Music Throughout the Curriculum

In world geography, we put together all the pieces of the historical puzzle on the world map, from the fall of the Roman Empire (the Mediterranean world), through the European expansion (Africa, Asia, America and their oceans), to the establishment of the United States as a nation.

In physics, there is a review of sixth and seventh grade work, followed by the study of meteorology, hydraulics and electromagnetism. A strong connection is made with the Industrial Revolution presented in the history block, so as to allow students to understand how work was made more efficient through the application of simple, well-controlled tools.

In chemistry, there is review of water and metals. The students then study carbohydrates: sugar, starch, and cellulose, and their vital importance for humans.

A number of special events celebrate and conclude the end of the eighth grade year and of the elementary school journey: a major play; an independent project on an area of personal interest that asks the student to do research, write a paper, and share a practical or artistic presentation; and a class trip, often with emphasis on community work. In some classes, service work is carried on through the year and in others it manifests as a specific project.

The eighth grade continues to participate in weekly eurythmy, physical education, handwork, choir, orchestra, Spanish, Outdoor Education, and woodworking.

Music Throughout the Curriculum

Music carries a highly important and daily role in the Waldorf curriculum. The reasons are manifold. Through studying and making music, we learn about the world and ourselves. The elements of music teach us about time, space, order, and sequence. The words and sounds help us to experience our feelings and thoughts in deeper ways. When we work together to create music, we are challenged to learn the social graces of expressing ourselves thoughtfully, sensitively and with the right timing. The practice of music may not always bring instant inspiration, but music can take us beyond ourselves, enriching the soul and rekindling the spirit. In a Waldorf School, children are involved in music every day. Class teachers start the day with singing and recorder playing, bringing the children together in a focused activity that requires all to listen and tune into themselves and the group. Music also plays a central role in many of the class plays and school assemblies. Classes often work to master something they will share as a performance.

In addition to music activities that take place each morning, the students have a number of formal music classes each week. In grades one through three, the children have music class twice each week. In first and second grade, these classes concentrate on singing, playing the

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flute, and practicing general music skills such as careful listening, pitch-matching and rhythmic clapping. In third grade, the class begins playing the recorder, learns music notation and begins singing in rounds.

In grades four through eight, our students have music four times each week. Grades four and five have violin or strings class and general music class each two times a week. In violin class, they learn to play the violin and have their first experience establishing a practice routine at home. In fifth grade, strings students may move to viola or cello (if studying privately) and the class becomes an orchestra, beginning to focus more on ensemble skills such as matching intonation and articulation, rhythmic precision and dynamics. These skills continue to deepen in sixth grade orchestra. In general music class, the students learn to sing rounds and two-part songs, play recorder music in parts, and study music notation and sight-reading. They also experience songwriting and playing various percussion instruments.

In grades seven and eight, our students are placed in an orchestra ensemble class or a recorder ensemble class meeting twice each week. In addition, they have choir once a week. These music classes focus on deepening their experience of playing or singing in an ensemble through exercises and preparing pieces. We work to expand their knowledge of written music, teach some of the basics of music theory, and give an introduction to music history and various styles.

The Music Department at Marin Waldorf School is really made up of everyone who is involved in this community. That means children, parents, extended family, private lesson teachers, kindergarten, class and subject teachers, and staff! Each of us can and does contribute to music in our community. Whether you sing or play an instrument with or for your children, support them in taking lessons on an instrument, or are merely the most enthusiastic and receptive member of the audience, you are an integral part of this process.

In addition to the way you keep music alive in your own home and life, here are several ways you can support your children's musical journey at this school:

● Ask them to sing, play or teach you songs they are learning at school. ● Be active with their practice schedule for violin and ensemble classes. Make sure they complete their assignments and if possible be present when they practice, giving your input and encouragement. ● Enroll your children in instrumental lessons after school at Marin Waldorf School or elsewhere. ● Have them join a local youth ensemble such as Crescendo, or Marin Children’s Chorus.

Learning to play an instrument can be a highly fulfilling and interesting activity, particularly for children who are age nine and older.

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