Music Education

Thriving Through Music

We believe that Music can transform classrooms into positive learning environments where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

All TK-6th grade students in AESD will have equitable access to opportunities for participation in high quality music instruction that is standards based, sequential, taught by highly-qualified, fully credentialed music educators, and enhanced by a network of creative professionals.

AESD Music Background

TK – 4th

students are provided a centralized music curriculum taught by credentialed music teachers.This program provides students with a solid foundation in musical concepts in a fun, supportive environment.

5th – 6th

An instrumental music program is provided for students in fifth and sixth grades. All music instruction is given a designated time block TK-6; unlike the more common “pull-out” system, students do not miss regular classroom instruction to participate in the music program.

Instruments

All instruments are provided. In AESD, we believe all students should receive music education and prioritizing its implementation district wide.

Goals

Providing students with opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of music

The overall goals of the Music program is to provide students with opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of music through consistent interaction with the basic components of music through general music, exploratory and ensemble learning opportunities.

Anaheim Elementary School District Elementary Music Program students will:

  • Create, perform, respond, and connect through imagining, making, evaluating, analyzing, interpreting, refining, selecting, presenting, and making historical, cultural, and community connections.
    • Singing, improvising, composing, playing instruments, dancing and more
  • Create and expand their knowledge and understanding about the dimensions of music: expression, rhythm, form, melody, timbre, texture and harmony.
  • Consider a variety of music from different genres and be able to communicate personal attitudes about and preferences for particular music with informed reasoning.
  • Cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of, curiosity about, and appreciation for music.
  • Connecting language and literacy development through music.

Music Program Descriptions

AESD’s Award-winning music education from TK-6th consist of:
General Music, Exploratory Music & Ensemble Music

General Music

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The General Music Program is provided to every student in grades TK-4, one time a week for 30 minute sessions.

  • All students are actively engaged in activities that represent a wide range of musical processes
  • Classes are characterized by a layered elemental ensemble approach – this begins with speech, movement, and song and then extends to accompaniment on non-pitched percussion, barred instruments, and recorders
  • Visuals and Kodaly hand signs are used as a bridge to reading and writing music notation
  • Activities are adapted for individual differences including cultural diversity, English language learners, and special need students
  • The music program functions as one part of the total educational experience in the school; when possible, music teacher specialists and classroom teachers integrate appropriate content to reinforce continuity in student learning

The Primary grades introduce students to music through a wide variety of researched developmentally appropriate experiences. (Singing, Dancing, Instruments, Keyboards, Orff, McGraw Hill, rhythm, notating, connecting to all core areas, composing, listening, analyzing) through quality and genuine music instruction.

K-3

In K-3, the focus is on developing a sense of the steady beat and matching pitch.

3rd and 4th Grade

In 3rd and 4th grade, students begin playing the recorder and focus on strengthening their ensemble singing and playing skills. All students are also encouraged to participate in the additional extra-curricular music opportunities.

Exploratory Music

The Exploratory Music Program is provided to all 5th grade students at all 24 Elementary sites, for a minimum of 1 time a week for a 45 minute session. At 5 sites, the exploratory Music Program is provided two times a week with a minimum of 45 minute sessions.

Overall characteristics of the program include:

  • All students rotate through a 6 week introductory progression of 6 different instruments including flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion and violin. By the end of the year, all students have been exposed, engaged and have been provided access to introductory band instrument learning during the instructional day.
  • Foundations of the program include developing basic fundamental skills and techniques needed to produce a characteristic sound on each instrument.
  • Read and interpret musical notation. (reading music)
  • Developing student responsibility, ownership and an overall awareness and appreciation of learning to play an instrument.

Ensemble Music

The Ensemble Music Program is provided to every student in grade 6 throughout all 24 Elementary sites for a minimum of one time a week for a 45 minute session. At 5 site the Ensemble Music Program is provided two times a week with a minimum of 45 minute sessions.

Overall characteristics of the program include:

  • All students are actively engaged in activities that support instrumental development and learning of key band instruments.
  • All students have access to use a district provided instrument. Students are assigned an instrument and get to take it home.
  • Student progress is showcased throughout the year through school informances, community concerts and other exciting performances throughout the year.
  • Classes are characterized as a beginning band ensemble which includes a total of six woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
  • Foundations of the program include developing basic fundamental skills and techniques needed to produce a characteristic sound on each instrument, reading and interpreting musical notation. (reading music) and developing student responsibility, ownership and an overall awareness and appreciation of learning to play an instrument.
Community Partners

The generosity of our community partners has enabled the Anaheim Elementary School District to provide over 18,000 students with access to music education year after year. Our community partners do more than provide donations and instruments; they are providing a brighter future for students.

Recognition

  • NAMM BCME Support Music Merit Awards
  • OC Teacher of the Year: Music Teacher Grace Kwon
  • VH1 selected Phil Villalobos to attend CSI Institute

Professional Development

Anaheim Elementary Music Teachers have many opportunities to engage in professional learning provided by the district and many other educational partners. Music Teachers meet monthly for collaborative PLCs to discuss and share the latest educational strategies, lesson plan, and organizing community events. Music teachers are also working with the AUHSD to insure a smooth transition for all students to continue music education upon leaving AESD.

Our teachers are members and attendees of the following professional development organizations.

Music Education Was Last Modified: May 8, 2023