The music program at High Meadows is based on the National Standards as set forth by MENC, the National Association of Music Education. The general music curriculum throughout the grade levels is child-centered, and built upon the Orff philosophy of music education. Singing, movement, instruments, and creative play are all primary components of each music class. Additionally, students in grades K-5 experience playing the guitar, recorder, and percussion instruments. Music technology is integrated into the curriculum through the study of arranging and composition. Concert Band is also offered as part of the regular school day and as an extra-curricular ensemble, depending on student ability level.
The music department employs two full-time certified music teachers and a part-time adjunct instructor. Guest clinicians, artists and conductors provide supplemental instruction throughout the school year.
Elementary Music
The elementary music curriculum at High Meadows is based on the principles of the Orff-Schulwerk process, which integrates all facets of expressing, creating, and performing music. The elements of music - melody, rhythm, texture, harmony, and form - are always in the forefront of carefully planned lessons. The child is always a participant in making music, not a spectator.
For the child, work and play are one in the same. Within Orff-Schulwerk it is possible to make this statement a reality. A child is willing to take risks in a musical environment when he or she knows his or her contributions are important.
Band
Three levels of Concert Band are offered to students in grades 4 - 8, based on age and ability level. Smartmusic is used as a practice and assessment tool in each of the three bands.
Beginning Band: Open to students in grades 4 and 5, this band meets twice weekly for 45 minutes during the school day as the student’s music special. No prior experience on a band instrument is required.
Intermediate Band: Open to students in grades 5 - 8 with at least one year of experience on their instrument, this band meets three mornings each week before school.
Advanced Band: Open to students in grades 6 - 8 only, by audition and with at least two years of experience on their band instrument. Advanced Band is the top performing ensemble at the school. It meets five days a week for 50 minutes. In addition to standard concert band repertoire, this band studies and performs as a jazz band, a marching band, and a percussion ensemble. The Advanced Band attends LGPE, benefits from guest conductors and clinicians, and has a close relationship with the band program at Alan C. Pope High School.
Mini-Courses
Mini-Courses are 6 week exploratory electives open to all students in Middle School.
Guitar I: For students in grades 6 - 8 who have never played guitar, or know only a few chords.
Guitar II: For students in grades 6 - 8 who are already familiar with multiple strum patterns and chord progressions.
Music Tech: For students in grades 6 - 8 who are interested in learning to arrange and compose music using music technology software such as Groovy Music, Finale, and Garage Band.
Percussion Class: For students in grades 6 - 8 interested in the exploration of hand drums, keyboard percussion, drumset, marching percussion, and concert percussion. No prior experience or knowledge of percussion instruments is required.
Extra-curricular Music Ensembles and Clubs
Marching Drumline: The marching drumline is an audition-only ensemble with a limited number of positions open to students with significant experience playing percussion. The drumline performs at High Meadows school events, as well as throughout the community.
Chorus Club: Any student in grades 2 - 5 that enjoys singing all types of music is eligible to participate in this non-performance based ensemble.
Drum Club: Any student in grades K - 2 that loves to drum is invited to participate in this celebration of all kinds of drumming. Drum Club is offered in four week sessions several times throughout the school year.
Music Ensemble: The music ensemble has different forms of participation and instrumentation based on the activities of the group during a given school year.
Technology
Music Technology is utilized by all students in grades K - 8 throughout the school year. The music department hosts a Mac midi lab equipped with Finale, Groovy Music, Smartmusic and Garage Band, as well as an Activboard for full classroom study.
High Meadows School - 1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 770.993.2940 Email: info@highmeadows.org
The music program at High Meadows is based on the National Standards as set forth by MENC, the National Association of Music Education. The general music curriculum throughout the grade levels is child-centered, and built upon the Orff philosophy of music education. Singing, movement, instruments, and creative play are all primary components of each music class. Additionally, students in grades K-5 experience playing the guitar, recorder, and percussion instruments. Music technology is integrated into the curriculum through the study of arranging and composition. Concert Band is also offered as part of the regular school day and as an extra-curricular ensemble, depending on student ability level. 
Mini-Courses are 6 week exploratory electives open to all students in Middle School. 
