Music
Students learn through the active processes of listening, performing and composing
Our Jr. K through 5th grade build foundational music literacy through an environment of active exploration. The curriculum includes singing and vocal exploration, as well as creative movement. Jr. K - 5th grade students also learn instrumental skills with Orff instruments such as xylophones and other tuned percussion. Piano keyboarding skills are added in 4th and 5th grade.
Our students are introduced to the Kodaly method using songs and games to learn rhythmic and melodic concepts. Students continue piano skills and further develop their vocal and instrumental musicianship through reading music and composing.
Students at all levels are guided in listening to symphonic music from the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Opera Guild. Through active listening of recorded and live performances, students learn to identify musical instruments and fundamental music concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, tempo, texture, and dynamics.
In addition to music class Wilkinson offers an String program after school. Parents provide individual instruments and books. Students participate in group lessons with options to learn violin, viola and cello.
Students share what they have learned in Music class through an annual concert, all school musical and graduation performances.
Middle School students sing a wide repertoire of music where they practice singing independently in parts, reading notation and expressive markings, develop an understanding of music theory, and express themselves in foreign languages. Vocalists also begin to place music in the context of its historical time period and culture, as well as identifying connections to other art forms and subject areas.
Our students are introduced to the Kodaly method using songs and games to learn rhythmic and melodic concepts. Students continue piano skills and further develop their vocal and instrumental musicianship through reading music and composing.
Students also develop their instrumental and composition skills through cross curricular projects.
Students in the middle school take the major roles in the all school musical and are involved in the choice of musical and rehearsals. There are also occasional opportunities to work back stage organizing props or being stage hands/stage manager assistant.
