The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School offers a graduated program of music study, with each year of instruction building upon the previous year.
The program integrates general and ethnic music. Basic rhythm instruments are used to enhance the understanding of rhythm and tempo, and the students are also introduced to music notation, melody recognition, combination of sounds to create harmonies, and other aspects of early music learning.
With the addition of a generous assortment of instruments associated with the Orff Approach of music instruction, the students now participate in lessons and activities that are based on simple but forceful variations on rhythmic patterns.
The students experiment with short, familiar songs within their singing range, and see how individual steps eventually combine to become a completed performance.
Judaic music is also brought into the curriculum as an opportunity to encourage ethnic pride and foster appreciation of the students’ heritage and Jewish identity.
The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Youth choir, comprised of fourth and fifth grade students, is coordinated by the Judaic staff with a musical director. It cultivates the skills needed to perform as part of a vocal group. The students participate in performance opportunities throughout the year at various community events and venues.
