General Music & Choir

Research shows that active involvement in music can have a very positive influence on the social, personal and academic/intellectual development of children. ISC offers an extensive music program to its students. Students from Kindergarten through grade 5 take General Music. In grades 6-12 students have the option to continue General Music, Choir, or join the Band Program.

This class meets twice a week for students. Students learn an instrument in a classroom setting, to earn academic credit, and to perform in and out of school, but they are also encouraged to take private music lessons outside of school which can be advised by ISC music teachers.

In the students’ first year of general music, they will be exposed and allowed to experiment with many instruments to see which one best suits them. After careful consideration and guidance from the music teacher, the student chooses the instrument that best suits them. Then in the 2nd and 3rd year of middle school, the students will continue to study the same instrument to hone in their skills. In High School, they may continue if they wish to take music as an elective.

Students may choose from studying the following instruments: voice, ukulele, guitar, drums, piano, or bass. The school will lend the instrument to the students if available, but students are strongly urged to purchase their own instrument so that they may practice at home. ISC will assist with obtaining an instrument, by placing a group order or by helping to locate an instrument on the island. ISC does not assume responsibility for loss/damage of instruments or for quality issues related to instruments ordered through ISC. Students using school owned music instruments are responsible for damage/loss and maintenance.

Students are required to perform in any assemblies or concerts throughout the year as the class is performance based.

Course Objectives:

• Explore their talent in performing and creating music

• Explore and appreciate a variety of musical styles

• Develop a concept of the workings and elements of music

• Develop team skills and supportive audience behavior

• Choose and develop skills on any of the following instruments: voice, piano, guitar, bass, or drums

• Participate in concerts as a soloist or part of a rock band

ISC offers an after school choir program for Middle School students. The choir is made of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys and girls. They meet once a week after school for one hour. Choir students receive class credit for joining, and they are graded on their participation and performances.

Various musical styles will be covered in rehearsals. Students will sing everything from pop music, to folk music, music from around the world in various languages, and musical theater. Students will learn how to sing a cappella and with accompaniment. Stage presence and performance etiquette will also be covered.

Students will perform together in assemblies and concerts throughout that year.

Course Objectives:

• Vocalize part using accurate pitch and proper technique and posture

• Perform alone and in small and large ensembles

• Experience various musical genres including Western composers, world music, pop, jazz, musical theater, and folk music

• Demonstrate by performance a basic understanding of phrase structure

• Improvise simple rhythmic variations and simple melodic embellishments on familiar melodies

• Create an original, simple melody

• Identify key signatures and apply to music being performed

• Sight singing

• Ear training

• Read whole, half, quarter, eighth and dotted notes and rests in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and meter

• Discriminate between duple and triple time signature, major and minor tonalities

• Identify notes by letter name

• Discriminate between melody and harmony

• Discuss how elements of music affect emotions conveyed by a specific piece of music

• Critique their own performance

• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward music, self-development and group cooperation

• Describe distinguishing characteristics of representative music genres and styles from a variety of cultures

• Sing in harmony, solo, duet, canon, and a capella.

Expectations for the students involved in the choir

• Participate in all concerts and performances and rehearsals to earn full credit

• Give all their efforts in rehearsal, and they need to practice their parts at home

• Be open minded to all types of music genres and styles

• Supportive of each other and work as a team

• Be on time and prepared for all rehearsals and performances