Music

MUSIC CURRICULUM

The Corte Madera Music curriculum is developed based on California State Standards, in alignment with PVSD's goals and priorities. All of our students are provided a high-quality program that motivates, engages, and challenges them to be excellent musicians, listeners, and ensemble members.

General Music 4th & 5th Grades

Students will explore a variety of music topics to develop their skills in playing, singing, listening, creating, and evaluating their work. Students meet twice a week and explore topics such as Gold Rush songs, the Blues, recorder playing technique, harmony, music technology and composition, basic keyboard, video production, music history, and music theory.

5th Grade Band

In beginning band, students learn the fundamentals of instrumental music including assembling, caring for, and how to play their instrument with proper posture, technique, and tone. Students will also learn music theory, music history, and terminology specific to their instrument of choice, as well as how to function within an ensemble setting.

Choir 4th & 5th Grades

Choir is an optional additional music class for 4th and 5th graders. Students who participate in choral ensembles learn not only learn to be better musicians, but also how to listen and respond to others, how to be a good team member, and how to critique themselves and others in a constructive and positive way. This is a performing ensemble that is featured in two annual concerts, and meets twice a week before school.

Choir Contract and Syllabus

General Music 6th Grade

This music class features in-depth studies of music in four areas: World Music, Vocal Music, Music Composition, and Video. The class meets every other day and is an alternative to Band 6. 

Class syllabus

6th Grade Band

This is the 6th grade instrumental ensemble at CMS. Students will continue to develop foundational skills that will be necessary for advancement to the next level. In addition to individual skills on their instrument, students will learn the basics of music theory, music history, aural skills, and the 12 major scales. Students will also continue practicing the behaviors and demeanor expected of a musician both on and off stage. 

Band 6 Syllabus

Panache (6/7/8 Choir)

Panache is an optional additional music class for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Students who participate in choral ensembles learn not only learn to be better musicians, but also how to listen and respond to others, how to be a good team member, and how to critique themselves and others in a constructive and positive way. This is an intermediate/advanced performing ensemble that is featured in several annual concerts and festivals, and meets twice a week before school.

Panache Contract and Syllabus

7th Grade Band

In seventh grade band, students will continue honing their skills built upon previous year. In addition to individual skills on their instrument, students will further develop their knowledge on music theory, music history, the 12 major scales, aural skills, and professional etiquette in the rehearsal and performance setting.

Band 7 Syllabus

8th Grade Band

This is the 8th grade instrumental ensemble at CMS. Students will hone their skills built upon previous years in preparation for playing at the high school level. In addition to individual skills on their instrument, students will continue learning about music theory, music history, professional etiquette, and be exposed to diverse techniques, styles, and terminology not found in the western classical tradition. 

Band 8 Syllabus

Wind Ensemble 

Wind Ensemble is the highest level band at CMS. Students in this ensemble have higher expectations placed on them than regular band as this class moves at a much faster pace. Throughout the year students work to develop a higher level of musicianship and musical maturity through advanced literature. This class will meet twice a week before school.