Arts

Music

  • - Ed Cusati, Music Teacher JPK- Grade 1

    I try to foster a love of music, first and foremost. As early as JPK, I teach several musical concepts that will help the children become successful lifelong musicians. We sing, dance, and laugh every day!


Music

Like Performing Arts and Visual Arts, the Music curriculum at RCS teaches both participation and appreciation from the outset and stretches every student in a full range of musical experiences.

Junior PreKindergarten - Grade 4

The primary objective of the music program on the Lower Campus is for each child to develop a love and knowledge of music. A comprehensive understanding of musical concepts is promoted at each grade level with emphasis on rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, tone color, and notation. Students apply concepts and develop musical skills through singing and playing instruments. Listening skills are refined to aurally identify music and instruments from various historical periods, composers, and cultures. Music vocabulary strengthens the ability to analyze music and describe the elements and emotions that resonate with each individual.

Grades 5 - 9

On the Upper Campus, students are offered numerous and varied musical options. All fifth and sixth graders participate in Fifth Grade Chorus and Sixth Grade Chorus. In addition to Chorus, all fifth and sixth graders have the option to either participate in an instrumental band, or take a Music Lab class, which teaches theory, history, and singing. In Grade 7, all students take at least one term of guitar instruction and have the option to participate in an instrumental band or elective choral group.

RCS Instrumental Bands

List of 5 items.

  • Beginner Band

    This band is for students with little or no experience playing an instrument. Instruments are available on a rental basis. Most fifth graders, and some sixth graders, will join this group, unless they have previous experience that would place them in a more advanced band.

  • Concert Band

    The Concert Band, made up primarily of sixth graders, is for musicians with some background and experience in their chosen instrument.

  • Jazz Band

    The Jazz Band is the only audition-based band in the school. Featuring a “Big Band Sound,” this group includes the most experienced musicians.

  • String Ensemble

    The String Ensemble is open to musicians in all grades who have advanced experience.

  • Wind Ensemble

    The Wind Ensemble attracts seventh through ninth graders who want to continue their musical studies. It is also possible for fifth or sixth graders with advanced abilities to be placed in this band.
Lower Campus (PreK-Grade 4)
325 West Patent Road
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
phone: (914) 244-1200
Upper Campus (Grades 5-9)
439 Cantitoe Street 
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Copyright 2018. Rippowam Cisqua School. All rights reserved. We respect your privacy. Read our privacy policy here.