Music

Music in Lower School
Music-making in the Lower School is an active process where children begin their journeys as singers, instrumentalists, movers, and creators. Students learn music similar to the way one acquires a new language; music is primarily taught by ear, with students experiencing and creating music before they learn to read and write musical notation. All students have access to a comprehensive and varied curriculum centered on popular music, world music, and instrumental instruction.

Grades Pre-K - 2

In Grades Pre-K - Grade 2, our youngest musicians develop their confidence as musicians and learn what it means to be part of a supportive, caring musical community. They learn how to use their voice in healthy, sustainable ways, as well as build upon fundamental musicianship skills through movement, games, and playing a variety of percussion instruments. Through guest visits, show-and-tells, and other hands-on experiences in the classroom, students learn what it means to be a respectful audience member, a kind participant, and a supportive classmate. Special units include a unit on Japanese Taiko in first grade and a unit on Indonesian music and culture in second grade.

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade Music Classes meet twice-per-week for thirty minutes, and Second Grade Music Classes meet twice-per-week for forty-five minutes.

Pre-K- Grade 2 students perform in one concert each year in May.

Grades 3 - 4

In Grades 3 - 4, students begin their two year journey on the concert ukulele. Students learn how to read, write, and play simple folk songs in treble clef notation and eventually transition to chord based songs that they can sing and play with their friends. Throughout the unit, students are learning associated vocabulary, including pop song harmonic language and form, and how fretted instruments function. This unit prepares students for their transition to modern band instruments in Upper School music.

Grades 3 - 4 students perform in one concert each year in May.

Music in Upper School

In the Upper School emphasis is put on reading and writing music and understanding musical symbols and vocabulary. Students study music from a historical perspective and experience music from various genres.

With the help of the Garage Band app, students learn to create music in a digital environment and be able to develop their individual musical skills. Students have a chance to see and use the techniques that help create the music they listen to on a regular basis.

Upper School Music Descriptions by Grade

Grade Five

Fifth grade is students’ first year in the Upper School Music program. fifth graders begin their arts rotation with music. Students meet 5 times in a 10 day rotation for 55 minutes per class. We use our term together to build foundational skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. All of our students learn how to play all of the instruments, and then we form small bands. Working in small groups helps students develop strong interpersonal skills as well as independence. In their bands, they learn how to cover pop music from a range of time periods. Through this performance-based curriculum, students continue to develop their sense of rhythm, pitch, and listening skills. The term culminates in an in-school performance for their peers.

Grade Six

Students in sixth grade continue to develop the skills they worked on in fifth grade. Students meet 5 times in a 10 day rotation for 55 minutes per class. They expand their chord and drum pattern vocabulary, and add new guitar strum patterns as well. With these added skills, students are able to perform increasingly complex songs. Students continue to work in small groups to develop their interpersonal and self-advocacy skills. Students start to take charge of their learning by learning how to find chord charts on their own, and how to find outside resources that can help them learn a song. The term culminates in an in-school performance for their peers.

Grade Seven

By seventh grade, students will be increasingly confident performers on their instruments. Students meet 5 times in a 10 day rotation for 55 minutes per class. We continue to add more chords and drum patterns to their musical vocabulary, and also start to introduce simple picking and fingerpicking patterns. On bass, we start to introduce melodic bass lines. With these new skills, students are able to create increasingly accurate covers of pop songs. Students start to take more control of their learning, choosing their band members, songs, and instruments. Student autonomy is a major focus of our curriculum. Students work on learning how to learn songs, empowering them to be lifelong music makers capable of learning and playing music alone and with others. The term culminates in an evening performance open to families and the larger school community.

Grades 8-9

By the time students reach eighth grade, they have had three years to explore the various art forms offered at Pike. In eighth grade, they choose one art form to take a deep-dive into for the entire year. In music, we work on learning and writing songs that will collectively form a theme for a concert. Students will learn songs from a wide range of genres and time periods, and learn the art of songwriting. As part of this course, we will have guest musicians visit both in-person and virtually to share their experiences and craft as songwriters and performers. These experiences will give students the opportunity to engage with high level musicians, and learn about the variety of processes artists take for crafting songs. Students perform in a Winter and Spring concert open to families and the larger school community.

Music Opportunities Outside of the Classroom

The Pike school offers a wide variety of full-year performing arts ensembles including Lower School Orchestra, Upper School Orchestra, Pike Chorus, Gamelan Sleeping Fox, Pikeappella, and Pitch Pikes, which are included in a students’ tuition. While these programs are included in tuition, these courses require advanced registration and a full-year commitment on behalf of the students.

Lower School

Please note that all of these opportunities are included in the cost of tuition.

Lower School String Orchestra I (Grades 2 - 5)
Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
L is an ensemble for beginner students who are interested in learning how to play a string instrument (e.g., violin, viola, cello, or double bass) in an ensemble setting. The Pike School coordinates instrument rentals with families via a partnership with Johnson Strings. Rentals will be billed through your Pike account. There will be a required instrument fitting scheduled during the first full week of school. If you have questions about the rental process or the ensemble before signing up, then please email Mr. Philips at gphilips@pikeschool.org.

Check out this video to hear what each instrument in the string section sounds like: BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Strings
*Harp is not an available instrument for the Lower School Orchestra at Pike.

Please note: Lower School Orchestra I & II are full-year programs. Students who join are expected to remain throughout the year and participate in all scheduled performances. This commitment is critical in ensuring the best ensemble experience for all players.

Scheduled After School Performances for the 2026-2027 School Year
Wednesday, June 2, 2027, 8:30 a.m. - Joint Lower & Upper School Orchestra Performance
Please note: We will have regular rehearsal in the morning from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. as our dress rehearsal for the performance.

Lower School String Orchestra II (Grades 3 - 5)
Fridays from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Lower School String Orchestra II is an ensemble for students who have already been a part of Lower School Orchestra I for at least one full year and/or have been enrolled in private lessons for at least a year. In this group, students will continue to hone their skills on their respective string instruments in an ensemble setting. The Pike School coordinates instrument rentals with families via a partnership with Johnson Strings. Rentals will be billed through your Pike account. There will be a required instrument fitting scheduled during the first full week of school. If you have questions about the rental process or the ensemble before signing up, then please email Mr. Philips. If your child is new to Pike, please email Mr. Philips at gphilips@pikeschool.org to discuss which orchestra level is the best fit for your child.

Please Note: Lower School Orchestra I & II are full-year programs. Students who join are expected to remain throughout the year and participate in all scheduled performances. This commitment is critical in ensuring the best ensemble experience for all players.

Scheduled After School Performances for the 2026-2027 School Year
Wednesday, June 2, 2027, 8:30 a.m. - Joint Lower & Upper School Orchestra Performance
Please note: We will have regular rehearsal in the morning from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. as our dress rehearsal for the performance.

Pike Chorus (Grades 2 - 4)
Mondays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Pike Chorus is an ensemble for students who love to sing and would like to build their confidence as a performer. We learn songs in unison and two-part harmony, developing a foundation for lifelong, healthy singing. All voices are welcome in this group regardless of prior experience. Please email Mr. Viani at eviani@pikeschool.org with any questions.

Please Note: Pike Chorus is a full year program, and students who register are expected to remain throughout the year and participate in all scheduled performances. This commitment is critical in ensuring the best ensemble experience for all players.