Third Grade Music

Weekly Class Music Schedule
Each third grade section participates in two 40-minute music sessions per week. For exact days and times of your daughter's music class 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.

A special third grade classroom tradition that begins sometime after winter break is "Musical Mic" sharing time. At these sharings girls are invited to bring in musical instruments they are studying, sing a song or share pieces they have been working on in music lessons. There is a piano available for htose who are studying piano. You will hear more about this from the classroom teachers later in the year.

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 now so you are sure to attend.

Third Grade Curriculum and Skills
In addition to strengthening and continuing the second grade skills, third graders study:

 *  Introduction to triple meter; sixteenth and whole note values
*  Pentatonic scale patterns and minor modalities
*  Contrapuntal texture, expanded accompaniments; rondo form
*  Introduction to recorders

Integrated themes and projects may include: Native cultures of California, Chinese and Chinese-American music (Lion dance and music), recycling (science). 

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