Every LASD student in 4th through 6th grade receives a foundational music education to inspire an appreciation for music, teach musical concepts, develop life skills, and reinforce a core curriculum that will foster a growth mindset. Junior high students can select from a variety of music electives at Egan and Blach to further their skills and participate in a music community.

Junior High Winter Concert

Why is music important? 

• Music education enhances critical thinking skills, communication skills, problem-solving, creativity, and cultural awareness, and provides a means for artistic expression. As students play music together, they get instant feedback. If it doesn’t sound right, they can make improvements.
• Learning a musical instrument requires a high level of discipline and involves both sides of the brain. When students work hard they get the reward of hearing a good sound from their instrument.
• Musical ensembles give an opportunity to develop teamwork and community. Playing in music groups at an early age could lead to a lifelong hobby.

A Stellar Music Team at the Helm

Five fully credentialed teachers provide music instruction to 1,141 4th-6th grade students at 7 elementary schools. Our talented teachers have a passion for music, play multiple instruments, and perform in community groups. 

Congratulations to LASD Music teacher Joe Chan for being selected as a 2024 Santa Clara County Teacher of the Year.

Overview of the LASD 4th-6th Grade Music Curriculum

4th Grade Music

Students in 4th grade build a musical foundation.

“Music in 4th grade has certainly been a highlight for my child with the introduction of the recorder.” — LASD Parent

• 30 minutes of music instruction per week
• Students learn:
  • Basic music terms and notation
  • Proper vocal technique
  • Singing in two or three parts
• Two concerts per year: winter and spring
• Recorder unit in the spring

5th and 6th Grade Music

Students in 5th and 6th grade can choose to participate in Orchestra or Band, and at several schools where there is strong interest, 6th graders can also opt to take Music Exploration.

Orchestra

Students can choose to play the violin, viola, or cello.

• Video of 5th and 6th grade orchestra.
• Orchestra students receive 60 minutes of instruction each week
• 5th grade has a ½ hour sectional and ½ hour of ensemble
• 6th grade has 1 hour of ensemble once a week
• Technique — bow hold, posture, bowing (slurs, staccato, legato, martelé), pizzicato
• Notation — note reading, tempo, dynamic markings, accidentals, rhythm
• Playing one-octave scales (D, G, A Major)
• Repertoire — historical, geographical, cultural connections
• Listening/Playing together in 4-part harmony
• Concerts — Strictly Strings, String Fling, school concerts in the winter and spring. 6th-grade orchestras perform with the junior high orchestras.

Band

Students can choose to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. 6th-graders also have the option to play the saxophone.

• Video of 5th & 6th-grade band
• Band students receive 60 minutes of instruction each week
• 5th grade has ½ hour of sectional and ½ hour of ensemble
• 6th grade has 1 hour of ensemble
• Technique - posture, embouchure, hand position, breathing, tonguing
• Music Reading - Whole, half, quarter, eighth & dotted rhythms, Bb & Eb Concert scales
• Music Terms - Temp, Accidentals, Dynamics, Fermata, 1st and 2nd Endings
• Winter and Spring Concerts
• Band Nights at Egan and Blach
  • preparation for the band at junior high and high school

6th graders from all seven elementary school bands perform at Junior Olympics.

Music Exploration

For students who choose not to participate in Band or Orchestra.
Offered at schools where there is enough interest.

• 5th grade meets twice a week for 30 minutes of class
• 6th grade meets once a week for 60 minutes of class
•  Ever-changing interest-based projects or lessons, which might include
  • theme projects
  • composing music
  • ukulele
  • bucket drumming
  • music created through technology (Garage band, Google Slides, etc.)
• Quaver Online Curriculum
• Video of a Music Exploration concert

Junior High

Students can continue to pursue their interests by taking LAEF-funded music electives in 7th and 8th grade, including Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Guitar (at Egan).

The Los Altos Education Foundation (LAEF) funds LASD music teachers. 

Thank you to all who have donated to LAEF this school year. You are giving every 4th-8th grade student access to an excellent music education.

Music Concerts

Each school year, students in grades 3-8 perform concerts in the winter and spring. Here's this year's schedule:

2024 Winter Concert Dates

Springer – Monday, December 2 at 1 pm
Loyola – Tuesday, December 3 at 1 pm
Oak – Friday, December 6 at 1 pm
Covington – Wednesday, December 11 at 1 pm 
Gardner Bullis – Friday, December 13 at 1 pm
Almond – Monday, December 16 at 1 pm
Santa Rita – Wednesday, December 18 at 1 pm
Blach 7th grade – Wednesday, December 11 at 7 pm
Blach 8th grade – Thursday, December 12 at 7 pm
Egan – Thursday, December 12 at 7 pm

2025 Spring Concert Dates

Loyola – May 6, 2025, 1 pm
Gardner Bullis – May 9, 2025, 1 pm
Almond – May 12, 2025, 1 pm
Covington – May 14, 2025, 1 pm
Oak – May 16, 2025, 1 pm
Springer – May 19, 2025, 1 pm
Santa Rita – May 21, 2025, 1 pm

Learn more about why music education benefits our students. 

"The Importance of Music in Education— 13 Benefits", Nord Anglia, 2020

"The Importance of Music Education in Schools", Amanda Martin, 2020

"How playing an instrument benefits your brain", Anita Collins, TEDEd Lessons Worth Sharing

Find out what's happening in other LAEF-funded programs this school year.