Music

The objectives of the music program are:

to encourage students to appreciate music and its importance in the world
to correlate music to other disciplines, such as science, math and history
to help students acquire the ability and confidence to perform in an ensemble both in and outside of McLean
to hone student skills in identifying and reading music notation
to promote a broad understanding of musical theory
to inspire creativity in composing music

Lower School
The music curriculum in Kindergarten through grade 4 acquaints students with their musical abilities, creativity and cultural awareness. Kindergarten through Grade 2 students attend general music classes twice a week. Classes expose students to the various styles of music, give an historical overview of music and teach basic symbol- and note-reading and writing. Music classes offer opportunities for expression and interpretation through movement, singing, listening and ensemble work. Concepts are reinforced through games, written assignments, composition projects and applied instrumental music. Grade 3 and Grade 4 students attend two music classes weekly. General music class meets once a week. In addition, each Grade 3 and 4 student has the opportunity to join either the Chorus or the String Program during one other period of the week. Students in the String Program are required to take one private lesson taught by McLean faculty during the school week. Practice and performance in an ensemble setting refines vocal and instrumental skills. Lower School students present seasonal concerts, assemblies and off-campus community service performances throughout the school year.

Middle School
The music curriculum promotes music literacy, history and appreciation. Students in grades 5 and 6 attend general music classes twice a week. Classes focus on refining note-reading skills through ear training and written assignments. Vocal and instrumental repertoire presents students with opportunities to interpret, analyze and critique compositions. Grade 5 and Grade 6 students become acquainted with concepts, in-score symbols and compositional components as they explore music from various time periods and parts of the world. Performance opportunities include seasonal concerts and off-campus community service concerts.

Students in grades 7 and 8 may elect to participate in the Middle School band or the Middle School chorus. The curricula for these applied music classes allow students to participate in an instrumental or choral ensemble that focuses on the development and refinement of performance skills and technique. Musicianship is developed through concepts of notation, phrasing and dynamics. One year’s prior playing experience is recommended for band participants. Students in the Middle School band and the Middle School chorus perform quarterly during community meetings.

Upper School
The Upper School music curriculum offers three semester electives. Students continue to develop musicianship and performance skills in Upper School chorus, jazz ensemble and instrumental ensemble courses. The choral elective concentrates on the refinement of vocal skills through the practice and performance of a wide range of repertoire. Strong emphasis is placed on the improvement of score reading, stage presence, poise and execution. Chorus students advance their appreciation of vocal music through solo and ensemble work. Instrumental electives focus on the refinement of technique, note-reading and part-following skills while playing traditional band instruments. Instrumental skills are developed using methods books, jazz charts, class and student compositions. Upper School ensembles perform in concerts, assemblies and school gatherings throughout the school year.