Performing & Visual Arts
Music at SF Day
At SF Day, all students are musicians. They develop an understanding and appreciation of music by learning sequential concepts through active, hands-on participation. Students study many styles, cultures, and time periods and are also encouraged to improvise and create their own music. Through speech, song, instrument playing and movement, children experience active music making. Lessons are inspired by the approaches of Kodály and Orff Schulwerk, and aligned with the nine National Standards for Music Education. Music is an important part of the fabric of SF Day culture. Teachers and students enjoy providing joyful musical experiences that bring the school community together.
Music Curriculum
Our pedagogy is rooted in the conviction that authentic learning in music comes from direct experience – we learn best by doing. Students at SF Day:
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Have extensive study on at least one instrument.
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Are encouraged to learn not just through reading and writing music, but also through listening, improvising, playing by ear and performing.
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Have ample opportunities to perform
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Are equipped to discuss and appreciate music from an array of traditions
SF Day students emerge as versatile, open-minded music enthusiasts who carry with them a lifelong love and appreciation for the art in its many forms.
Visual Arts at SF Day
Our job as artists and art educators is to teach our students how to see and listen actively, give form to their thoughts, and empower their confidence and belief in their own uniqueness. Art is each child's way to communicate personal thoughts, feelings, and values.
The overriding questions we ask each student to consider are:
- How do we think like an artist?
- How do we make art?
- How do we talk about what we have made?
- How does the art that we have made connect with the world of art?
Performance Opportunities
Performance allows students to demonstrate new skills, develop confidence in expressing themselves in front of an audience, foster a positive feeling of ensemble with their peers, experience the joys of performing, and practice being in front of audience members
All School Concerts: The music department is proud to offer performance practice skills as an important part of our curriculum. Our students perform at two all-school concerts, one in December and one in April. Ensemble work showcases team work, collaboration, and community.
Dolphin Singers: A mixed choral ensemble for 3rd-5th
graders. Singers expand on skills they are practicing in LS Music classes, including vocal techniques, balance, and music literacy. Dolphin Singers typically sing in unison and two-part harmony and will experiment with a variety of genres such as pop, folk,show tunes, and art music.
Dolphin Drummers: Dolphin Drummers is a percussion ensemble for 3rd-5th graders. Drummers primarily
play on tubano drums but will also use a variety of hand drums, small percussion instruments, and body percussion to learn rhythm, listen and respond, and perform together as an
ensemble.