Music
The Harding Academy music programs have a clear philosophy to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of music among students while nurturing their individual talents. This mission(philosophy) encompasses students to be encouraged, enthusiastic, motivated, patient, understanding, use creative expression, and be adaptable.
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Band (or orchestra) is included in each student’s weekly curricular experience to afford each student the opportunity to strengthen the musical skills of reading, singing, and playing. Harding requires each fifth grade student to participate in band and chorus. The goal of the music program is to help students to understand and to appreciate music. Students will perform a variety of material during school events and for organizations within the Nashville area.
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In first grade music, a study of notation continues, including patsching and clapping rhythms. The Kodaly and Orff approach is also used to enhance musical skills. Students listen to musical compositions and are able to identify tempos, dynamics, instruments used, and their families.Traditional, holiday, and play-party songs are taught. The first grade learns songs for the annual Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate program and their late winter/spring play during music classes.
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In second grade music, a study is made of the great composer, director, and musician John Williams. Students identify melodies to movies, dynamics, tempo changes, and instruments used as well as study the form of certain pieces. In addition, students listen to musical selections of several other composers, and stories and adaptations to their compositions are told. Holiday songs are sung, and musical games are played.Notation skills continue to be sharpened with patsching, clapping, and dancing to rhythms.The Kodaly and Orff approach is used to enhance all musical skills. Second graders learn songs for the annual Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate program and their mid-winter play during music classes.
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Students in third grade participate in a study of music history which includes the baroque, classical, and romantic periods. The Orff and Kodaly approach is used to sharpen listening skills and to build a sound foundation for instrumental music. Students prepare for the third grade play in the early spring and participate in the Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate program each year.
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Students continue to learn folk songs, including square dances. This is in preparation for square dances learned during physical education for the annual fourth grade square dance. Fourth grade students continue to apply notation skills and listening skills to all music. Students begin an instrumental study of the recorder during the fourth grade and may perform at Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate or during assembly. During fourth grade music students prepare in the fall to be leaders for the GPC event by singing, learning speaking parts, and/or acting.
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Students in fifth grade chorus begin to develop strong vocal techniques. The students learn skills in diction, enunciation, breathing, and phrasing. Sight-reading skills are introduced and used on a weekly basis. Students in fifth grade serve as ambassadors for the annual Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate program and perform during the holiday and spring concerts.
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In kindergarten music, students are introduced to several composers and their compositions. Students learn to read and identify simple notation. The Kodaly approach is used to enhance listening skills. The families of instruments are also introduced. Traditional, holiday, and children's songs are sung throughout the year. Students learn songs for the annual Grandparents/Special Friends Chocolate program as well as their kindergarten play during music classes.
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Students in Pre-K are immersed in movement activities, singing traditional and holiday songs, and learning to keep the beat. Students are introduced to several composers throughout the year.
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Orchestra (or band) is included in each student’s weekly curricular experience to afford him/her the opportunity to strengthen the musical skills of reading, singing, and playing. Harding requires each fifth grade student to participate in band or strings and chorus. The goal of the music program is to help students to understand and to appreciate music. Students will perform a variety of material during school events and for organizations within the Nashville area.
