Grades 2 – 4 Music

Music at Punahou for grades 2 – 4 is based on the premise that children learn music by creating it in a playful process using singing, listening, speech, movement, and playing instruments. This process helps to develop understanding and reinforce the use of musical concepts like rhythm, melody, harmony, expression and form. Students begin by imitating musical ideas, then experiment with them, learn to identify and describe them, and ultimately compose their own music and accompaniments.  Musical activities include learning songs, dances, games, body percussion, and performing on Orff instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, and a plethora of percussion such as drums, tambourines and shakers. In third grade, students begin to learn the ‘ukulele and in fourth grade, we introduce the recorder and continue instruction on ‘ukulele and instruments in the Orff orchestra.