2013-2014 Board of Education Proposed Budget Book

MUSIC – GRADES K-12
MAJOR GOALS
• To provide a standards based K-12 music curriculum that will provide all students with the skills to create, perform and respond to music.
• To develop the musical mind of each student.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Elementary Schools: General music is required for all students at the elementary level according to Connecticut state and national
recommendations for quality musical instruction in grades K-5. Elementary music teaches the seven elements of beat, rhythm, melody, harmony,
timbre, form and expression through seven skills of moving, singing, playing, reading/writing, describing, analyzing and creating. This is
accomplished through instruction in three pathways of creating, performing and responding to music. All students K-5 receive general music once
a week. In grades 4-5, all students participate in chorus and students may also elect to begin instruction on a band or orchestral instrument at this
time.
Middle School: Music is required for all students at the middle school level based on the recommendation for quality music instruction from the
Connecticut State Department of Education. Middle school music provides diverse opportunities for students to begin to form their personal
preferences using the three pathways of creating, performing and responding to music. Through a sequential curriculum that incorporates world
drumming, creating through the use of technology alongside of chorus, band and jazz ensembles students are given the opportunity to make
personal preferences regarding what role music will play in their daily lives.
High School: Music on the high school level provides a rich offering of music electives. These electives provide students with opportunities to
master and refine their skills in various vocal, instrumental, technical and theatre management courses. We also offer AP Music, Theory and
Music History to increase sections in courses for the non-performing students to further develop skills in creating and responding to music through
the utilization of our music computer lab, which uses software integration with teacher collaboration.
Theatres/Auditoriums: All major performances in the district are held in the Timothy Edwards or South Windsor High School auditoriums.
Maintenance and repairs of both theatres require ongoing inspection and monitoring of technical and physical operations. The High School is in
the process of a few upgrades to lighting effects and sound to run more energy efficient.
BUDGET NOTES
The music budget includes funds to support existing programs and the addition of a Piano Keyboard elective at the high school. A consistent
collaborative process between the Music department and the Facilities department for inspection, repair and maintenance of all fire and safety and
audio equipment in the Timothy Edwards Middle School and South Windsor High School auditoriums continues to be cost effective for the
district.
The changes in the personnel budget at the elementary and middle school level is primarily due to the reallocation of staff.
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