Bannockburn | Leading in Montessori Education

Music

 

The main goals in teaching music at Bannockburn are life enhancement and enjoyment. Music feeds the brain, the body and the emotions. Children are naturally attracted to music-making, and the intent is to create a musical climate to fit their lives for many years to come.

The Music program at the Primary level is holistic, consisting of movement, listening, singing, and instrumental playing. It involves the children physically (gross and small motor skills), emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Music at the Elementary level continues along the path established by the Primary program. Movement activities are continued with greater complexity and detail. Listening exercises include recognition of music instruments by sight and sound, and an overview of Western music history, from the Medieval period to modern times. Vocal and instrumental music at the Elementary level features ensembles comprising of two to five parts. Recorder is introduced in the first year of the Lower Elementary program, with emphasis on music reading. By the end of Lower Elementary, the children are making the connection between recorder fingerings and written musical notation.

In addition to African hand drums, the Upper Elementary students learn a brass instrument and begin to play in brass band ensembles.