Philosophy

The philosophy of musical literacy continues in the Upper School mainly through the continuation of studying an instrument or singing in a choral ensemble. Otherwise the focus of the music in the Upper School moves to music appreciation.

The Upper School music history classes offer students broad experiences with a variety of music. Students learn about the cultural and historical background of each style of music in order to make informed musical judgments. The background helps them to better understand the connections, attitudes and behaviors of different cultures. The seventh and eighth grade Music and Art classes are optional. These classes offer in-depth history and music appreciation.

Curriculum Highlights

Fifth graders have a music class once a week all year. The students choose to either continuing studying the flute, violin or cello from fourth grade, or they become members of the fourth and fifth grade GCS Chorus. Fifth graders also have a music class once a week for half the year when they study the music of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.  Both of these cultures have had an impact on American popular music and dance.

In sixth grade, students have Music once a week for half the year.  The course is designed to enhance their History curriculum, as they study Colonial Music. This encompasses music brought over by the colonists, music sung by the slaves, and music from the American Revolution.

Seventh graders have the options of taking a Classical Music History course in lieu of a second language. This course meets three times a week for half the year. For the other half, they take an intense studio art class. The music class is both a music history and music appreciation course. Students study the Baroque, Classical and Romantic Eras and many of the major composers from each period. 

In eighth grade, the half year course offered meets four times a week and it is a History of Jazz class. Students study different jazz styles over the years, artists who made the styles important, and the social and historical events that shaped their music. Students study the Country Blues, City Blues, Dixieland and Swing.  A major highlight of the course is collaborating with technology in the Digital Arts Center.  Students write their own blues poems and then they use a computer music program to set the poems to music.

All students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade are eligible to audition for the vocal ensemble, GCS Singers.

Early Childhood Music and Dance at GCS

Lower School Music at GCS

Music Performance at GCS