The Arts

In music class, students from grades 3-8 explore their singing voices, learn about instrument families and play instruments from each instrument family, interact with various styles of music, complete student-centered musical projects, and more! 

I love playing instruments and engaging in musical moments with my students. Below is an insight into the scope and sequence of lyrical topics covered during each grade level. 

3rd graders 

Explore their singing voices

Learn quarter notes and eighth notes

Play percussion instruments and learn about the percussion instrument family 

4th graders

Learn the notes on the treble clef staff

Learn whole notes and half notes 

Play the ukulele and learn about the string instrument family 

Review and expand upon previous topics 

5th graders

Learn the notes on the bass clef staff

Learn sixteenth notes, tied notes, 

Play the recorder and learn about the woodwind & brass instrument family 

Review and expand upon previous topics 

6th graders

Explore world music

Review and expand upon previous topics 

7th graders 

Composing music and learning about composers from various geographical and ethnic backgrounds

Review and expand upon previous topics 

8th graders

Social and emotional learning in music through project-based work

Review and expand upon previous topics

This school year, 2022-2023, PS/MS 206 is on a specialist semester schedule. I currently teach 3rd grade once a week for an entire year, 5th grade once a week in the fall, 6th grade once a week in the fall, 8th grade twice a week in the fall, and 7th grade twice a week in the spring. 

We currently host an elective club on Tuesday/Thursday mornings as an alternative to advisory for 7th and 8th graders interested in the arts. I work with students on their solo singing repertoire, expanding their vocal range and comfortability with singing. The Arts Team looks forward to having performing ensembles for our middle schoolers soon.     

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. It is such a pleasure making music with the students of PS/MS 206!

Catherine Soler

Music/Choir Teacher  

Theater courses are currently offered to all students in grades four through eight. In theater class, students work together to create live performance material. Each year begins with a focus on collaboration, stressing interpersonal skills such as eye contact, listening, and building off others’ ideas. Once each class can work cohesively, students build all the skills needed to bring a play to life, from playwriting to acting to design. Students also learn about rituals, performances, and theater styles worldwide, from ancient traditions to contemporary theatrical techniques. Courses culminate in a class play project where students take ownership of the dramatic process from start to finish. 

Our theater specialist, Ms. Lancellotti, also leads a biweekly theater elective course for interested seventh and eighth-grade students. The theater elective curriculum is tailored to each year’s elective cohort and their unique goals and interests. In the 2022-2023 school year, the theater elective is focused on playwriting and how writing works in tandem with the actor’s process.