Music

PBDA recognizes the role music plays in academic achievement as music ignites the brain and body to work together to strengthen language and mathematical thinking. Providing an additional outlet for creativity, our Music program strives to instill a love of singing and music while developing musicality and musical literacy.

Pre-Primary through Grade 3

Our Music program recognizes the importance of student creativity and allows students to take leadership while making music. Students participate in a minimum of one music class per week and are given opportunities to showcase their musical skills as they perform at Flag Assemblies, participate in our Winter Concert and in a chorus program, and culminate their Third Grade year with a special musical.

Pre-Primary and Primary

Kindergarten and First Grade

As students’ musicality increases in Kindergarten and First Grade, the foundations of music, such as tempo, dynamics, pitch and rhythm, are integrated. Musical literacy is emphasized, and opportunities to read and compose music using notes and pitches are part of weekly music classes. Students are introduced to musical form and have their first structured exploration on Orff instruments.

Second and Third Grades

Video

Grades 4-8

Our Upper Campus music curriculum is comprehensive and sequential with a goal of increasing the growth, appreciation and love of music. Although some of the same content will be covered in different grades, it will become increasingly more challenging each year.

Vocal

Students sing songs alone and with others (rounds, partner songs, two-part songs) while maintaining their own part with and without accompaniment. Students are taught to sing using healthy singing techniques (posture, breath, support, articulated consonants, etc.) with songs that represent various cultures, genres, and styles. Students are also taught different expressions and styles including dynamics, tone quality, phrasing, articulation, and interpretation.

Students in Grades 4-8 are encouraged to join the Bulldog Chorus. This Upper Campus Performance group actively performs in the community, showcasing their talents at local events including the Esplanade Christmas Tree Lighting, Spotlight on Young Musicians at the Kravis Center, the South Florida Fair, All State Competitions, and more.ampus Musical (Grades 7-8), Fine Arts Festival (Grades 4-8 Instrumental and Vocal) and 6th Grade Percussion Ensemble Performances.

Instrumental

Students perform on instruments alone and with others by performing melodies that combine a variety of note values and patterns with various rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic classroom instruments. Students learn to perform using appropriate instrumental techniques, expressive and stylistic devices, and perform simple music phrases by ear.

Instruments:
- 4th Grade: Recorders, Ukulele, and African Drumming
- 5th Grade: Steel Drums, African Drumming and Handbells
- 6th Grade: Percussion Ensemble and non-traditional instruments
- 7th and 8th Grades: Advanced Handbells, Ukulele, and Steel Drums

Both Vocal and Instrumental

Students understand music in relation to culture and history by learning about composers and musicians that represent various historical periods, genres, and cultures. Students are taught to understand the relationship between music and the world beyond the school by knowing multiple uses in music, and applying appropriate audience behavior in a variety of musical settings.

Students in Grades 4-8 perform in the following school-wide events: Holiday Sing (Chorus, steel drums, recorders, and audience participation accompanied by a faculty band), Upper Campus Musical (Grades 7-8), Fine Arts Festival (Grades 4-8 Instrumental and Vocal) and 6th Grade Percussion Ensemble Performances.

In This Section

Pre-Primary through Grade 3

Pre-Primary and Primary

Kindergarten and First Grade

Second and Third Grades

Video

Video

Grades 4-8

Vocal

Instrumental

Both Vocal and Instrumental

PreK2 - Grade 3

Grades 4-8

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