Music

Blake’s youngest students engage with music through active exploration of musical concepts and skills. A child-centered approach guides students to create, perform and respond to musical experiences in ways that develop their innate musical potential. Blake instructors believe that all children are musicians and delight in guiding their musical explorations and observing their growth. The Lower School music program provides instruction in general music and string studies for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade:

• General music instruction encompassing singing, instrument playing, folk dance and creative movement, improvisation, composition and music literacy.
• A strings program, through which students take weekly string lessons and participate in recitals and concerts throughout the year. String instruction is offered to grades PK-5 on cello, viola and violin. Bass is offered beginning in fifth grade.

In the Early Learning Center (ELC), all PK, kindergarten and first grade students receive both general music and string studies. Blake's Orff Schulwerk-based general music program allows students to develop foundational skills and grow into independent, creative musicians. Through imitation, exploration and improvisation, students are engaged in musical experiences that include speech, song, movement and instrumental pieces.

Blake's comprehensive ELC string program offers Reggio-Emilia inspired educational experiences ranging from hands-on exploration of string instruments to more formal instruction in a small group format.

All Upper Elementary students in second and third grade are automatically enrolled in general music classes, offered three times a week. Parents may elect to have students pulled out of general music class to take weekly string lessons in a small-group format. String students perform in annual recitals and general music classes perform in annual concerts.

UE students in fourth and fifth grades elect to concentrate on a single music pathway: either String Studies or General Music Studies. String and general music classes are offered concurrently. With String Studies, fourth and fifth grade students meet three times a week. String class meetings include a 30-minute small group string lesson in music literacy, music theory and musicianship skills and a 30-minute small group string lesson in technique and repertoire. Fourth and fifth graders attend a longer ensemble rehearsal each week.In preparation for Middle School, students perform in two string ensemble concerts each year.

Students who elect General Music Education in fourth and fifth grade participate in two weekly 30-minute classes of instrument study and music literacy, and one weekly ensemble rehearsal. In preparation for Middle School, both general music and string students perform in an annual music pathway specific concert.

Blake helps young adults become accomplished, confident performers. Middle School students in sixth to eighth grade have the opportunity to study music in an ensemble-setting for three full years. Students select from three robust options: choir, strings or band. Each group rehearses as a full ensemble and in sectionals. All ensembles perform at student assemblies and end-of-semester concerts. A fourth option, dance, is available to students in seventh and eighth grade. Students can select a yearlong dance course in place of choir, band, or orchestra.

Music students discover the joy of expressing themselves through singing or playing an instrument. They learn about sharing their artistry with an audience, all while developing their technical skills. After sixth grade, placement in all choral and instrumental groups is based on student skill level, as determined by assessments assigned throughout the year. Students who enjoy singing may participate in one of five choral ensembles while learning music from around the world. Students develop their voices and skills as musicians and enjoy playing instruments, movement and solving musical puzzles. Instrumentalists play in one of several bands or orchestras, performing repertoire from a wide range of styles, traditions and eras — from classical to pop to contemporary art music.

Seventh and eighth grade dance students learn the elements of dance (body, space, time, energy, action), connect with the local dance community and study famous choreographers. They explore a variety of dance styles while developing and refining ballet and modern technique—and even creating choreography themselves. As performers, dance students learn about communicating ideas and emotions, commitment, focus, the mind-body connection and stage presence.