Through sequenced fine arts instruction, Wicomico County strives to instill in students a knowledge of the world’s diverse fine arts and cultural heritage, a knowledge of fine arts skills for experiencing our complex environment, and a foundation for future arts experiences. Fine Arts instruction is essential to a well-rounded education for all students at all levels. The nature of arts instruction reflected in this curriculum guide relies heavily upon student participation in authentic and rigorous experiences that allow students to create, present, respond, and connect.

Music education provides a vehicle through which students can fulfill a variety of developmental needs. As an interrelated and vital part of the total school experience, it supports and intensifies learning. Music provides students with the opportunity to develop their intellect, individual sensitivity, psychomotor skills and social skills. Through music, students also develop an understanding and appreciation of the multicultural society in which they live. Further, music is a discipline with sequential knowledge and skills that promote self-discipline and positive self-esteem. Because of the ordered nature of the elements of music, students learn to think with increasing complexity. And, because of the creative potential in music, they learn to think in divergent ways. It is through organized, sequential music instruction, therefore, that we educate the whole child.

The Wicomico County Public Schools provides a comprehensive music program which leads to the development of:

• the skills necessary to perceive, perform, and respond to music;

• an understanding of music as an essential aspect of history and human experience;

• the ability to creatively organize musical ideas and sounds;

• the ability to make aesthetic judgments.

During the elementary years, a comprehensive music program will be one in which the student can realize individual potential through singing, moving, listening, playing, describing, and creating. The student will become acquainted with the many facets of music provided in and out of the classroom. The students will also become acquainted with the effects and role of music in their culture as well as various other cultures. The process will be one where the student is not only the observer or participant, but also the creator.

It is recommended that a daily music lesson includes a variety of musical activities that involve students in the music-making experience. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Singing

• Active Listening

• Moving expressively

• Playing classroom instruments

• Creating musical sounds and notation

• Improvising

• Evaluating

• Self and Peer Assessment

• Refining