What do we learn in music?
The music curriculum at Westfield is very diverse with a strong emphasis on the performing aspect in both the vocal and instrumental areas. Learning about music uses a hands-on approach that puts into practice the concepts that are the fundamental building blocks of all music.
They are taught the practice of using hand signs and syllables called, "solfege", to enhance their ability to match pitch and hear relationships between pitches in a melodic line. They learn to use syllables to vocally express rhythm patterns which is an essential skill in instrumental music especially.
Students are exposed to a wide variety of instruments in every grade so that can experience the joy of making music individually and in an ensemble. Their instrumental experiences range from classroom percussion instruments in PreK music through Boomwhackers, Irish Whistles, Mountain Dulcimers, Guitars, Ukuleles, Xylophones and Drums of all types.
One of the goals in music at Westfield is to engendered a spirit of working together, of teamwork as well as one of fostering self-confidence and the sense of achievement that comes from time and effort. The list goes on but what it really means is that each individual student is being prepared to stand proudly and take their place as an important part of music-making in the classroom, on the auditorium stage or out in the community.
They are taught the practice of using hand signs and syllables called, "solfege", to enhance their ability to match pitch and hear relationships between pitches in a melodic line. They learn to use syllables to vocally express rhythm patterns which is an essential skill in instrumental music especially.
Students are exposed to a wide variety of instruments in every grade so that can experience the joy of making music individually and in an ensemble. Their instrumental experiences range from classroom percussion instruments in PreK music through Boomwhackers, Irish Whistles, Mountain Dulcimers, Guitars, Ukuleles, Xylophones and Drums of all types.
One of the goals in music at Westfield is to engendered a spirit of working together, of teamwork as well as one of fostering self-confidence and the sense of achievement that comes from time and effort. The list goes on but what it really means is that each individual student is being prepared to stand proudly and take their place as an important part of music-making in the classroom, on the auditorium stage or out in the community.