Music/Band

Hello Parents of Pulaski,

As the music teacher/band director of Pulaski International School of Chicago, my goal is to strengthen the musical knowledge and creativity of all students. There will be a wide variety of musical styles and genres covered in class. It is important that students receive a full perspective of different cultures and how music has influenced cultures throughout the years. Music is very essential in education because of its connection to the core subjects learned in regular classes (reading, math, science, and history). Not only can the students apply music to what goes on in their general classes, but they also walk away with a new universal language.

Drumaine Green, B.M.Ed

VanderCook College of Music ‘11

Music

Grades K-2

This class will cover the essentials of music making as well as the fundamentals of instrumental music. There is no written work, although students will be graded on performance and participation. The majority of music making will consist of singing and percussion instruments (hand drums).

Grades 3-4

We will cover the fundamentals of music making and take the extra step into ensemble performances. In the beginning of the year, the students will learn basic notes and rhythms through familiar songs. Then, as they become more advanced, they will learn the recorder and various percussion instruments. Students will be graded on performance, participation, and written assessments.

Cadet Band

Grade 5

This is our beginning band for the 5th graders. In this class, students will learn the instruments families, history behind various genres and cultures, and fundamentals of making music on their instrument. There will be two performances held at the school for parents and families. First, there is the Winter Concert which is held before winter vacation. Then, there is the Spring Concert which is held at the end of the year. This class prepares students for understanding music as a whole inside and outside of the classroom as well as preparing them for an outstanding career in music if they choose to do so.

Concert Band

Grade 6-8

Once students complete Cadet Band, they are then eligible for Concert Band. This class prepares the students for high school level music before graduating 8th grade. We are also going to cover history behind specific composers, marching band/jazz band repertoire, and advanced theory and ear training. The Concert Band will perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as other performances throughout the year. By 8th grade, a Concert Band student will have the ability to audition for high school concert bands and City-wide ensembles.

Expectations

Students are required to bring the following to every class session:

  • Pencil #2 (No pens allowed)
  • Instrument*
  • Notebook paper
  • An opened mind

*Students in music class will have instruments provided for them in each class session.

Students in band will have one instrument that can be checked out for home practice.

Student Websites/Resources

Jazz Band

Music Theory

Printable Rhythm Flash Cards