The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
Arts
Music
Our music program focuses on performance, music history, appreciation, technology and theory. Singing and instrumentation is an important component in all grades. Lower school students learn to master basic rhythmic skills on various rhythm and orff instruments. Students in the third grade will learn to play the recorder, and students in the fourth grade will learn to play the ukulele. Upper School students will learn to play handbells, guitar, and piano.
The music program challenges students cognitively and physically, and provides a basis for emotional expression and development. We build off the belief that musical understanding, appreciation, and participation are inherent in all people regardless of age or ability: all that is required is an authentic desire to learn and grow.
The curriculum introduces students to various musical styles, periods, cultures, and forms of musical expression, all while cultivating an awareness, curiosity, and an appreciation for music. We foster an interest in a wide range of musical expressions and instill the desire to continue exploring these interests into adulthood.
Click the buttons below to learn more.
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Music Appreciation
Music appreciation offers students an opportunity to build musicianship and confidence through:- A basic understanding of music theory (reading and writing music)
- A concurrent study of musical genres, styles, and eras. Instruction will include reading and writing, as well as class discussion.
- World Music
- The Evolution of Hip Hop Music
- The Evolution of Rock n Roll Music
- Western Music History Eras
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Music By Grade Level
Students in Pre-k meet once a week. Students in Kindergarten through grade 6 meet for music twice per week. Students in grades 7 and 8 meet once per week. -
Music Performance
Music performance will give students an opportunity to build musicianship and confidence vocally and on a variety of instruments based on age and grade level, including:- Speaking (poems, plays, hip-hop)
- Singing
- Orff Instruments
- Hand Bells
- Soprano Recorder
- Ukulele
- Hand Drums
- Piano Keyboard
- Percussion/Drums
- Guitar
- Non-Traditional Percussion
- Dance and Movement
Students perform several times throughout the year in events such as the Holiday Concert and Grandparents & Special Friends Day.
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Talent Shows
Students in grades 1-8 are eligible to audition for the talent show. Performances may include singing, playing an instrument, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, poetry recitation, and more.
Parents of younger students are encouraged to help their children prepare their audition acts. The goal of the Talent Show is to give our students a great opportunity to shine and grow through individual and group performance. -
Spring Musical
Fifth through 8th grade students may participate in the annual spring musical. Three performances, scheduled on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in late February, give students the chance to demonstrate vocal, dance, and acting skills and to perform before the community at large. Student may audition for an on-stage role, or be a part of the many crews that manage staging, sound/lighting, costuming/makeup, set design, and more.
Our most recent musical was "Getting to Know...The Sound of Music," a version of the famous movie adapted for middle school performance. Our cast, stage crew, and directors put on a memorable production, set on our brand new stage. Click the photo below to view our gallery on Flickr.
Watch The Country School Chorus perform at the Eastern Shore Choral Directors Association (ESCDA) Choral Festival. Their performance begins at 1:05.
Lower School Music Performances
Upper School Music Performances
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The Country School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational, admission, and employment policies, or its financial aid, athletic, and other school administered programs.
