Greetings from Rainbow’s Music Department!!

The music department continues to grow and develop as do the opportunities that each child has to enhance his/her intellectual development through interacting with music in many different areas.

The Preschool and Kindergarten are introduced to a “music and movement” program that involves many different components in exploring music.  The children will be playing a variety of rhythm instruments along with music from different countries and cultures.  They will be making choices about how they would like to participate in mimicking the rhythms of the songs and will take turns leading their classmates in these rhythms.  Correct vocabulary will be used throughout the classes to familiarize the children with musical terms and theory, preparing them for more in-depth learning in the elementary school program.  The children will also listen and repeat intervals and pitches, training their ears to hear specific sounds.  They will learn to listen to sections of music and respond in a specific way through movement, using hoops, streamers, scarves, etc. as they move around the room.  This program is based on a program offered at University of Miami and has been a proven link to the intellectual development of children.  We are very excited to incorporate these techniques into the preschool and kindergarten classes. 

In addition, our usual programs will be presented at Christmas, and the Kindergarten Graduation.  You will be amazed at what these little ones have to share with their voices and music-filled hearts!

 In the Elementary classes there will be a continuation of learning how music is composed and the theory involved in playing and singing music correctly.  The first and second grade classes will focus heavily on note recognition, hearing and singing pitches and intervals, and reading and playing rhythms.  The third through fifth graders put this theory into practice as they read music and play the recorder.  Music is a graded class at this level.  The children will have written reports, assignments, homework, quizzes and tests, as in their academic classes.  Every opportunity will be provided for preparation and study of the materials.  Practicing the recorder and studying their theory is expected weekly.   

Performances for the Elementary School include the Thanksgiving Feast, the Spring Programs, Spiritual Emphasis Week, PTMs, and Chapel.  Performances are mandatory and two test grades in music are awarded to each student for participation.

The Instrument Program continues to grow this year at Rainbow!   A brief synopsis of our instrument program is as follows.  More detail will be provided as school begins.

Guitar:  Available for third through eighth graders.  Classes take during school. 

Piano:  Available for first through eighth graders.  Classes during and after school.  A keyboard at home is required for practice.

Drums: Available for first through eighth graders.  Classes take place before and after school. 

Violin: Available for first through eighth graders.  Classes take during school.  A Violin is required.

Instrument Lessons are a one-year commitment for parents and children.  Introductions of these teachers and their programs will take place at the first PTM.  We were all so impressed with what our children were able to learn through instrument lessons over the past years.  We are excited to see the children continue to develop the talents God has placed in each of them as they play through the years. 

In Choir, the children will further develop their vocal skills and music reading abilities.  Leading worship in every Chapel event, as well as carrying the solo and dramatic opportunities in our programs will continue to be the privilege of the choir students.  Performances in community events are anticipated.   

As you can see, the year is full of singing, playing instruments, and movement, as we rejoice in all that our Lord has given us.  Our “joyful noise” will be ringing daily throughout the school.  Come over and sing and play with us!  There is always room for one more voice under our Rainbow! 

God bless you and your families throughout this year and always.