Fillmore's music program is sequentially structured. Early childhood students begin with singing, movement and rhythm instrument playing as they learn about music's elements -- rhythm, melody, harmony and form.

All second grade students have an introduction to the violin. Students in grades 3 and above can choose to study wind, brass, percussion and string instruments. Guitar is also offered to some schools. In addition, choral music and musical theater allos for older students to improve vocal skills. Concerts and festival evenings provide ensemble and performance opportunities.

THE CLASSES -

Early Child Music / Band 1 / Band 2 / Violin / Strings / Guitar 1 / Chorus

---

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC - PK - 1& 2

In these classes children explore different kinds of music, and learn the art of self-expression through singing and motion. These activities help children develop core skills and competencies like creative thinking, communication, and a sense of team, and also, discover music as an aesthetic experience, an intellectual and emotional activity, and an important medium of human communication.

back to top

BEGINNING BAND (Band 1)

The focus of this class is to learn correct posture, tone production, and ensemble performance. Students also are evaluated on their ability to read notated music, the memorization of fingerings, and evidence of daily practice at home. Attendance at all performance evenings is a considerable part of the overall grade.

back to top

INTERMEDIATE BAND (Band 2)

The focus of this class is to study advanced forms of music literature, and expanded range of their instrument. Students also have been evaluated on their ability to read complex notated music, the memorization of fingerings, and evidence of daily practice at home. Attendance at all performance evenings is a considerable part of the overall grade.

back to top

BEGINNING VIOLIN

This is an introductory-level violin class where students learn the ABC’s of the instrument -- its parts, handling and care, standing posture, and playing basics. With singing incorporated into the curriculum, children develop a sense of pitch and rhythm, while various games and activities used in the process cultivate strong memory and concentration. Children also learn such essentials as multi-tasking, teamwork, discipline and patience.

back to top

BEGINNING STRINGS / INTERMEDIATE STRINGS

Students are given instruction in performing on a string instrument. The three most important factors that the students are required to focus on are intonation (playing in tune), bow control (for tone production) and ensemble playing. Progress depends on the effort put forth by the student in the weekly class session and their practice schedule at home.

back to top

BEGINNING GUITAR (Guitar 1)

The purpose of this class is to develop and foster a love of music and guitar through active participation in playing the guitar. In this class we use mostly 3/4 sized guitars. Students are introduced to a variety of chords which may include E, E7, E minor, A, A7, A minor, D, D7, C, G and B7. Students are introduced to alternative bass picking and a variety of strumming styles, as well as single note picking and scales. Songs learned may include those written by the Beatles, Bob Marley, Bill Withers, Carole King and others.

Students are also encouraged to make up their own song or tune. Here is what Bill Withers had to say about how he writes a song.

Withers: "Lean On Me" was my second album, so I could afford to buy myself a little Wurlitzer electric piano. So I bought a little piano and I was sitting there just running my fingers up and down the piano. In the course of doing the music, that phrase crossed my mind, so then you go back and say, 'OK, I like the way that phrase, Lean On Me, sounds with this song.' So you go back and say, 'How do I arrive at this as a conclusion to a statement? What would I say that would cause me to say Lean On Me?' At that point, it's between you and your actual feelings, you and your morals and what you're really like. You probably do more thinking about it after it's done."