From the time students enter their first music class all the way through their music education, they learn to listen to music and match pitch. In the early grades, we match pitch with our voices. Later, that skill also transfers to playing  instruments in tune.

The first graders start with very simple echo songs. By the time students are in 3rd grade, we work on more complex singing and listening skills. Right now, students are learning to sing rounds. As they learn to hear pitches in their minds, their singing improves.

This week the 3rd grade classes began learning the song “Make New Friends.” (Some of you might remember it from Girl Scouts.) Mr. VanMilligan’s class tried it as a round for the first time today! Listen here.

Fourth and fifth graders increase listening skills further as they practice matching pitch on recorders (as well as instruments in band & orchestra), and as they sing partner songs and songs in two-part harmony. Look for more recordings  in the future!