Music Grades 5-8

Mrs. Darlene Espinosa

5th Grade
The students continue music education in 5th grade by concentrating on basic music theory and composition. They also track their core curriculum in social studies by learning early American folk songs. They lead worship several times a year and emphasis is placed upon liturgical and sacred songs.

6th Grade
The 6th graders not only build upon all the skills learned so far, but add the performance component as they prepare and perform the school Christmas musical in December. Putting on a performance with a large cast is quite an undertaking and the students learn many skills in the process, including harmony and choreography. The 6th graders lead worship several times a year and are responsible for the Mass commemorating Catholic Schools Week.

7th Grade
7th grade finds us studying the history of the musical, both stage and film. The students learn the origins of the musical as a art form, research and do presentations on famous composers of musicals and watch several musicals, from 1880s with Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” or “Pirates of Penzance” to present day. They then create a unique musical experience titled “Scenes and Songs” which they perform in the spring. They work on all aspects of the production from set design to publicity. As with all students in music class, liturgical music is a significant part of their curriculum and they are also responsible for leadership at school mass on a regular basis.

8th Grade
8th grade’s fine arts performance, also scheduled for spring, incorporates all elements of the fine arts curriculum. At “Arts Under the Stars”, the students showcase their achievements in music, art and language arts though song, individual and group poetry readings, “living art” and displays of artwork done over the course of the year. The evening is based on a different theme each year. The 8th graders are also responsible for worship leadership several times a year, and on a weekly basis as they partner with the Kindergarten students at Mass.