General Music Classes

For the 2024-2025 school year, 1st - 4th Grade classes will come to music class as part of the normal specials rotation schedule. Pre-K, Kindergarten and 5th Grade do NOT have regular music class during school hours due to scheduling restraints.

A typical day in RLC musical classroom will consist of a little bit of everything found in the National Music Standards:

  • Singing

  • Movement

  • Performance Skills

  • Music Theory and Notation

  • Listening and Assessment Skills

  • Music History

Instrumental performance usually begins in the latter part of 2nd grade with basic “classroom instruments”.  Earlier grades (PreK-1st) usually focus more on experiencing music through movement, listening, singing and games. 

A standards based approach is utilized in the music room where classes work not as individuals, but as a team (much like any musical ensemble, band or orchestra would do).  The National Music Standards prompt the students to ask themselves such questions as:

  • How can behaviors of successful student musicians be applied outside of the music room?

  • What behaviors & characteristics of good musicians lead to success?

  • How do individuals contribute to group efforts in music presentation?

  • How can we improve a collaborative musical presentation?

  • What manners and teamwork lead to success in the music classroom?

  • What music & life skills add to success in the music classroom?

However, outside of the general elementary school music class rotation, the RLC Music Program offers several other performance and educational opportunities including:

  • Orff-Fins - (Orff Ensemble for 3rd-5th grade students - before school - see information on the menu bar above)

  • SPLASH -  (Marching Drumline for 3rd-5th grade students - before school - see information on the menu bar above)

  • Band - (Traditional concert band instruments for middle school students.  Select years only. - elective course during normal school hours - see information on the menu bar above if applicable)

  • Modern Band - (Modern "rock band" type instruments for middle school students - elective course during normal school hours - see information on the menu bar above)

  • Recorder Karate - (Students learn to play a set of nine songs of increasing difficulty on the recorder - this is a nine week club for 3rd/5th grade students on Wednesdays during normal school hours. Students will sign up for this through their regular classroom teacher if they are interested - see information on the menu bar above)

With your help, this will prove to be and exciting and educational school year for the students involved. Please feel free to email me or call with any questions or concerns!

Dr. Ray Donato

Music Director, Round Lake Charter School