Music

The music program offered at Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is based on the Kodaly Method.

Zoltan Kodaly wished to develop a music program that would lead children “toward love of and knowledge about music from earliest nursery school years to adulthood”. To this end, a unified system evolved based in child development as opposed to one based on subject logic.

  “The child-developmental approach to sequence within a subject requires the arrangement of the subject matter into patterns that follow normal child abilities at various stages of growth.”

As such, the Kodaly methodology is a natural fit with the Montessori philosophy of a child-centered learning environment.

Junior Elementary Music Program

Music Classroom:

Junior elementary students are instructed through the Kodaly method. Music instruction is not a scheduled time for each class; rather, it is based on the Montessori approach of child-centered learning. Students are invited to the music classroom for presentations and are free to come to the music room at any open studio time for additional lessons or practice time.

The children follow the Kodaly-based curriculum with the freedom to move at their own individual pace. At the end of the junior elementary cycle, children are able to play pentatonic songs on the soprano recorder, transpose music freely between three keys, play pentatonic and diatonic scales and are ready to begin a wind instrument upon entering senior elementary.

Performance Group:

Junior Elementary Choir – Includes all three junior elementary levels. This choir performs at the Christmas concert and the Spring concert.

Senior Elementary Music Program

All senior elementary students begin a goal-based instrumental program. At the end of the junior elementary cycle, children (with the assistance of parents and the music specialist) select a band instrument. Instruction begins in the first year of the senior elementary cycle and continues through the adolescent class.

In addition to applied instruction on a selected instrument, children also follow a music theory curriculum and music listening curriculum. The theory instruction is sequential and uses written worksheets, materials (as needed) and computer software. Children are guided through the music theory specific to their level and encouraged to work in the different categories in which they wish to advance their skills. Categories include: note reading, meter recognition, instrument recognition, intervals, major scales, minor scales, etc.

The music listening curriculum exposes children to various types of music through specific study. For example, students may be asked to listen to music by a certain composer, music of a certain genre or time period or to complete an instrument study. Children keep a journal of their listening assignments in order to evaluate the piece and possibly integrate it into classroom projects in the future.

Performance Groups:

Senior Choir – Includes all three senior elementary levels and the adolescent class. This choir performs at the Christmas concert and the Spring concert.

Band – Includes all senior elementary and adolescent students that have studied their instrument for at least one year. This group performs at the Christmas concert and the Spring concert.

The Music man

Cinderella

La Voce d'Oro

This is an audition-only choir that is specifically for children who would like the opportunity to learn more about vocal production, choral singing and choral repertoire. This group has sung at various locales throughout the city including the Parliament Building (with a private performance for the Prime Minister), the Independent School Fair and the Peace Circle Gathering on Parliament Hill. This group meets for two rehearsals per cycle during the school day.

Broadway Musical

Students ages 9-13 are able to audition for a broadway musical that is presented in the spring of every other school year. Opportunities are available for leading roles with vocal solos, chorus roles (group singing) and technical theatre positions. Rehearsals are held during the school day during the majority of the rehearsal schedule though students must be available for after-school rehearsals during the last three weeks of production. Past productions have included Annie and The Music Man, Cinderella and Guys & Dolls.

Vocal Ensembles and Instrumental Ensembles

Numerous opportunities are available for students who would like to work in small ensembles. There is a small vocal ensemble of ten students that works together on a weekly basis to prepare and lead worship. This ensemble meets regularly throughout the year and also performs at both concerts. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, other ensembles are formed as student interest dictates.

Outside Field Trips

Throughout the year, various trips are planned for different levels to outside concerts and shows. Students have attended NAC concerts, musical theatre productions, and University of Ottawa opera productions. These events occur both during school hours and in the evening.

Open studio is available for students requiring extra help. Every day the music studio is open at a scheduled time so that students may receive individual instruction and additional practice time.