The general music education curriculum in District #118 is concept based using elements of the Orff-Schulwerk, Kodaly, & Dalcroze methods of music teaching.  Illinois State Standards are  supported by this Fine Arts curriculum.   We feel strongly that every child deserves a music-movement education. Music Education classes are 40 minutes in length and meet once a week for children in grades 1-5. 

Music is one component of our integrated Fine Arts curriculum.  Through integration of these disciplines (music, visual art, dance & drama) students are engaged in the first means of communication.  The arts link image to thought.  They provide an effective univeral means of communicating ideas, concepts and meaning through the process of problem solving.  School District #118's Fine Arts program conveys the importance of the arts and stresses the contribution it makes to the total development of the child.  Through these Fine Arts, a student develops sensitivity, creativity, expression of emotion and a greater self esteem, helping to create the whole child.  This process requires not only an active mind but a trained one.

Through creating, performing, listening, and evaluating, the sequential music curriculum in our district introduces concepts and critical thinking skills to children.  Integrated activities in the music classroom promote an appreciation of the arts, encourage participation and foster exploration.  Music can embrace, enhance, and support all other disciplines and still maintain its own integrity as that special intelligence we call music.

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