Brecknock Elementary Music

General music is no longer just a place where children come and sing songs, although we still do this.  The children at Cumru Elementary School master a set of musical essential skills just as they would in an academic subject.  These skills are based on both national and state music standards. 

By the end of fourth grade, the students should be able to discuss basic concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and tempo; sing folk songs from many different cultures; read and perform simple melodies notated in the treble clef; sing melodies using solfege; and have had the experience of playing many different types of instruments.

Kindergarten through fourth grade students have general music for at least forty minutes every six-day cycle.  Music classes at the primary level are not graded. However, formative assessments are given, so that teachers can evaluate student achievement and adapt instruction accordingly.

The keyboard program is wonderful opportunity that is unique to the Governor Mifflin School District.  Each third grader has the chance to learn to play the keyboard as part of the music program during the school day.  The program, which meets one time every six-day cycle, is only available to third graders.  It allows students to learn some basic piano skills and to apply what they have been learning in general music class.  Each 3rd grade classroom is equipped with an electronic keyboard for students to use for extra practice. There are also keyboards available in music class for students to practice their songs.  If you own a keyboard at home, this is an extra benefit, but it is not a necessity for students to do well in the class.  Throughout the year, students work at their own pace to learn songs in a variety of leveled keyboard books.  Target songs are announced at the beginning of each month to allow students to evaluate their progress and set personal goals. Students can earn a “Blue Ribbon Music Award” by finishing the 1st Keyboard Book.

“Performing Arts” class is a 4th grade “specials class” that meets once every six-day cycle for 40 minutes.  It is a performance extension that meets the performance-based music standards studied in 4th grade general music class.  It culminates in a collaborative spring performance that showcases the hard work, practice, and musical talents of the entire grade level for parents, friends and our building community.

Band and orchestra instrumental lessons begin in 4th Grade.  Students receive information and attend an instrument demonstration program that will help them to choose an instrument as soon as school begins in the Fall. Enrollment papers to sign up are distributed to all students in August.  The district holds 2 Drop-in Music Discovery Nights in September so that students can ask questions and “try out” different instruments before making their decision. The opportunity to join the band and orchestra programs as a beginning player is also available to 5th and 6th graders at GMIS.

Band and Orchestra lessons meet during the school day and include small group lessons as well as some large group rehearsals during the second semester. 

30 minute lessons for specific instrument groups will be scheduled once every 6 day cycle. 4th Graders perform their first instrumental concert in May at the end of the year. The lessons and program are provided free by the school district, but instruments are usually rented by parents.  Please see FAQ’s for more information about obtaining an instrument. 

• All elementary students have the opportunity to play a wide variety of rhythm and melodic instruments such as woodblocks, melody bells, orff instruments, drums, claves, maracas, tambourines etc. as part of their general music classes.  Students begin to learn about classroom rhythm instruments as soon as they enter school.
   
• All 3rd grade students learn to read notated melodic music and play the piano/keyboard as part of music classes.  Students work at their own pace, and more challenging levels are available to all students who complete the beginning songs. Third graders do not need to have a piano at home to participate.  Keyboards and time to practice are provided in music classes during the school day. 
   
• All Students in 4th Grade continue to play classroom instruments, but they are also given the opportunity to apply their music reading skills and to learn to play a band or orchestra instrument which will open the doors to performance groups all the way up through high school.

Cumru participates with a local music company which offers a rent to own program for band and orchestra instruments. The rental program usually has a special package for 1st year players, and the low monthly payment during the 2nd and 3rd year will pay off the instrument.  Sometimes family members may already own an instrument that they would be willing to loan a beginning student. Some instruments can be safely purchased on places such as Facebook marketplace with a little advice about quality, brand etc. The school may also have a few instruments that students in financial need can loan for a smaller fee. Please contact the music teacher for your building directly to discuss options. Please don’t buy instruments on Amazon. Many of these cheaper options are fancy toys that do not play well enough for students to succeed.

Primary students (K-4) are not graded in music.