Music

The music program is intended to engage children in active learning experiences that will both promote lifelong appreciation of music and equip students with the skills and understanding necessary to participate in music making during their years at DDS and beyond. Through singing; informed listening to a wide variety of music that spans centuries, continents, and cultures; exposure to playing an assortment of instruments alone and with others; reading music; composing and improvising; movement to music; and building a mountain dulcimer, students are afforded the opportunity to discover and develop strengths and to take risks in unfamiliar areas. For students in grades 4-8, private study with specialists is offered on many instruments. There are two choral ensembles, one for grades 3-5 and the other for grades 6-8. There is a small jazz ensemble as well. The entire school collaborates in a large holiday concert each December and our performing ensembles offer a second concert in the spring. A spring student recital also gives students studying privately an opportunity to perform at school as soloists. Dutchess Day students have the chance to participate in all-county symphonic ensembles and choruses. Our students have also performed at local retirement homes and at collaborative music festivals in the United States and Canada.

“Through singing; informed listening; exposure to playing an assortment of instruments; reading music; composing and improvising; movement to music; and building a mountain dulcimer, students are afforded the opportunity to discover and develop strengths and to take risks in unfamiliar areas.”