The mission of the performing arts department in Hanover County is to equip students with the skills to communicate through music and drama, with the understanding that these art forms are an important universal language and foundationally basic to our society and other cultures.
Music at SAES
Ms. Brittany Brooks serves as our music teacher. All students in grades k–5 participate in music instruction for 45 minutes each week, along with extra music enrichment classes for one quarter of the academic year. Students develop an understanding of music through experiences in singing, playing instruments, listening, and moving. Music instruction at SAES is rooted in the Orff approach which encourages students in all grade levels to create music through play. This approach highlights the values of creativity and improvisation, often using movement, speech and drama along with traditional music notation to teach musical concepts. In addition to the general music class, fourth and fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in our extra-curricular ensembles, the Spirit Rider Singers and The Spirit Rider Strikers!
Classroom Instruments
Classroom instruments are utilized by all students in grades k–5 and encompass a diverse range of pitched mallet percussion instruments, such as xylophones, as well as various unpitched percussion instruments, including hand drums, cowbells, and maracas.
Recorders
Fourth-grade students may learn how to play the recorder. The recorder presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce note reading and increase rhythmic reading skills and music appreciation. In addition, students develop skills such as playing in an ensemble, producing a correct tone, improving fine motor skills and coordination.
Ukulele
We are fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of a grant that provided a classroom set of ukuleles to every elementary school in the county. Because of this generous gift, ukulele instruction is a part of our general music curriculum. Students learn the history of the ukulele, parts of the ukulele, string names, proper playing position, and basic chords. Upper elementary students will be given the opportunity to explore playing the ukulele.
Other Opportunities to Perform
Spirit Rider Singers - Chorus
Chorus is open to our fourth and fifth grade students. Those in the chorus concentrate on foundational choral skills and behaviors, such as tone quality, balance, harmonization, and proper singing techniques. The chorus has two performances each year. Additionally, fifth graders have the chance to audition for the All-County Chorus, a select group that showcases their talents at the spring Arts and Sciences Festival.
Spirit Rider Strikers - Orff Ensemble
The Orff Ensemble is an exclusive group open to fourth and fifth-grade students. Members focus on reading music notation, developing mallet techniques, and acquiring foundational ensemble skills. As a performance group, the repertoire is more demanding than what students typically encounter in our regular music classes. The ensemble performs twice a year, during the winter and spring.
Performing Arts Philosophy
We believe…
- Performing arts education is essential for all students.
- Performing arts education is a sequential process integrated with other fields of study.
- Music and theater function together as a universal language that reflects society.
- Performing arts education teaches history, math, science, cultures, and aesthetics.
- Performing arts education allows for the manipulation of the expressive qualities of each unique art form.
- Performing arts education can and should promote the understanding and use of an artistic vocabulary for the purpose of evaluating both student and professional performances.
- Performing arts education thrives in a safe and positive learning environment.
- Performing arts education provides opportunities to increase a positive self-concept.
- Everyone can learn successfully in a differentiated atmosphere.