The music program at NCSA, designed to enrich our core academics, is based on the philosophy and practice of Orff Schulwerk, a dynamic approach to music education developed by the composer Carl Orff and his colleague, Gunild Keetman. This approach begins with the premise that every child is innately musical and naturally loves to play, sing, and dance. Children not only learn hundreds of songs, many set dances, and instrumental pieces from all over the world on Orff instruments, but they also add their own ideas to each experience through improvisation, composition, and choreography.

 

In addition, as we adapt to new circumstances this year, we are especially emphasizing music appreciation, music history, and musical connection as a community together. Students will explore the invaluable role that music plays in their lives, digging into concepts like songwriting and composition, history, and critical listening that utilize creativity, critical feedback skills, and building thoughtful responses individually and in small groups in the classroom.

 

Variety of Performance Programs

In the past, our students have performed at a wide variety of venues, including winter and spring middle school Showcase, elementary school Portfolio Night, choral assemblies, the Celtic Festival, monthly performance workshops, Winter Revels, and a wide variety of programs designed by our main lesson teachers. In 2020, our focus is on general music education for students in all grades, K-8, that supports the main lesson curriculum and uses music as a collaborative medium for academic and artistic growth.