Lower School Performing Arts

Lower School Performing Arts: Where Music Comes to Life!

Music is a big part of life in the Lower School! From the moment students step into Prekindergarten, they begin an exciting journey of singing, moving, playing instruments, and exploring the magic of sound.

Our dynamic and multicultural performing arts program helps every child build confidence and creativity, setting them on the path to becoming lifelong music makers.

A Musical Journey from PreK to Grade 5

Throughout their Lower School years, students experience music in many ways—moving, speaking, singing, listening, playing, reading, creating, and improvising. Each year brings new opportunities to grow and explore:

• PreK – Grade 3: Students develop audiation skills (hearing and understanding music), learn about pitch and rhythm, and start reading musical notation.
• Grades 4 - 5: Students dive into string instruments, band, and choir, preparing them for even more musical adventures.
• Grade 5 Musical: The highlight of the year! All fifth graders take the stage in a full-scale musical production at our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.
• After-School Enrichment: For those who want to take their love of music even further, we offer exciting after-school programs to deepen and accelerate learning.

Our music program follows The Jump Right In (G.I.A. Publications) curriculum and aligns with the National Standards for Music Education. Students explore key elements of music, including:

• Rhythm – Understanding beats and rhythmic patterns
• Melody – Singing and reading melodies
• Harmony – Playing instruments and performing multiple parts
• Form – Recognizing musical phrases and structures
• Expressive Qualities – Creating movement, exploring instruments, and listening to different musical styles

 

Hands-On Learning

Hands-On Learning with Instruments and Singing. Singing is at the heart of our music program, taught through fun singing games, tonal/rhythmic exercises, and age-appropriate choral music using Kodaly and Orff teaching methods. Students also get hands-on experience with a wide variety of classroom instruments, including:

• Hand-held percussion (maracas, woodblocks, tambourines, African drums, jingle bells)
• Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, keyboards, glockenspiels)
• Guitar, violin, piano, and soprano recorders
• Introductory units for brass and woodwinds (Grades 3-5)

 

 

Bringing Music to the Community: Music isn’t just something we learn—it’s something we share! Students perform in three major school concerts:

• Winter Concert (December)

• Grandparents’ Day Concert (May)
• Moving Up Ceremonies (June)

Throughout the year, grade-level performances showcase student growth, and our young musicians have the chance to give back through Service Learning opportunities, performing for the community.

At the Lower School, music is more than just a subject—it’s an experience that brings joy, creativity, and connection to every child. Whether singing in the classroom, playing an instrument, or shining on stage, our students discover the power of music every day!

Lower School Performances for the 2025-26 School Year

All performances will take place in the Performing Arts Center.

Winter Concert 

• Friday, December 19 | 8:45-10:00 a.m.

Grade 5 Musical

• Friday, February 6 | 1:15-2:30 p.m.
• Friday, February 6 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.