The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
Arts
Music
Our music program focuses on performance, music appreciation, and theory. Singing is an important component in all grades. Lower school students learn to master basic rhythmic skills on a variety of rhythm instruments. Students in the third grade receive an introductory course on the violin known as “Twinkle in Ten.” Students learn to play soprano recorder in fourth and fifth grades and Upper School students learn to play handbells.
The music program challenges students cognitively and physically, and provides a basis for emotional expression and development. We build off of the belief that musical understanding, appreciation, and participation are inherent in all people regardless of age or ability: all that is required is an authentic desire to learn and grow.
The music program challenges students cognitively and physically, and provides a basis for emotional expression and development. We build off of the belief that musical understanding, appreciation, and participation are inherent in all people regardless of age or ability: all that is required is an authentic desire to learn and grow.
The curriculum introduces students to a variety of musical styles, periods, cultures, and forms of musical expression, all while cultivating an awareness, curiosity, and appreciation for music. We foster an interest in a wide range of musical expression and instill the desire to continue exploring these interests into adulthood.
Click the buttons below to learn more.
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Music Appreciation
Music appreciation will give students an opportunity to build musicianship and confidence through:- A basic understanding of music theory (reading and writing music)
- A concurrent study of musical genres, styles, and eras. Instruction will include reading and writing, as well as class discussion.
- Ancient music
- Western art music
- Medieval music
- Renaissance music
- Baroque music
- Classical music era
- Romantic music
- 20th and 21st-century music
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Music By Grade Level
Students in Kindergarten through grade 5 meet for music twice per week as individual classes, and once as a whole grade. Students in grades 6 through 8 meet once per week.
Students also have the option to perform in our fall and spring talent shows, or in the spring musical. -
Music Performance
Music performance will give students an opportunity to build musicianship and confidence vocally and on a variety of instruments based age and grade level, including:- Speaking (poems, plays, hip-hop)
- Singing
- Orff Instruments
- Hand Bells
- Soprano Recorder
- Hand Drums
- Traditional Woodwind/Brass Wind Instruments
- Percussion/Drums
- Guitar
- Non-Traditional Percussion
- Dance and Movement
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Talent Shows
Auditions for the fall talent show are held during music classes in October and students in grades 1-8 are eligible to audition. Performances may include singing, playing an instrument, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, poetry recitation, and, in grade one, hula-hoops, jump ropes, and pogo sticks as part of a routine.
Parents of younger students are encouraged to help their children prepare their audition acts. The goal of these productions is to give our students a great opportunity to shine and to grow, through individual and group performance. -
Spring Musical
Fifth through 8th grade students may participate in the annual spring musical. Three performances, scheduled on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in late February, give students the chance to demonstrate vocal, dance, and acting skills and to perform before the community at large. Student may audition for an on-stage role, or be a part of the many crews that manage staging, sound/lighting, costuming/makeup, set design, and more.
This year's musical was "Getting to Know...The Sound of Music," a version of the famous movie adapted for middle school performance. Our cast, stage crew, and directors put on a memorable production, set on our brand new stage. Click the photo below to view our gallery on Flickr.
Watch The Country School Chorus perform at the Eastern Shore Choral Directors Association (ESCDA) Choral Festival. Their performance begins at 1:05.
Lower School Music Performances
Upper School Music Performances
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The Country School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational, admission, and employment policies, or its financial aid, athletic, and other school administered programs.
