The Lower School music curriculum at Side by Side is based on a combination of the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education as well as the American Kodaly curriculum developed by John Feierabend. These philosophies incorporate the child's natural desire to learn through imitation and imaginitive exploration.
Prek-Grade 1: At this age music instruction focuses on three primary areas of development:
- Developing the singing voice through pitch exporation activities, echo and call and response singing, solos and simple songs
- Developing the concept of steady beat through songs, rhymes and games that provide students opportunities to move with the beat. Students also have the opportunity to play simple non-pitched percussion instruments to accompany their movement.
- Developing the ability to move expressiviely through movement to music, circle games and songs that develop students' awareness of his/her body in space and allow students the opportunity to use their bodies expressively.
Grades 2-4: At this age students continue to develop skills in the three primary areas:
- The singing voice is further developed through singing in rounds and two part harmony. Students are introduced to solfege and Curwin hand signs. Through solfege activities, students develop an awareness of pitch and intervals. Students also begin learning to read and write the pitches that they are singing.
- Students at this age are able to keep a steady beat and are now ready to develop their rhythm skills. Rhythm skills are developed through chanting and clapping games as well as instrumental instruction on Orff Xylophones and Recorders. Students also begin learning to read and write the rhythms that they are studying.
- Students at this age have a greater awareness of their bodies in space, and are able to work co-operatively with partners and small groups. Students continue to develop their physical coordination and socials skills by learning a variety of line and circle dances from around the world.