Music Mrs. Morris is our school's music teacher. The National Standards for music are incorporated into the music curriculum and include: singing alone and in a group, performing on instruments alone and in a group, improvising melodies, composing and arranging music, reading and notating music, listening to, analyzing and describing music, evaluating music and performance, and understanding music in relation to history and culture. Music concepts, skills, and techniques are presented in a variety of ways at each grade level. Movement activities, instrument playing, singing, listening, composition, and large/small group projects are a few of the methods used to present music lessons. Historical periods and genres are studied and discussed with the songs we listen to and sing. As we study composers, we also discuss the historical period and the influences of the "time" upon the music. Music demands that students be active participants by singing, playing instruments, movement, dance, composing, and creating. Even a listening activity requires student involvement, since listening requires focused attention. Music is a lifelong learning experience whether as a performer or a consumer listener. Singing reinforces proper speech and breathing skills. Playing instruments aid hand-eye coordination. Listening requires focused attention and helps to increase attention span. Movement and dance benefit coordination and locomotor skills. Choir is an extra curricular activity that allows 4th and 5th grade students to develop choral skills and music reading skills. The choir is an active group that performs for the community and has performed for the Indiana Music Educators Association, the Indiana Elementary Principals, the Indiana State House during March for the Arts, and America Sings! In Washington, D.C.