Music

Music education is an important part of the development of the whole child. At River West Park, we provide creative musical experiences at every level through the Orff process. The Orff process is based on each child’s nat­ural musical inclinations and draws upon games, chant, song, movement, folk dance, drama as well as playing pitched and non-pitched instruments.

All of our students play the barred instruments and a great variety of percussion instruments from kindergarten through grade 5. Recorder is introduced in grade 3 and continues until grade 5. The recorder is an invaluable instrument that develops note reading and ensemble skills.

Band

We believe that exposure to playing an instrument is an integral part of every child’s education. That’s why every student takes band in grade 6. Students in grade 6 will spend the year learning to play an orchestral woodwind, brass or percussion instrument, where they will learn skills such as teamwork, independence, problem-solving and perseverance (in addition to actually playing their instrument).

As students progress to grades 7 and 8 band, they will encounter numerous opportunities for musical enrichment as they develop their instrumental skills. The school band performs a winter and a spring concert for the community and annually takes part in the Beginners Band Festival. Many of our students continue with band as a focus of study through their high school years.