Music

Through our partnership with the National Philharmonic, WEDJ students from kindergarten through eighth grade will receive world-class music education, including instrumental and vocal music.

In addition to music instruction, National Philharmonic ensembles will perform for students, at school, several times during the year. Special guest musicians from the Philharmonic will also teach music clinics throughout the year so music students can sharpen their skills in specific areas.

Music education provides a wide range of educational and social benefits beyond simply learning to play an instrument or sing. Whether or not a student chooses to pursue music in higher education or as a career, music instruction from a young age

  • Helps the brain develop in areas used for language and reasoning
  • Promotes creative thinking and problem solving
  • Is correlated with higher standardized test scores and higher grades
  • Teaches students about other cultures, which promotes empathy and compassion
  • Emphasizes the importance and rewards of concerted effort and hard work
  • Demands teamwork and discipline
  • Provides an avenue for self-expression, which promotes healthy self-esteem

Here’s what students can expect from music classes beginning in fall 2012.

Grades K-2

All kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders will receive violin instruction every day, using the successful Suzuki method. The goal of the first year of violin instruction is for students to learn basic rhythm and violin skills including appropriate bow and violin positions. Students should also develop the discipline to play along with the class.

Parents will be invited to observe classes and watch mini-performances one day each semester.

Grades 3-5

Students who select music as one of their two areas of concentration will receive daily instruction in a new piano lab, vocal training, and instruction on an orchestral instrument of their choice.

Students will

  • Be divided into three music interest areas: vocal/keyboard, string instruments, and wind/percussion instruments which will meet in separate classes
  • Learn to read music
  • Develop beginning vocal technique or proficiency on an instrument
Students who do not choose to concentrate in music will receive one hour of general music instruction each week.

Grades 6-8

Students who select music as their primary area of concentration will spend nearly two hours each day participating in intensive instruction tailored to their musical interests and goals. Students will continue their study of piano and pursue individual music projects.

Students concentrating in music will develop significant music reading and piano skills. These students will also create individual or group performance projects to be presented to an audience of peers and families.