At Kocurek Elementary School, students from Kindergarten through fifth grade have the opportunity to attend Essential Areas classes, which include Music, Art, and Physical Education (PE). These classes are scheduled on a three-day rotation, with day one focusing on Music, day two on Art, and day three on PE, and then the cycle repeats. Each of these classes is led by a qualified and state-certified specialist in their respective content area.
Throughout the school year, on average, students attend Music, Art, and PE for a total of sixty rotations. This means that they participate in each of these classes about fifteen times per grading period.
The general music classes at Kocurek Elementary cover a wide range of topics and learning objectives. Students are exposed to various aspects of music education, including singing, playing musical instruments, and reading and writing music. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore music history through the Music Memory curriculum. This comprehensive approach to music education ensures that students receive a well-rounded and engaging musical experience, fostering both their musical skills and their appreciation for the art of music.
Music belongs to everyone. For centuries people have sung and played instruments, told stories, shared news and preserved important events. Although the preservation of our musical heritage began as an aural tradition, in the twentieth century the teaching of music and related subject matter had begun to be relegated to the classroom. It is a natural activity for young children to sing and to create with free play and movement. These activities must be encouraged to help our society become musically literate.
A small percentage of students will become professional musicians. Our goal is not to produce musicians and performers. Our goal is simply to educate our students in the field of music so that they will become intelligent consumers. By being immersed in the elements of music, the learner will naturally become a more discerning listener.
As a result of the involvement in music education, the following non-musical effects may be achieved:
1. a building of self-esteem through successful experiences during the music lesson
2. an establishment of higher levels of thinking
3. creativity and self-expression
4. development of large and small motor skills, hand-eye coordination and aural skills
5. an acceptable level of social interaction in a classroom environment
Our goal is to provide a complete music education environment that will offer an ongoing source of enjoyment which will enhance each student's quality of life.
First Graders performing in their own concert
Performing on recorder at the AISD Recorder Festival
The Koala Choir and Koala Jr. Choir performing together
Kidz Rock Talent Show
2nd graders performing on PREcorders
Playing a Circle Game
Rhythm Instruments in the music room.
Dance Mania!
First Graders learning some dance moves.
Some hand drum fun
Our annual trip to the Austin Symphony Orchestra concert
4th Graders performing some Rock 'n' Roll
Two-Stepping during our Texas Musical
Folk Dancing in the music toom
Recorder time!
Performing at the Grand Opening of the Austin ISD PAC
Even our teachers enjoy performing with the Choir
2nd grader learning some dance steps
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