The general music program serves to expose students to the art of music from a variety of cultures and periods in history. Lessons in the early elementary grades emphasize basic listening, singing, and playing skills, with a predominant focus on rhythm and movement. Building on these foundational skills, students in middle and upper elementary grades expand and apply their musical knowledge to reading notated music and playing pitched instruments. With strong musical foundation, students are then able to arrange, compose, and critique music, using higher order thinking skills. Music lessons integrate the Pennsylvania State Standards for Music Education and often incorporate classroom In-Depth Investigations and Expedition topics. All students are given the opportunity to perform publicly and attend performances in a wide variety of musical genres. It is our hope that through all these musical experiences, Russell Byers students will graduate with a profound respect and passion for music.