It’s 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon, and I’m heading downstairs to observe a 1st Grade music class. My mind travels back to early childhood memories: happily sitting amongst my classmates as we sang familiar seasonal songs, that triumphant feeling that came as I stepped away from the piano at the annual recital with my peers. Years later, my appreciation for a piece beautifully played on the piano, a musician’s ability to improvise around a particular rhythm, and a choir’s ability to command a large room is ever-present.

 

   

Stepping into music class, I smile as I watch our six-year-olds actively involved from the minute they enter the room singing to the moment they leave. In 30 minutes, they collaborate in pairs or in small groups to choreograph a dance with movements aligned to specific musical phrases; three students play the xylophone; three others read out lyrics; and three others still dance to a particular rhythm — each group part of a larger piece that comes together only when every member plays their part.

 

I am confident our 1st Graders will have joy-filled memories of their early music classes. I also know that, thanks to Aedín’s commitment to designing an experiential, integrated, progressive lesson, the seeds planted in Tuesday’s music class will blossom into skills and habits of mind our children will utilize for the rest of their lives, whenever they are called upon to demonstrate creativity, courage, non-verbal communication, spatial awareness, or refined social skills. Once again, I am reminded of how honored I am to have joined such a talented faculty. 

 

Best, 

Faith Hunter