What Is Prelude?
Prelude is a unique program that is designed to introduce students to the instruments of the band and orchestra that are taught in middle school. During Prelude the middle school music staff visits elementary school general music classrooms with instruments and students are able to play, hold and gain experience of what it takes to produce sounds on the instruments.
What are the goals of Prelude?
The goals of Prelude are as follows:
1) Students learn how produce sounds on instruments
2) Students learn and hear about characteristics of each instrument
3) Students learn what instruments work well for them
4) Students learn about what music classes are offered in the middle school
5) Students learn about middle school schedule
6) Students that wish to take band or orchestra in middle school choose an instrument they can be successful on for the rest of their lives
7) Students gain an appreciation of what it takes to play an instrument
1) Students learn how produce sounds on instruments
2) Students learn and hear about characteristics of each instrument
3) Students learn what instruments work well for them
4) Students learn about what music classes are offered in the middle school
5) Students learn about middle school schedule
6) Students that wish to take band or orchestra in middle school choose an instrument they can be successful on for the rest of their lives
7) Students gain an appreciation of what it takes to play an instrument
How does Prelude work?
Middle school music staff set up visits to the elementary schools during the months of October - January. The first visit is a demonstration where the 5th grade classes meet together and middle school staff plays and introduces all the instruments that will be taught in middle school. Shortly after that demonstration, the middle school music staff visits each elementary schools general music class for a total of 100 minutes. During those 100 minutes students play, experience, and journal about the instruments. After the 100 minutes students are scheduled for a one time pull-out where students are able to further explore their three favorite instruments. During this fifteen minute pull out, students are given a mini lesson on their three favorites and students are asked to pick and instrument they wish to play, if the are going to continue with instruments in middle school. Any student who wishes to continue in middle school needs to have a parent attend the Music Registration Night. During this registration you will get to meet the middle school band, choir and orchestra teachers and receive information on music classes for next year.
What should parents do during Prelude?
During Prelude please plan on coming to the parent meeting in December. At that meeting you will learn all about what you child has been up to and what music has to offer your child. Also during Prelude, engage by asking your child questions about what they think about the instruments. Do some research on our pages, about why music education is good for your child and visit our school sites to see what is happening in the middle school music classes and high school classes. Talk to your neighbors and friends about the music programs their children are a part of. Please go to contacts if you have any specific questions.