Music Curriculum
TK-3rd Grade
Each kindergarten through 3rd grade student receives 30 minutes a week of music instruction. At the lower end, students explore and experience a variety of music with simple melodies that inspire interest and enjoyment of musical instruction. At each subsequent grade level, students increase their musical skills through the learning of melodies, harmonies, increasingly complex rhythms, and additional musical genres.
Throughout these early years, students in these grades use a variety of classroom instruments. Starting in the TK and K levels, students use non-pitched percussion instruments like rhythm sticks, rasping sticks, clapping, and washboards.
The use of additional non-pitched and pitched percussion instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, and boomwhackers are gradually introduced at the 1st through 3rd grade levels to further apply musical knowledge to the creation of sound with instruments.
4th Grade
4th grade students increase their musical instruction to 50 minutes of classroom music instruction on a weekly basis. These students continue to receive musical instruction at increasingly complex levels appropriate to the grade level. In anticipation of the ability to choose a musical instrument for the 5th grade year, 4th grade students will learn to play a new musical instrument each trimester, introducing them to recorders, ukuleles, and percussion. Throughout the year, 4th grade students will also engage in a year-long study of sight-singing using solfege.
Learning these rudimentary instruments throughout the year teaches students new musical skills, including how to read music and how to hear music. Playing these instruments also teaches the hand-eye coordination students will need when they read music and match it with the proper fingering and stick technique on their instruments. These skills will be essential as they progress into 5th through 8th grade music courses.
5th Grade
During the transitional period of 5th grade, the music curriculum takes a specialized turn, shifting from a broad classroom approach to an introductory level of instrumental or choral music. All students in these grades remain obligated to engage in music education, selecting either to participate in either band, strings, or choir.
This musical journey is facilitated by dedicated educators within LUSD's innovative "Traveling Troubadours" program. Through this initiative, music teachers collaborate, forming teams that traverse to designated school sites throughout the week. At these locations, they deliver comprehensive ensemble music instruction, enhancing the students' musical experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art. Students at this grade level receive 50 minutes of musical instruction each week.
6th through 8th Grade Band, Orchestra, and Choir
Students cam continue on their musical journey as they transition from compulsory music instruction to advanced elective music experiences in 6th through 8th grade. For those passionate about music, the choice of Band, Orchestra, or Choir becomes a highlight of their academic journey. These musical enthusiasts integrate their chosen ensemble as part of their middle school elective options. Building upon their foundational experience in 5th grade, students in these performance ensembles are equipped with the skills and knowledge to elevate their musical proficiency.
By participating in these elective courses, students not only enrich their musical abilities but also set the stage for future involvement in high school college-prep and Advanced Placement (AP) level musical ensembles and courses. Continued participation in these courses during middle and high school can be an important part of students building their educational resume as they prepare for high school and college admissions.
Students interested in these courses will electively participate by selecting one of these ensembles during the elective course selection process at their respective K-8 school site.
High School Music Offerings
Mountain House High School (MHHS) boasts a comprehensive music program designed to nurture and enhance students' musical talents. The school offers a diverse range of courses catering to various interests and skill levels, including Beginning Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Winter Percussion, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Beginning Orchestra, Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, Guitar, and AP Music Theory. This breadth of offerings ensures that every student, from beginners to advanced musicians, can find a place to grow and thrive musically. The program emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression, providing a well-rounded musical education.
The journey to MHHS's advanced ensembles often begins in the TK-8 schools within the district, where foundational music education progressively prepares students for the more rigorous demands of high school performance groups. At MHHS, students have the opportunity to participate in both non-auditioned and auditioned ensembles, allowing them to advance and refine their performance abilities. For those seeking an additional challenge, the AP Music Theory course offers a deeper dive into the complexities of music composition and analysis. The high school music program serves as a capstone experience where students can apply all they have learned throughout their earlier years, engaging in high-level performances and contributing to the rich musical tapestry of the school community.
Curricular Materials
Below, please see the links to the music curricular resources used in all of our music programs district wide
TK-4 Music Curriculum
5th Grade Music Curriculum
Theory is Fun!
High School Music Curriculum
Theory is Fun! (Yoko Acheson)