At Morris, all students have the opportunity to participate in music making in a safe welcoming environment. Our program utilizes both the Kodaly and Orff approaches to music education.

Kodaly - The Kodaly approach is based on the simple premise that music, being an aural art, should be learned with the ears before the eyes. Children learn their native language by ear before they learn to read and write. This same natural process has proven successful when teaching music. In Pre-K through first grade, students develop accurate singing voices and learn to sing independently and in groups. They develop the ability to maintain a steady beat while singing. These are "pre-literacy" skills necessary for learning to read and write music notation. Music literacy instruction begins in second grade. Materials used include folk songs, traditional folk dances, music games, poems and classical music.

Orff - The Orff approach to music education is based on things children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, dance, and keep a beat on anything near at hand. The Orff Schulwerk (schoolwork) uses poems, rhymes, games, songs and dances as examples and basic materials. These may be traditional or original. The special Orff melody instruments include wooden xylophones and metal glockenspiels that offer good sound immediately. Played together as a small orchestra, their use helps children become sensitive listeners and considerate participants.

The music curriculum is based on national music frameworks.
For further information regarding the frameworks, click the link below.

For further information regarding our Band and Chorus offerings, visit our Student Life Music.

DESE Standards for the Arts - listed by grade