Music

Preschool classes sing songs, do finger plays and basic movement exercises, and play musical instruments throughout the day. In addition to daily music activities that enrich classroom units of inquiry, kindergarten classes have music once a week with an experienced music teacher.

In elementary school, students learn about beat, rhythm, and pitch through singing, movement, instruments, and games.  Younger students begin with movement and rhythm instruments. In third grade students learn to read music notation using the soprano recorder.  They participate in the Recorder Karate program where students earn belts for more difficult songs. Fourth graders continue working on Recorder Karate and also work on Bucket Drumming.  Our fifth graders are introduced to wind instruments, violin, and learn to play ukulele.  All grades develop an awareness of, and an appreciation for music from a range of time and cultures.  Students have a variety of opportunities to perform throughout the year. Each grade performs for the International Festival and Spring Fling. 

Elementary After School Music Enrichment
Students in grades 3 and older have the opportunity to extend their musical instruction beyond the regular school day. 3rd-5th graders can participate in Elementary Chorus and will perform throughout the year.  4th and 5th graders can be involved in Elementary Musical Theatre where they will learn to work as an ensemble to produce musical theatre productions during the year.

6th grade students, at CDS, participate in one trimester of music as part of an arts rotation. Students will experience fun musical challenges as they explore similarities and differences between string and wind instruments. Students learn basic music theory and skills needed to help determine if they have a personal interest in pursuing instrumental music study.

In 7th and 8th grades, MYP Music is a full-year course where students learn to play a string of band instrument. Technical skill development combined with learning the language of music, give each student the necessary foundation to effectively participate in musical opportunities and performances that lead to deeper connections to our musical world. 

Upper school students can elect to participate in the instrumental music program. They perform at Performing Arts Showcases several time a year. Eleventh and twelfth grade students participating in the IB Diploma Programme can elect to take IB DP Music SL or HL.

Upper school also has the opportunity for students to play in the drum line and the pep band, which performs at sporting events and special events around the school.