Big Flats Elementary Music Program
Through music, students can learn important life lessons such as cooperation, perseverance, self-discipline and creative expression.
Through music, students can learn important life lessons such as cooperation, perseverance, self-discipline and creative expression.
General Music Classes
All Big Flats students in kindergarten through fourth grade attend two 30-minute music classes per six-day schedule rotation. Music lessons are planned to develop musical, social, and personal skills in a way that challenges the students. Much of the learning is done through hands-on activities and is often reiterated through small group work. A typical lesson consists of a combination of the following: singing, performing on pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments (and in third grade, the recorder), music theory, music history, concentrated listening, composition, creative movement and dance, and cooperative learning.
Major Topics of Study
Curriculum Highlights
4th Grade Chorus
Chorus is offered to students in fourth grade who enjoy singing and performing. Fourth grade chorus helps students develop vocal technique and music literacy skills while working cooperatively in a large ensemble setting. Rehearsals takes place during the school day, once per six-day schedule rotation.
4th Grade Band and Orchestra
Orchestra and band instruments are also offered to students in fourth grade who may have an interest in this area. Students are given lessons in small groups during the school day, once per six-day schedule rotation. At the end of the third grade year, students will be given an opportunity to try different instruments and make a choice for band or orchestra; an informational meeting for parents is held shortly thereafter. Information regarding these events will be sent home in the spring.
4th Grade Band Information
4th Grade Orchestra Information
4th Grade Band Information
4th Grade Orchestra Information
Concerts
Fourth graders who choose to participate in chorus, band, and/or orchestra perform in the winter (chorus only) and spring (chorus, band, and orchestra). Third graders will also have a recorder concert in June.
In addition to these concerts, third and fourth grade students at Big Flats Elementary have the unique opportunity to perform at a number of community events, including performing at the Elmira Jackal’s Game and the Big Flats Community Center Open house.
