Hagan Elementary Music Program

All students in grades K - 5 attend general music throughout the school year. Since music is lifelong for everyone, the basic philosophy behind our general music program is to develop an appreciation of music through understanding. During our class time, students are actively engaged in a variety of activities designed to help develop their singing voice, tonal and rhythmic abilities, listening skills, and overall music literacy. All instruction and assessments are directly reflective on the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the goals of our district.

Optional Music Programs include:

Chorus:

The choral program is a before school activity that rehearses twice a week and runs for the entire school year. It is available to all students in grades three, four, and five. No audition is required. All members participate in a variety of performances including the elementary concerts that are held in the winter and the spring. If a child is interested in participating in more than one group, the rehearsal schedule is designed so that they may be in both chorus, band, and orchestra without conflict.

Instrumental Music:

Strings: The string program is available for students in grades three through five. At the end of the second grade, students may decide on violin, viola, or cello in preparation for third grade. These instruments may be started in fourth or fifth grade as well. Each week students are given one thirty-minute group lesson. Every string student participates in the elementary school concerts held in the winter and spring. Students have one before school rehearsal a week.

Band: Instrumental lessons for the band program begin in the fourth or fifth grade. Students receive one thirty-minute small group lesson each week. Students may select from the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and snare drum. Recruitment usually occurs in June for students planning to start in September.

Beginner band students participate in the two elementary concerts held in the winter and spring. Rehearsals for these concerts take place during the school day.

Second year band students participate in the elementary band. This band rehearses twice week before school. It consists mostly of fifth graders. However, first year players who progress quickly may enter in the second half of the year. The Hagan band students combine with the Nassau band students to present winter and spring concerts.