In the third grade, students will learn to sing from memory a varied repertoire of songs using appropriate dynamics, vocal technique and interpretation. They will study the history of "The Star Spangled Banner," which they will learn to sing from memory along with other patriotic songs. They are taught songs that integrate music with science and social studies units such as habitat, Western Expansion, worms, and the human body. Students will also sing partner songs and rounds. Students are encouraged to use improvisation to invent and perform dance movements while performing in a Winter Concert. They are also taught to use appropriate timbre, expression, and diction when singing.

    Third grade students learn to read and notate music on the staff beginning with the recognition of line and space notes and their corresponding letter names. They will learn to recognize quarter, half, whole and eighth notes and rests in a 4/4 meter signature. Students learn to identify symbols such as treble clef, G clef, time signature, bar line, measure, repeat sign and traditional terms regarding dynamics and tempo. Rhythm instruments are used to reinforce steady tempo, blending of instrumental timbres, rhythm patterns and matching dynamic levels.

    Music reading skills are reinforced by the transference of this knowledge to the soprano recorder. All students have the option to purchase their own soprano recorder, Methods book, case, cleaning swab, neck strap, practice CD's and tapes, and a music stand. Students learn to improve tone quality by breathing from the diaphragm, forming a correct lip formation and utilizing the tongue for articulation. Rhythmic development is fostered by having students identify rhythm patterns, clapping, and by fingering the notes without blowing. Tactile coordination is gradually developed by having students identify the names of the notes on the staff, and by having them finger and sing the note names, finger and think the note names, and then play the line. Students perform songs they have learned in the Winter Concert.

    At the end of the year, students learn songs that correlate with a Western Expansion unit that is being studied by their classroom teacher. All students learn songs related to Western Expansion and will perform these songs for parents at the culmination of this unit. Music classes are planned with reference to the New Hampshire and National Frameworks for The Arts.