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 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.

LASD's Annual "Strictly Strings" 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 our students. The LASD music program is designed to inspire an appreciation for music, teach musical concepts, develop life skills, and reinforce a core curriculum that will foster a growth mindset for all students. Our talented teachers play multiple instruments, perform in community groups, and arrange, compose and record music in their spare time.

LASD Music Teachers: Jason Braun, Joanna Dahl, Joe Chan, Corrie Dunn, and Jason Locsin

Five fully credentialed teachers provide music instruction to our students. They teach 1,141 4th-6th grade students at 7 elementary schools. Our talented teachers play multiple instruments, perform in community groups, and arrange, compose, and record music in their spare time. During class time, they often engage students by playing songs that interest them. 

Five fully credentialed teachers provide music instruction to our students. They teach 1,141 4th-6th grade students at 7 elementary schools. Our talented teachers play multiple instruments.  When they’re not teaching Music at one of our seven elementary schools, you will find them following their passion for music by participating in music community groups and furthering their studies of playing instruments and music education.

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, February 2023

• 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
• Instrument Quest
  • Students choose from seven instruments for 5th Grade Music which are demonstrated by the music teachers 
  • Students have the option to try out instruments at West Valley Music

5th and 6th Grade Music

Students in 5th and 6th grade can choose to participate in Orchestra, Band, or Music Exploration.

Orchestra

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

• 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 winter and spring
• Video of a 5th Grade Orchestra concert

Band

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

• 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 schools perform at Junior Olympics (memorized)
• Video of 6th-grade band

Music Exploration

For students who choose not to participate in Band or Orchestra.

• 5th grade meets twice a week for 30 minutes of class
• 6th grade meets once a week for 60 minutes of class
• Interest-based projects/lessons
  • 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

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

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.

2023 Spring Music Concerts

Santa Rita – Monday, May 15 at 1 pm

Almond – Tuesday, May 16 at 1 pm

Covington – Wednesday, May 17 at 1 pm

Oak – Friday, May 19 at 1 pm

Springer – Monday, May 22 at 1 pm

Gardner Bullis – Tuesday, May 23 at 1 pm

Loyola – Wednesday, May 24 at 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.