Curriculum Overview

South Orangetown students begin receiving general music instruction in Kindergarten, where they learn the vocabulary of music in keeping with the New York State Standards of Learning. By the time the students finish the fifth grade, they have been instructed in reading music, recognizing rhythms, singing on pitch, playing the recorder (which begins in third grade) and performance on the Orff mallet instruments, an internationally recognized forum of music education.

Our instrumental program begins in the fourth grade, where students can receive instruction on a woodwind, brass, percussion or string instrument. We’re very happy to say that on an average, 75% of all fourth graders elected to take music lessons and overall, approximately 60% of the students at Cottage Lane are taking weekly music instruction.

 

In the middle school, the music program continues and begins to expand its’ horizons and areas of expertise. Students can partake in Sixth Grade chorus,  7^th & 8^th Chorale and Concert Choir. We have a Chamber Orchestra, 6th Grade String Orchestra and a Concert Orchestra; a Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. All students (except 6th grade vocalists) receive one lesson on a rotating basis within the six-day cycle. Our classroom music classes  (Explore) are given in all three years at the middle school. This class consists of learning piano skills as well as music fundamentals both in class and in the computer .

 

Over the years, our students and ensembles have been recognized by membership in All-State and other NYSSMA (New York State Music Association) Ensembles. At TZHS students may partake in the Madrigal Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Select Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir, Acafella and Handbell Ensemble. Chamber Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Small Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band & Pep Band are also on-going and for the most part, regularly scheduled ensembles. Weekly Lessons are scheduled for all instrumentalists.