The primary objective of the First Music Program is to encourage a lifelong love and appreciation of music through singing, creating, listening, and movement. Through the study of music, we strive to create a Homeplace, where students are acknowledged, affirmed, encouraged, and consistently cared for. Students will grow musically through singing, movement, and music projects. They will explore rhythm, notation, harmony, genre, and musical interpretation. The carefully selected repertoire of songs, dances, and musical games will expose our students to a variety of cultural traditions, rituals, and celebrations.  
 
The social skills of listening, collaborating, taking turns and supporting other children’s efforts are emphasized as children experience the joy of cooperative music-making. Wherever possible, our students are encouraged to be creative and explore their own musical ideas. Instrumental work incorporates a variety of percussion instruments including Orff instruments and music technology. Recorder is introduced in third grade. Group sings and assemblies are presented several times a year to promote DEI goals. They serve to reinforce curricular connections and provide opportunities for children to sing together. Outcomes of the music program include the ability to sing in tune, create music, read simple rhythmic and pitch notation, sing two-part music, practice listening attentively and critically to music, and appreciate varied musical styles from different cultures.