Music and Chorus
Music
Harborlight’s music program is based on Orff-Schulwerk. Early childhood students learn the basic elements of music by singing, matching pitch, learning rhythm, playing instruments, and movement. The early childhood students are also given an introduction to aspects of drama.
In the elementary program, the concept of a musical staff with pitch and rhythmic notation is introduced, and students begin to use standard musical notation to compose and perform their own music. They will sing in unison more advanced songs and further study the elements of music (melody, harmony, tempo, rhythm and dynamics). Students present a winter music performance for the Harborlight community.
Chorus
The children are invited to audition for the chorus at the beginning of the year. Those chosen, meet once a week to rehearse for special events such as the Winter Program, Montessori Week special events and Eighth Grade Graduation. The children experience vocal warm-up techniques, sight singing, singing in parts, rounds and canons. They are introduced to a variety of music that is both fun and challenging. During the spring much of the chorus time is utilized to help soloist in the musicals rehearse their songs.
