How often does my child have music class? I serve all students at Level Creek Elementary. Therefore, all classes rotate through music on a regular basis. For grades K - 3, students will have music once a week. For grades 4 - 5, students will have music once every 6 school days.
What specials are offered at Level Creek? For the 2015 - 2016 school year, the following specials will be offered to all grade levels: ART, MUSIC, SPANISH, and PE. For grades 4 - 5, students will also have a TECHNOLOGY special.
Do you offer private music lessons? According to the GCPS Moral and Ethics Code, "Teachers may not give private instruction for a fee to students presently enrolled in their classes [and it is] the preference of the Board that a teacher serving as a tutor not be on the staff of the school in which the student is enrolled." Unfortunately, I am unable to offer private instruction to any of my students at Level Creek. However, there are many excellent private instructors in the area who are available. Please e-mail me here for more information or check out the "Music Links" page for link to search for private music teachers. How does my child join the Level Creek Chorus? Applications are available in August and January. Students are selected based on academic and behavior criteria. Only 4th and 5th graders who attend Level Creek Elementary are eligible to apply. Please click on the "Chorus News" link on the left-hand side of this page for more information (link available August - May). What is Music Aerobics? Music Aerobics is a movement-based participation activity that I use in my classroom. Grades K - 3 use this activity to "warm-up" their mind, body, and it sets the tone for an active music class. Students dance, count and stretch their way to feeling and understanding structure in a piece of music. Ask your child about it!
What is the Singing Challenge? The Singing Challenge is a daily assessment that I use to monitor each child's progress towards matching pitch. It is a way to motivate classes within each grade level to sing to their fullest potential. Every student is expected, according to the GCPS Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS), to "participate in group singing with appropriate tone quality (head voice)." Yes, every child sings at Level Creek!
Isn't it embarrassing when my child sings by his or herself? Singing by yourself is a great way to build individual self-confidence, both socially and musically. I encourage every child to explore his/her singing voice daily. As expressed in the GCPS Academic, Knowledge and Skills (AKS), all students will "participate in group singing with appropriate tone quality (head voice), dynamic level, articulation, diction, blend and balance." Obviously, some students are more confident than others, but it is my goal for every student to become confident in his/her musical abilities. As students mature, their voices become more flexible and their vocal range increases. If your child expresses an interest in singing, please encourage them to participate in youth and church choirs. Being around other musically-motivated children will enhance your child's musical growth!