The Music Program

The music program at Solomon Schechter Academy, under the direction of Marilyn Cohen  is made up of several elements.  It is a sequential method of basic music concepts and listening skills.  Eclectic methods of teaching music are used to offer the children as may musical experiences as possible.  The Orff Method emphasizes using natural rhythms and allows children to use musical instruments.  The Kodaily Method employs the use of voice to teach musicianship through musical games.  The Dalcorze Method incorporates music concepts through movement.  Holiday songs reflecting both our Judaic and American Heritage are taught on all levels.

Grade 2 children learn to read simple 4 beat rhythms, and this is expanded upon  in the older grades to include note values and syncopated rhythms.  By listening to the "Masters", music history is explored, as well as form.  To help bring  a greater understanding to the elements of music, recorders are introduced in Grade 3 and continued in the following years.  

A large part of the program involves singing.  It is through song that Judaic traditions, values, history and customs are taught.  Many of the songs are sung in many grades to promote community within the school.  Song sheets are often sent home so that families are able to sing holiday songs together.  Songs from all Judaic cultures are included to give the children a sense of Klal Yisrael.

Songs that show the History of Israel- from the time of the Alliyot of the late 1890's through the early wars to current history are taught.  Many of the songs will bring awareness of political and social issues that we as Jews need to be aware of.   Social and political aspects of American history are also explored through song.  Songs from the Torah, Pirkai Avot, and other writings emphasize many ethical and moral issues.  

In addition to Hebrew, songs of the Eastern European and Sephardic Jews are used, as well as Yiddish and Ladino.  In this way, the children of Solomon Schechter Academy are exposed to all the different Judaic cultures.  Songs are taken from a wide range of composers - from Israelis Naomi Sherner and Nurit Hersh to "American Nusach" such as Debbie Friedman, Jeff Klepper and Shlomo Carlbach.