Welcome to Forest Trail MusicOur music curriculum is based on the Orff approach. Just as children learn to hear and speak a language before reading and writing it, we can assume the same of music. The Orff approach gives children the opportunity to interact with and make music in multiple forms before formally learning to read and write it. Orff uses songs, poems, rhymes, dances, and games as a form of education. Instead of learning through rote memorization, Orff teaches musical skills through participating in music making. Music becomes a sensory experience where children utilize improvisation to foster creativity.
Additionally, children become confident and motivated through the Orff approach. Orff instruments are designed with removable bars, making the instrument simpler to use at first. This way, children can be successful at creating beautiful music from the start. Instruments such as xylophones and glockenspiels are played utilizing only pentatonic keys, ensuring the notes do not clash and everything is pleasing to the ear. Orff proves that everyone can make music. It has been found that this approach to music education increases the ability for self-expression, self-efficacy and social skills. It also is an effective intervention and has positive effects in a therapeutic environment for individuals with varying disorders. We also incorporate the Kodály philosophy, which is another experience-based approach to teaching music. This comprehensive program further trains students' basic musical skills and teaches the reading and writing of music. Below you will find the elements that we target. These elements are cumulative across the grade levels as appropriate to the development of the child.
Citations: Young-Bae, Yun, and Kim Ji-Eun. “The Effects Of The Orff Approach On Self-Expression, Self-Efficacy, And Social Skills Of Children In Low-Income Families In South Korea.”Child Welfare 92.4 (2013): 123-158 36p. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 8 Jan. 2016. Gold, C., Voracek, M. and Wigram, T. (2004), Effects of music therapy for children and adolescents with psychopathology: a meta-analysis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45: 1054–1063. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS2018-19 FOURTH GRADE RECORDERSALL FOURTH GRADERS will need a recorder for music class. Your child can order a new one on our booster club hub (see link below). If your child already owns one, then they need to bring it to their music teacher for approval. Please order one or have your child bring a recorder NO LATER than Friday, September 14. All recorders ordered through the HUB will be distributed in music class after all orders have been received.
FIFTH GRADE RECORDERS
FIFTH GRADERS DO NOT order recorders from the Booster Club Website.
If you still have your recorder, then please bring it to your music classroom NO LATER than Friday, August 31. If you need one, please bring $5 cash to your music teacher. |