the music content includes the development of musical skills, a study
of theory, and performance through voice or instruments.
High School
All students must earn one full credit in fine arts. This fine arts
graduation requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of
Music for Life, Guitar, Band, Chorus, or Orchestra. Students may also
fulfill 1/2 of the fine arts requirement through the completion of the
half-credit course: Creative Musical Theatre.
