Grade Five Music Summary of Learning

Here is what Grade Five students will be learning in Music this year:

In term 1, students are introduced to the ukulele and learn the basic structure and

composition of the instrument as well as its history and use. Students learn basic

technique on the ukulele including posture, strumming, and interpreting chord symbols.

Self-recording via Seesaw is used as a portfolio builder and progress tracker, while in-

class playalongs provide an immersive experience and allow basic elements of

musicianship to be absorbed naturally.

In term 2, students participate in the school Christmas concert by singing and learning

choreography as a class ensemble. They apply what they have learned over several

performances, building confidence and stage presence. Additionally, students will

continue to develop their musicianship on the ukulele, continuing from term 1. Exploring

more complex strum patterns and more difficult chord progressions, students will

continue to chart their progress digitally.

In term 3, students advance in their understanding of the ukulele by learning more

complex strum patterns and bar chords, and by learning the 12-bar blue form and

incorporating it into an original composition. Students learn basic melodies on the

ukulele and rehearse in small and large "ukulele choir" groupings. Students will also use

boomwhackers to play polyphonic/multi-voice melodies, both classical and popular, to

reinforce basic elements of musicianship in an ensemble setting.