First Grade Music

Weekly Class Music Schedule
Each first grade section participates in two 40-minute music sessions per week. For exact days and times of your daughter's music class you may check with her classroom teacher or the Lower School Music Specialist.

Music in Community
In addition to the weekly classes, music is infused into many of Burke's traditions. At weekly assemblies the girls enter and leave singing. Songs are chosen to augment a topic of the assembly, to celebrate the time of year, or just for the joy and beauty of the song. The repertoire ranges in genre from the classics of the American musical to traditional rounds, camp songs, and folk and art songs from around the world.

Performances and Sharing for Parents and Family
Performances allow students to demonstrate new skills, become more comfortable in front of an audience, and experience the joy of ensemble and performing. The support you give to your daughter's music education through attendance at performances is vital! Mark your calendars so you are sure to attend.

First Grade Curriculum and Skills
In addition to strengthening and continuing the kindergarten skills, first grade materials are chosen to emphasize: 

*  Combining beat and rhythmic concepts; division of the beat
*  Introduction to rhythmic notation (quarter note, eighth note, and quarter rest)
*  Introduction to melodic tone syllables (so, mi, la) using hand signs and written notation
*  Basic accompaniment skills with a variety of instruments
*  Binary form (AB) in dance and music 

Integrated themes and projects may include: Space (science); different country studies (social studies); Instruments of the Orchestra, and a field trip to the San Francisco Symphony. 

Contact
Burke's is dedicated to developing the whole child. While the weekly music classes are skill-based and group oriented I am interested in your child's musical activities outside of school and am happy to discuss your child's musical needs and interests! If you have any musical talents you would like to share, I would love to have you visit a class. Similarly, I would love to hear about Burke's students, parents and alumni who participate in music outside of school (you may send information to the e-mail address below).

 Lisa Mandelstein, K-4 Music
(415) 751-0177 ext. 322

Lower School Music Overview