Music Department

Department Philosophy

The music education program of the Boise Schools is based on a democratic philosophy and is functional in character. Its primary aim is to foster and promote to a maximum degree the music interests and aptitudes of each individual student. The program is based on the fundamental concept that musical judgment and discrimination, as well as talent, are best developed through actual contact with good music.

Rich and significant opportunities and stimuli are provided for the student to progressively broaden and enhance his or her educational and cultural horizons. Through active participation in various forms of self-expression and listening, the student is continuously challenged to simultaneously develop intelligent behavior, social skills, create self-expression, and discerning lifelong music consumership. In addition to the development of musical skills, the student learns to harmonize his or her individuality with social responsibility.

It is the District's philosophy that General Music should be offered to every elementary student, K-6, for a minimum of 60 minutes per week.

Objectives

• To build an increasing awareness of and sensitivity to the beautiful.
• To develop discerning listeners and sensitive performers.
• To promote creative thinking.
• To be musically literate.
• To develop a knowledge and appreciation of our musical heritage.
• To provide another entrance to the understanding of peoples, historical and contemporary.
• To develop a citizenry sensitive to cultural values and tastes.
• To develop understandings upon which to make value judgments about artistic expression, accurate style, and musical integrity.
• To build understandings that will help to discriminate between artistic and artificial, skilled or unskilled performance, and to acquire discriminatory taste in music literature.
• To lead students, through group experiences, to think and perform independently, but at the same time to be aware that they are dependent upon others.
• To provide group experiences whereby students attain a greater height in performance than might be achieved alone.
• To develop a desire for continued musical experiences.
• To reveal and develop musical talent.

An adequate, functional program will help students respond to music with pleasure, build a sensitivity to beauty, and capture the emotional and spiritual impact. Music is a subject that requires use of the intellect and emotions. It must be presented to students as an art and as a compelling force that stimulates the mind, body, and heart.

Guidelines for Holiday Programs - The opportunity to be in musical programs is important for young people. The experience helps develop poise and presence, hones musical skills, and promotes valuable sharing among generations. We can preserve the spirit of good will and sharing that is characteristically associated with the Holidays which have both an underlying religious and secular basis, but we also need to be cognizant of some common sense guidelines.

Music Department
	8169 W. Victory Road Boise, ID 83709 PHONE ~ (208) 854-4155 FAX ~ (208) 854-4013