International School of Arts & Sciences Music Department

Mission At ISAS, we believe that Music is a natural form of expression in the development of children and should be an integral part of the school curriculum from Kindergarten throughout high school. We believe that it is important for every student to have the opportunity to receive a high quality musical training in school, regardless of background, culture, or musical experience. We believe that we are responsible for helping all children understand and enjoy music, and that we should assist in discovering and nurturing musical talent. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop their potential for musical expression through exploration, experimentation, exposure, and enrichment.

Aims &Vision We strive: -to develop in the student a critical and perceptive response to and knowledge of the various types, styles, and forms of music which can be beneficial during an entire lifetime. -to stimulate and develop an enjoyment and appreciation of music through an active involvement in the three main areas of musical activity: listening, performing, and composing. -to allow students to compose and perform both as individuals and as members of ensembles. -to create a musical community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. -to provide curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for all music students that enhance their musical experience. -to make students aware of the possibilities music offers as a career or vocation. -to develop self-confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation and respect for others in society.

What is Music and How Does it Connect to the Core Subject Areas?

Music is……… -Math -Science

Music is……… -Reading -Physical Education

Music is……… -Social Studies -Art -Foreign Language

Music at ISAS Standards

Standards Content Artistic Perception Read & Notate Music Listen to, analyze, and Describe Music Creative Expression Apply Vocal & Instrumental Skills Compose, Arrange, & Improvise Historical & Cultural Context Role of Music Diversity of Music

Standards Content Contd Aesthetic Valuing Analyze & Critically Assess Derive Meaning Connections, Relationships, Applications Connections & Applications Career & Career- related Skills

Music at ISAS Your child receives… -Kindergarten: 1 time per week for 45 minutes -Grades 1 to 8: 2 times per week for 50 minutes each -Grades 9 to 12: 3 times per week for 50 minutes each

Music at ISAS Music Theory: - ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music) - Music History and Appreciation Musical Performance: - Singing - Musical Instruments (strings, piano, & percussion)

Music at ISAS Electives - Latin Jazz - Music Appreciation - Music Composition - Music Theory

Music at ISAS Activities and Events Music Concerts (2 concerts) Choir Club Strings Ensemble Little Mozarts Saxophone, Clarinette, Flute, Guitar, & Piano lessons

Research Results Students with music performance or appreciation experience score higher on the SAT than those not involved. A study at the University of California (Irvine) showed that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers showed a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ –Rauscher, Shaw, Levine, Ky, and Wright Children given piano lessons significantly improved in their spatial-temporal IQ scores (important for some types of math reasoning) compared to children who received computer lessons, casual singing, or no lessons –Rauscher, F.H., Shaw, G.L., Levine, L.J., Wright, E.L., Dennis, W.R., and Newcomb, R.

Research Results Contd A study at McGill University found that pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly for students given piano instruction over a three-year period. They also found that self-esteem and musical skills measures improved for those students –Costa-Giomi, E.

To Continue Improving the Music Program, We Need.. Parents, Parents, Parents! You are the foundation of our program Without your support, our program could not succeed!

How Can You Help?? Understand the Importance of Music and help your child understand its importance. Follow up on Your child’s Work Help with Concerts & ABRSM exams Commit to Afterschool Music clubs Encourage your child to participate in musical activities at school and home Go to concerts or watch concerts on television Listen and show enthusiasm for your child’s musical achievements Engage in musical activities with your child on the internet. There are many interactive sites