The music program offers every child at Frostwood music experiences and curriculum taught by certified music education specialists: Julie Sykes and Terri Humphries. We believe that through a variety of successful musical experiences all students’ lives are enhanced. We are attempting to plant seeds of knowledge and experience that will inspire our students to life-long musical endeavors as participants or patrons.
Our curriculum is an eclectic blend based upon the philosophy of composer and music educator, Zoltan Kodaly. We agree with his philosophy that only the best is good enough for our children. Musical understanding is achieved through active and joyous participation: singing, clapping, moving, playing instruments, and reading. Through focused listening as well, students learn about the various aspects of music such as tempo, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, form, and timbre. Our methods are structured and sequential with the ultimate objective being musical literacy on the highest aesthetic level. The musical skill building is achieved only after much experience with various types of folk songs and composed songs from around the world. In every music lesson, the students sing, both individually and as an ensemble.
Technology is incorporated within this curriculum as well. Students are encouraged to record themselves at school and at home using the recording software Audacity.
In fourth grade students’ learning of note reading is emphasized through the study of the the wind instrument called the recorder. Research has shown that learning to play a musical instrument is “brain friendly” and enhances learning in all areas.
Performances and Programs:
In addition to performing in class, Frostwood typically has one grade level PTA sponsored musical per year. The grade level that is to perform changes in a sequence so that hopefully each student that starts Frostwood at first grade will have been in at least one grade level stage production by the time they get to 5th grade.
Music Teachers:
Julie Sykes has enjoyed teaching music and choirs since 1985. She received her all-level Bachelor of Music Education degree with a vocal performance certificate from The University of Texas at Austin. She is also state certified to teach Secondary Spanish. She has been teaching music at Frostwood Elementary since 1990, and she is a past director of the Spring Branch Girls Choir. Prior to teaching in Spring Branch ISD, she taught in Fort Bend ISD and at St. Austin Catholic School (K-8) in Austin, Texas. She is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association.
Terri Humphries has enjoyed teaching music in Spring Branch ISD since 1974. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University and a Master of Music degree from The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Her principal instrument is the oboe. She is very happy to be working part time at Frostwood.