STEAM

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum prepares students for the specific technical skills necessary for 21st century success. STEM also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, independent problem-solving, perseverance, and responsibility. 

Students begin learning about music through movement, voice, and on the keyboard station. As students develop their musical skills, they learn about music on other instruments including the recorder and ukulele. Elementary students put on a grade-level music performance for parents once a year. 

Elementary Students are taught using the "Dalcroze Eurhythmics". This approach is highly regarded among music educators of all levels. There is currently only six teachers in Colorado using this approach!  Dalcroze Eurhythmics originates from the late 19th Century in Geneva, Switzerland by the professor of Solfege and Harmony named Émile Jaques-Dalcroze. His students could play the most technically challenging music given to them, but Jaques-Dalcroze noticed they were not performing with any musical nuance or internal feeling. Jaques-Dalcroze believed the human body is the first instrument to learn. To do this, he invented what is now referred to as "Eurhythmics". Eu-From the Greek word GOOD. Rhythmics- From the Greek word RHTHMOS meaning FLOW or RIVER. Eurhythmics uses movement in accordance to listening to train the human body as an instrument. For example, have you every tried to take a drink of water in the Meter of 3? Have you every tried to skip somewhere at the speed of the typical sea-shanty (90 beats/min)? Have you tried pouring your morning cup of coffee or tea in exactly 8 beats? Dalcroze takes the professional musicians extremely abstract and difficult musical concepts and makes it child friendly.

In elementary music class, students will learn not only basic musical skills, but how to listen and appreciate music, all while furthering their emotional and social education.

Middle School Students also have the opportunity to join band or orcehstra and learn to play an instrument. Please refer to the Performing Arts section (below).