Music

Music

In Greenhill’s music program, students sing in harmony, play in a jazz combo, or perform orchestral numbers with peers on the stage. Students gain musical proficiency and a deep appreciation for the arts as they explore, create, and express themselves musically.

• Prekindergarten – First Grade
• Second – Fourth Grade
• Middle School
• Upper School

Prekindergarten – First Grade

Students explore voice, rhythm, and basic musical concepts through singing, dancing, and playing simple percussion and Orff instruments. They are introduced to reading and writing basic rhythms and solfège syllables.

Skills Developed: Tunefulness, rhythm understanding and recognition, basic note reading, and vocal development. 

Second – Fourth Grade

Students expand their rhythmic vocabulary and pitch sets using solfège, and they start to learn simple meters and instrumental techniques on percussion and barred instruments. Movement is also a key component of the curriculum, helping students internalize form, character, and rhythm. Students also experiment with generating their own material.

Skills Developed: Understanding of pitch, rhythm, and ensemble playing, instrumental skills, performance experience, and music reading.

Middle School (5th – 8th Grade)

Fifth- and sixth-grade students engage in a yearlong music choice (band, orchestra, or choir (sixth grade only)). In seventh and eighth grades, students may continue a yearlong music selection as an elective option. Students deepen their understanding of their chosen musical electives. 

Skills Developed: Instrumental and vocal techniques, effective practice strategies, and specialized performance skills.

Upper School (9th – 12th Grade)

Students can take yearlong music courses in band, strings, or choir, with advanced opportunities in smaller ensembles, jazz band, composition, drumline, and pep band. These classes cover music theory, performance, and technology, preparing students for college-level music studies or a career in music.

Skills Developed: Advanced musical literacy, ensemble skills, and specialized training through advanced tutorials.