Roosevelt Music Program

Roosevelt Elementary School provides a General Music Program which strives to meet the National Standards for Music Education and supports the methods and goals of the current district instrumental and vocal music programs. This is accomplished through singing, playing percussion instruments and moving to music. Students also receive a great opportunity for multicultural awareness of the world through the songs, recordings and musical styles from many different cultures.

Music adds a dimension to the eduational experience that is very important at this time in our chidren's development. By singing in a group with the whole school, a feeling of pride and community spirit is enforced. Research has shown that playing a musical instrument and singing at the same time, as is done in the early grades, can improve brain development. Children who have English as their second language love learning songs in their new language. It is not surprising that students who study music do better socially and academically.

Each child in grades 1-5 at Roosevelt studies general music 30 minutes per week. First and second grade students play percussion instruments while singing to develop good vocal techniques and emphasize movement. Third graders play recorders to prepare for instrumental music in the fourth grade. They begin to read notes and improvise and play by ear. Fourth grade classes continue to further vocal skills by singing rounds and partner songs. Fifth graders learn songs about America and join the rest of the school in studying African-American music during the month of February. In collaboration with classroom teachers, attention is given to how music can tie in with other subject areas and enhance the classroom experience. Culminating in at least one performance per year, the students give a gift to the community that displays the degree of discipline, knowledge and joy that music contribues to a young life.

District funding for K-5 General Music Education has been non-existent since 1983. The school relies on outside resources for this very valuable program. We at Roosevelt would like to express our heartfelt thanks for past contributions which have assisted in funding the music program. We hope that you will continue your support and help fund this essential program.