INSTRUMENTAL mUSIC IN eAST LYME

Program Overview

East Lyme is proud to offer a remarkable Exploratory Instrumental Music program to all students in third and fourth grade.  This is a program unlike any other in the state of Connecticut.  All students are given the opportunity to try an instrument from three of the main instrument families.  In third grade, students study the recorder, a woodwind instrument, and the violin, a string instrument.  In fourth grade, students study the trumpet, a brass instrument; the violin, a string instrument; and the clarinet, a woodwind instrument.  All instruments aside from the recorder are provided to the students by the school.  While this is not a performance class, students are given opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate what they have learned and to teach others about the responsibility and technique needed for each instrument.

Fourth Grade Rotation

The school year is divided into three rotations in which the instruments are studied at the three elementary schools.  The first rotation is the longest to account for building routines and responsibility in the students.  The second rotation is shorter due to the increased concentration in the students at this time of the year.  The third and final rotation is a bit longer than the second and will culminate in an end of the year program at each school.   There is a small instrumental portion of this performance in which the students demonstrate what they have learned over the course of the entire school year.

Rotation Schedule

Mrs. Morin's Schedule

Fourth Grade Curriculum

By the end of fourth grade, students will be able to...

1. Produce a sound on a member of the brass, woodwind and string family, using correct positions and technique.
2. Read and notate music on the staff in treble clef.
3. Identify various instruments by their sound and tone.
4. Listen and respond to professional recordings of a variety of musical genres.
5. Identify famous performers on each of the three instruments they studied.
6. Care for a sophisticated instrument with many parts.
7. Improvise rhythmic patterns on each of the instruments studied.
8. Compose simple melodies on each of the instruments studied with given guidelines.
9. Define a number of musical terms and concepts.
10. Perform a Major scale on at least one of the instruments studied.
11. Sight read basic melodies on each of the three instruments studied (Do Re Mi).
12. Solve the problems associated with learning and developing a new skill.
13. Be responsible for an instrument that does not belong to them.
14. Actively participate in class by coming prepared with instruments and other materials required.

Third Grade Curriculum

By the end of third grade, students will be able to...

1. Produce a good sound on the recorder and the violin.
2. Read and notate music on the staff in treble clef.
3. Improvise rhythmic patterns on each of the instruments studied.
4. Compose simple melodies on each of the instruments studied within given guidelines.
5. Define a few musical terms and concepts.
6. Perform alone and with others a varied repertoire of songs on each of the instruments studied.
7. Participate in at least one all school meeting, town meeting, assembly, or concert on the recorder.
8. Listen to and critique performances and techniques of their peers.
9. Care for the violin to keep it in good working condition.
10. Actively participate in class by coming prepared with instruments and other materials required.
11. Solve the problems associated with learning and developing a new skill.