Students at South Side Elementary School take part in a variety of activities in music class.  These are designed to help children develop musical skills and to know and appreciate many different styles of music.

 The focus of the 40-minute, weekly class is on the basic elements of music: melody, harmony, rhythm, form and tone color. Activities encourage cooperation, performance and enjoyment.

Singing activities include songs from our American folk tradition, songs from many different parts of the world, patriotic and holiday songs, and songs that are part of music dramas. 

Students listen to music written in many styles and become familiar with many kinds of performing groups.  Movement is also a basic part of our program. In addition, time is spent playing simple instruments and discovering basic concepts about how music is put together.  Band instrument lessons are offered in Grade 5.

The music curriculum follows the National Standards and the Pennsylvania State standards.

 National Standards for Music Education

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

5. Reading and notating music.

6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

7. Evaluating music and music performances.

8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

The Pennsylvania Academic Standards for the Arts and Humanities

9.1. Production, Performance and Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts
9.2. Historical and Cultural Contexts
9.3. Critical Response
9.4. Aesthetic Response