As part of a complete education all students attend regularly scheduled music classes. The first instrument of musical learning the children use is the voice, which the children are taught to use in a manner that is free, natural, expressive, clear, supported, and healthy. The materials used are folk songs, games and dances, and quality composed materials of many cultures, styles, and periods. Skill work includes vocal technique, reading music, accurate use of

musical terminology, and use of classroom musical instruments. Music literacy tools used include moveable do solfege and rhythm syllables as tools in a sequence that matches child development. The individual lessons feature lots of student involvement, concentrated skill activities, and lots of fun.

All students have opportunities to perform, and for those more motivated and capable there are spots for solos and special groups to spotlight their talents. Fifth graders participate in chorus, which performs more often, and sometimes outside of the school as well as for our parents. The children of the Riderwood chorus have performed at statewide and national music education workshops, educational T.V., at local university workshops and clinics, churches, shopping malls, nursing homes, hospitals and as guest artists with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. Riderwood music students have taken part in county, state, and national honors choirs and recorder ensembles.