Arts

Music

  • - Ed Cusati, Lower School Music Teacher

    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 participation and appreciation introduces students to a full range of musical experiences.
The primary objective of the music program is for each child to develop a love and knowledge of music. By exposing children to music early on, they not only develop a genuine appreciation for the musical arts but it also sparks their imagination, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

PreK-Grade 4

At each grade level, students:
 
  • Receive a comprehensive understanding of musical concepts with emphasis on rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, tone color, and notation.
  • Apply concepts and develop musical skills through singing and playing instruments.
  • Refine listening skills to aurally identify music and instruments from various historical periods, composers, and cultures.
  • Strengthens their ability to analyze music and describe the elements and emotions that resonate with each individual using music vocabulary

Grades 5-9

Students have a variety of musical options which include:

  • Fifth and sixth graders participate in Chorus.
  • Fifth and sixth graders have the option to participate in an instrumental band or take a Music Lab class, which teaches theory, history, and singing.
  • Seventh grade students take at least one term of guitar instruction and have the option to participate in an instrumental band or elective choral group.
  • Eighth and ninth grade students may continue to participate in the various bands. 

Instrumental Bands

List of 5 items.

  • Beginner Band


    Beginner Band is for students with little or no experience playing an instrument. Instruments are available on a rental basis. Fifth and sixth-grade students will join this group unless they have previous experience that would place them in a more advanced band.

  • Concert Band


    Concert Band is for musicians with some background and experience in their chosen instrument. Concert Band is made up of primarily sixth-grade students.

  • Jazz Band


    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


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

  • Wind Ensemble


    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 play 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.
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