Music

The music program at Angus McKay plays an important role in the school and in the students' lives. Music does many things for a child including the following:

• Music encourages effort and self-discipline
• Music develops responsibility and cooperative effort                                                                                                 
• Music develops critical thinking skills                                                                                                                  
• Music is a manifestation of culture and heritage

Research shows that learning a musical instrument increases a child's ability to perform well in other academic areas as well, especially in language arts and mathematics.

The Angus McKay music program seeks to provide children with the opportunity to work with a variety of music, honing their musical skills guided by the curriculum. The curriculum outlines music experiences as the four wings of a butterfly. The four wings are: 

• Music Language and Performance
• Creative Expression in Music
• Knowledge and Understanding of Music in Culture and Society
• Analysis and Communication

Students participate in a wide range of music making experiences including speech, choral singing, instrument playing, listening, movement and creative idea development. These aspects are explored based on the Orff approach to music making/teaching along with other methods. All students participate in music classroom activities. Students in grades 3 - 6 participate in choir once a cycle. All K - Gr. 6 students participate in and perform at regular assemblies and concerts in the school.  

Music field trips include: attending and/or performing at Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra concerts, performing at Winnipeg Music Festival and other community events/venues.

NOTABLE QUOTE: "Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best."