Curriculum
The scope of the music program gives attention to each child’s individual stage of development through movement, speaking, playing and singing. Musical instruments, such as the xylophone (with removable wooden tone bars), metallophone (with removable metal tone bars), glockenspiel (small metal bars), and
many non-pitched percussion instruments (such as the hand drum and shakers) are introduced to Early Childhood (age 2) students and are used consistently through the Sixth Grade. In Fourth Grade, students are introduced to the recorder and learn to read and perform written music. This learning process continues through the Sixth Grade. Throughout all grades, children are encouraged to sing both individually and as an ensemble.
Performance plays an important role in the music program. Your child will perform often for each other, for parents, and for friends of the school. Our major performances include the Winter Program, VIP/Grandparents’ Day, and the Spring Program.
Meet Stephen Howard
Music/Drama Specialist
Stephen has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Furman University and studied at the Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute in Connecticut. He served as the Head of the Theater Department at Ladue High School, has had a professional acting career, and offers private music lessons in Guitar, Voice and Ukulele. Additionally, Mr. Howard plays piano, guitar, and saxophone. The sky is the limit regarding the integrated focus on music and drama, and we have great confidence in Mr. Howard as he developed the theater curriculum at Ladue High School. This is an exciting opportunity for the school, and our children will greatly benefit from music and theater in their lives.