Temperance-Kutner Elementary School
Instrumental Music
Programs
"How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our tears, our highest aspiration?" - Jane Swan
4th Grade Recorders
In 4th grade, we study the recorder as a whole class. Using a program called "Recorder Karate", students progress through each song and earn a colored yarn string or 'belt' that they tie onto their personal recorder. Each students' success is charted on the wall to show the whole class moving along, and when enough students reach a certain belt color we have a Karate party! Each student is checked out a recorder from the school, or they may bring one from home. Parents/Guardians will sign the recorder check out form and the student will remain responsible for their recorder and their music throughout the year.
5th Grade Beginning Band/Orchestra
When students enroll in 5th grade Band or Orchestra, they begin their study of an individual instrument. They can check one out from the school, based on availability, they may rent one from a local music store, or bring one from home if it is functional. We study a musical method book called Standard of Excellence, and students are encouraged and expected to practice their instruments at home. Progress of hourly practice outside of the rehearsal will be charted on the wall. These students will also be performing at least twice a year at our winter and spring concerts, testing once a year on a scale and short musical excerpt for the Fundamental Skills Test.
6th Grade Advanced Band/Orchestra
In their second year of study, students are put in the advanced class. In this class we continue to work out of Standard of Excellence, but other more challenging pieces of music are supplemented into the curriculum. This is the top instrumental performing group on campus, and they set the example for musicianship and responsibility for the other players. The Advanced students also participate in the Area Articulation concert at Clovis East High School, where they perform with every other 6th grader in the Clovis East area as well as students from Reyburn Intermediate and Clovis East High School.