Music at Swanton School
Cultural Programming for 2009-2010
Jeh Kulu!
For several years, Swanton students have enjoyed a variety of performances at school by visiting artists. These events have been made possible by funding from the school's endowment, the Tabor Fund, and by the Swanton Schools' PTO. This year is especially exciting and represents the largest financial commitment yet, nearly $5000, to bring top level performances to Swanton students.
We know many parents would love to join us for these special events, but due to fire code and capacity concerns, these events are for students only. We'll be sure to post photos of the performers here on our web page!
Sixth Grade Xylophone Group
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In recent years the music department was able to purchase, with school funds, a set of seven Orff xylophones. The set includes bass, alto, and soprano xylophones, alto and soprano metallophones, and alto and soprano glockenspiels. These instruments are frequently used in Central School music classes and are also used by the 6th grade xylophone group. This is a group of 7 students who give up recess every Friday to work on more advanced music with performance as a goal.
This year, the xylo group is working on a song called "Canon" which can be played in unison, as a 7-part round, or as a two-part song with melody and harmony. They also have a 3-part song called " Wish I Were a Grapefruit" that includes a tone cluster based on the 5-note pentatonic scale. The tone cluster is fun to play because students can choose any of the 5 notes and can change their notes each time.
"Canon" in unison 
"Canon" in two parts
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We hope you will attend the winter band concert in January and hear the xylo group in their first performance!
Vocal Music
by Mrs. Ewell, Instructor
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The vocal and general music program in Swanton Schools provides
students in all grades opportunities to sing songs, play instruments,
listen to many kinds of music, learn musical skills and music history,
practice performance skills, and make connections with other areas of
learning and their lives outside of school. Lessons are often linked
with social studies, literature, or science units. The music department
is well-supplied with songs and instruments from all over the world,
and ethnic music is an important part of the curriculum. Life-long
appreciation and understanding of music is a priority, and the skills
Swanton students acquire in music class will have positive benefits in
other areas of their school careers.
Instrumental Music
by Mrs. Messier, Instructor
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The instrumental music program is designed to provide opportunities for participants to learn about many aspects of music primarily through instrumental music performance. Interested students usually rent instruments and take small group lessons for one year before joining Advanced Band. There are two instrumental music concerts each year. Lessons are available on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, percussion, violin, viola, and cello. Participation in instrumental music at Swanton Central School will help prepare students for future involvement in instrumental music in middle school, high school, and beyond.
