Music

Music is an Avenue of Discovery and Connection

RDS students are introduced to music in an accessible way, with a steady progression from singing, games, and exploration of simple instruments in Kindergarten to joining our band program in Grades 7 and 8. We help students develop a passion for reading, writing, and composing music as well as playing with an ensemble. Our students' creativity and interests inspire the music they learn and create, and culture and history is incorporated into the learning to build an understanding of the importance and impact of music in a global context.

Music Through the Grades

• Kindergarten: To begin their musical journey, students in JK and SK engage in age-appropriate repertoire, explore music through play-based learning activities, try various instruments, and begin to develop a foundational music vocabulary.
• Junior School: Junior School students engage in increasingly sophisticated repertoire and explore music through learning solfege using vocal and instrumental music. Progressing from pitched percussion instruments in Grade 1 to challenging themselves with guitar chords and fingerpicking in Grades 5 and 6, students refine their understanding of rhythm, notation, and how to play in an ensemble.
• Middle School: The Grade 7 and 8 band curriculum allows students to experience playing in an ensemble, reading multi-line music, while picking up new instruments. Students will gain confidence as individual musicians, supporting their transition to the pursuit of music in high school and beyond.

Music class allows each student to discover their unique capabilities, build positive relationships with classmates, and foster individual creativity.

- Ms. Carlene Brown, Music Teacher