What to Expect in Music in Grade 4

     In the fourth grade, students will continue to sing and memorize patriotic songs using appropriate pitch, rhythm, timbre and diction. They are taught songs that integrate music with science and social studies units such as the human body, Native American music and African American music. Students are encouraged to sing expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation. Students are taught to blend their vocal timbres and to respond to the conductor's cues. They are also taught partner songs and rounds. Students are encouraged to use improvisation on their recorder, and 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.

    Music reading skills are continued to be reinforced. By the end of fourth grade, students will be able to read and notate whole, half, dotted half, quarter and eighth notes and rests in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 meter signatures. They continue to read terms referring to dynamics, tempo and articulation. They read simple pitch notation in the treble clef using syllables, and use symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch an dynamics when writing original compositions. Students begin using notation software to compose original compositions and to create a criteria for evaluating compositions and performances. Music reading skills continue to be reinforced on the recorder using music that is more advanced in their Method book along with supplementary music as well. Students have the option of learning to play the alto recorder and to perform duets with soprano recorder players. Music classes are planned with reference to the New Hampshire and National Frameworks for The Arts.