Music

Lower School Music Philosophy

The purpose of the Lower School Music Program is to help each boy discover and develop his natural love of music. Five major areas of study and performance are used to heighten students' awareness and understanding of musical concepts, as well as to provide a means of self-expression and enjoyment: singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, and notation. Singing is emphasized, and movement and dramatization often accompany songs. The students learn to play Orff instruments as well as other percussion instruments individually, in small groups, and in larger ensembles. Hearing "what's happening" in the music; understanding the role of composers, conductors, songwriters and performers; moving to the beat and feel of the music; and reading and writing at a basic level serve to enhance each student's appreciation and assimilation of the musical concepts being presented. Focus on rhythm, pitch differentiation, timbre, dynamics, and improvisation is given at each grade level in greater depth. Folded into the elementary music curriculum is the Composer-of-the-Month series in which students learn about the life and works of nine famous composers. Class presentations during assembly programs are given at various points throughout the school year and at special events. The two culminating performances of the year are the Holiday Program in December and the Lower School Closing Assembly in June.

The purpose of the Music Program is to help each boy discover and develop his natural love of music.

Middle School Music Philosophy

By the time he enters Middle School, a Browning student has already received training in five fundamental aspects of music: singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, and notation. The focus of the Middle School Music Program is on expanding the students' awareness and appreciation of the more subtle aspects of these five areas of musical experience. Building upon the Lower School training, fluency in reading notation and performing instrumental music as an ensemble is stressed in the Middle School.