The music program at Orin Smith Elementary continues growing our students’ musical knowledge from the base they receive in K-2 at James Lintott Elementary. Students in 3-4 Grade learn concepts such as the identifying basic rhythms both aurally and visually, reading note names on the treble clef staff, developing critical listening skills both for their own performance and group performances, and getting to make music on their own.

Third grade students explore playing on various barred instruments, such as xylophones, metallophones, and even marimbas, hand drums, boomwhackers, and multiple auxiliary percussion instruments, as well as honing in their ability to sing both on their own and in a choir setting.

Fourth grade students continue with many concepts learned in third grade and take their musicianship to the next level by being introduced to performance on wind instruments, specifically the recorder. Students at this age group put all the fundamentals together to read sheet music, strengthen their ability to play aurally, and perform on their instrument at an introductory level.

In 5th grade, students get to choose to participate in band, orchestra or choir. Information goes home with students in the spring of their 4th grade year where students are asked to select their musical path for the upcoming school year. Students get a chance to test drive the many types of instruments available with our representatives from Ted Brown Music, which rents musical instruments to students in our district. Beginning instrument choices include: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, and cello.

Want to learn more about our local partner, Ted Brown Music, and their school rental program? CLICK HERE