Music

Mission Statement

The West Hartford Public Schools' Music Department will provide all students with a comprehensive, standards-based music education. The study of music fosters artistic development, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of life-long learning. Through performing and responding to music, all students develop individual skills, realize a sense of belonging, and establish connections to the community.

Where words fail, music speaks. - Hans Christian Anderson

Curriculum

Grade 6

The middle school music curriculum includes classroom instruction for all students in grade 6 and is aligned with State and National Standards to ensure a comprehensive and sequentially appropriate experience. The elective program includes band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. Further extension and enrichment of the curriculum is offered through co-curricular ensembles: jazz band, select string, and vocal ensembles.

Performance Ensembles Performance ensembles focus on building individual and ensemble skills through a broad selection of music literature. Components include:

Blend
Ear Training
Posture
Bow Control
Expression
Sight Reading
Breathing
Intonation
Tone
Quality

Instrumental students also receive small group instruction focusing on individual technique within a specific instrument grouping.

Classroom Instruction

Students continue the development of musical skills from elementary school. Reading, writing, improvisation, and listening skills are emphasized. The music of Mexico and Canada, as well as songs and dances from around the world, are included in the curriculum.

Grade 7

The middle school music curriculum includes classroom instruction for all students in grade 7 and is aligned with State and National Standards to ensure a comprehensive and sequentially appropriate experience. The elective program includes band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. Further extension and enrichment of the curriculum is offered through co-curricular ensembles: jazz band, select string, and vocal ensembles.

Performance Ensembles Performance ensembles focus on building individual and ensemble skills through a broad selection of music literature. Components include:

Blend
Ear Training
Posture
Bow Control
Expression
Sight Reading
Breathing
Intonation
Tone Quality

Instrumental students also receive small group instruction focusing on individual technique within a specific instrument grouping.

Classroom Instruction

Students study American music, with an emphasis on African-American music. Students continue to develop vocal techniques and musicianship skills through singing, reading and writing music, improvisation and critical listening.

Grade 8

The middle school music curriculum includes classroom instruction for all students in grade 8 and is aligned with State and National Standards to ensure a comprehensive and sequentially appropriate experience. The elective program includes band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. Further extension and enrichment of the curriculum is offered through co-curricular ensembles: jazz band, select string, and vocal ensembles.

Performance Ensembles Performance ensembles focus on building individual and ensemble skills through a broad selection of music literature. Components include:

Blend
Ear Training
Posture
Bow Control
Expression
Sight Reading
Breathing
Intonation
Tone Quality

Instrumental students also receive small group instruction focusing on individual technique within a specific instrument grouping.

Classroom Instruction

Students, through the use of Music Technology, develop their performance skills on the keyboard, explore compositional styles, apply music theory and notation concepts, and continue their study of composers and their music.