All students in all classes receive music instruction twice a week from a part-time music instructor. In addition, music is integrate into class projects and activities, as appropriate, by the classroom teachers. Students attend all performances of the Youth Concert Series at the Kahilu Theatre, as appropriate for their age group.
A major component of the music program is learning songs and hula for the spring May Day performance.
The goals of the music program include:
- introducing students to basic rhythm, beat, and tempo
- providing performance opportunities
- engaging students with music and movement
- teaching appreciation of a variety of musical genres
- providing age-appropriate instrumental instruction
Our ‘Ohi’a students begin with the musical expression of singing and chanting to develop an awareness of tone, pitch, and rhythm. Koai’a students are introduced to more complex percussive sequences and instrumental music through recorders. Koa students continue building on these foundational abilities to read and develop musical notation as they explore the sounds of the ukulele and keyboard.
Our primary goal is to develop a love for, an appreciation of, and a foundation for music in the lives of each of our students. We want our students excited about music!