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Whether performed,
perceived, or created, MUSIC possesses unique qualities that
can promote a child’s affective and cognitive development.
The mission of the music education program of the Chesapeake
Public Schools is to empower students to experience music
as a source of personal enrichment, as a vehicle for the constructive
expression of emotion, and as a complex intellectual discipline.
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Inherent in that goal is the development of skills in the areas
of music literacy, music performance, and critical thinking, as well as the fostering of life-long enjoyment and
appreciation of music.
Overview
Music education is an integral part of the overall curriculum of the Chesapeake Public Schools.
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See how music
education and
your child's classes unite hand-in-hand.
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With this in mind,
a structured, sequenced program of instruction has been developed. It is aligned with the Virginia Music Standards
of Learning which are organized in four content strands: Perform, Create, Investigate, and Connect.
- The Perform content strand includes activities in which students demonstrate their mastery of musical
concepts through singing, playing instruments, and moving to music.
- The Create content strand highlights self-expression and use of notational tools in creating original
compositions as well as improvising, both vocally and instrumentally.
- The Investigate content strand involves theoretical skills such as notating, reading, and analyzing music,
as well as historical perspective and evaluative tools.
- The Connect content strand explores the commonalities between music and other disciplines.
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Although presented separately for organizational purposes, the content strands are integrated throughout music
instruction at all grade levels. They provide the framework that guides the instructional process and shapes the
activity or experience.
All elementary students in the first through fifth grades receive weekly instruction in music. Fifth-grade
students may choose to participate in beginning string orchestra classes. An elective, performance-based
program of study in band, chorus, and orchestra is provided in grades 6 through 12. In addition, non-performance
music electives, including music theory, music survey, and beginning guitar, are offered at the high school level.
Each year, computer technology plays an increasing role as a valuable tutorial and instructional resource in all
music classes.
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