Performing Arts
Music and Dance
A. Music
The integrated and sequential music curriculum throughout the elementary years combines music literacy, appreciation, participation and performance. As early as kindergarten, children begin to learn the value of music in their lives. Using the text series The Music Connection, and numerous supplementary materials, the music program expands children’s awareness of many different styles of music, and encourages their appreciation of cultural similarities and differences. All children learn the basics of rhythm, melody, harmony, note-reading and composition through hands-on experiences using the Yamaha Music in Education curriculum. This exciting, advanced technological keyboarding system allows participants to learn by doing. Handbells are offered in grade 6 as the primary component of the music curriculum.
Children participate in a rich variety of musical experiences beginning with singing and simple movements and progressing to chants, rounds, descants, singing in parts, playing song flutes, recorders, ukuleles, guitars, Orff instruments, and various instruments of the world. Performances of song and dance at various times throughout the year provide opportunities for children to share what they have learned with appreciative audiences.
B. Elementary Chorus
The Campbell Hall Elementary Chorus is a strong part of our music curriculum for grades 3-6 and is part of our school day. It affords young singers the opportunity to learn good vocal production and to experience part-singing and ensemble work, as well as to learn performance skills. The Chorus is featured in the Christmas Program, in Chapel, on Grandparents’ Day, at the Spring Arts Festival, and at the special end-of-year chapel. Madrigal is a voluntary group that affords sixth graders the opportunity to sing in a small group with structured independent study. Students choose much of their repertoire and are responsible for choreography. Teacher supported vocal technique and communicating song genre are emphasized.
C. Instrumental Music
Instrumental music is offered at no charge as part of Campbell Hall’s after-school program. Violin and cello are offered to 1st- 6th graders, and flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and trumpet are offered to 4th-6th. Advanced 4th-6th grade instrumentalists make up Campbell Hall’s Elementary Orchestra. Students perform for family and friends in programs throughout the year, including the After School Winter Performing Arts Recital, Grandparents’ Day and the Spring Arts Festival. * If a child is absent from school, he/she may not participate in any after-school activities on that day except in cases of bereavement.
D. Dance
The elementary dance program is available to all students in grades 1-6. Students in 1st and 2nd grades meet once a week for pre-ballet and beginning ballet. The intermediate and advanced levels begin with 3rd through 6th grades, meeting two times a week. The advanced students are eligible for Pointe classes in 6th grade. All classes meet after school. Dancers perform in school programs and at special events during the course of the academic year.