Music

Weekly Music Classes - Grades K-5

At Cambridge, we believe that music is both a gift from God and a gift that we share with one another through discipline, humility, and collaboration. Beginning in kindergarten, elementary students receive weekly music instruction, focusing on vocal music and fundamental literacy skills. Students in grades 4 and 5 apply these literacy skills to learn music independently on the recorder and work in an ensemble to play chimes. By the time students finish elementary school, they have been exposed to independent and group music making experiences and have started the process of reading music.

Weekly Band or Orchestra Instruction - Grades 5-8

Cambridge’s instrumental program is a natural extension of the K-5 music curriculum. Learning an instrument for band or orchestra solidifies the skills developed in elementary school and provides elective opportunities when students transition to high school.

Students in grades 5-8 may opt into either band or orchestra, which meet weekly in instrument-specific sectionals during the school day and bi-weekly for one-hour ensemble practices on Wednesday afternoons. Sectionals are for the mechanics of learning the instrument; ensemble time is for the music making and both are needed for a successful experience. The following instruments are options for students:

Band: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion

Orchestra: violin, viola, cello, bass

Students have academic expectations in instrumental class and receive feedback and a grade as a part of their trimester progress reports. Sharing their learning with others is also a key component of participating in band and orchestra. Musicians share their musical progress with the community in Learning Showcases at least twice a year.