Welcome One And All To Our Vocal Music Program!

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All students at the Harwinton Consolidated School in grades kindergarten through five attend weekly general music classes. The students come to the vocal music room for music class. Our music room has a piano, computer, and various small percussion instruments.We also have a music library of books about composers, instruments and musical stories, a vast collection of recordings, a large musical "staff rug", student benches and choral risers. It is filled with colors, music symbols and much to stimulate the young mind!

Miss Francine Gryniuk is our school's full time vocal/general music teacher. Miss Gryniuk graduated from Western Connecticut State University in May of 1978, and also holds a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University. She has been Music Teacher at the Harwinton Consolidated School since September of 1978.

The kindergarten through grade two music curriculum highlights movement, singing, playing instruments, creating and listening. Students learn a variety of patriotic, seasonal and conceptual songs. Various classroom rhythmic instruments are played on an ongoing basis. Pitch, rhythm, dynamics, form and melody are fostered during these early years to provide the foundation for future experiences with the concepts of music.

Grade three is not only a continuation and enhancement to the previous grade levels, but introduces a higher degree of notation and music reading concepts. Also, all third graders learn to play the musical instrument, the recorder. This not only involves the first hand involvement of each student in the process of learning to play a musical instrument, but serves as an excellent "springboard" for future instrumental performance opportunities. In addition, all third graders utilize portfolios in music class. An active record of listening experiences, as well as various assessment tools are readily available in each individual student's portfolio.

Grade Four

Grade four students continue building their listening repertoire with emphasis on tempo, dynamics, instrumentation, rhythmic patterns and form. The study of instruments in relation to families of instruments is further explored in a variety of ways. Many stimulating "hands on" activities and games are afforded the students throughout the school year. Singing is always an integral part of every music class. Students are consistently given the opportunities of singing solo and singing in large and small groups.

The grade five music classes utilize and expand on all previously learned material. For example, the fifth grade listening experiences not only include the variety of styles and periods, but also expand on jazz and American composers. In furthering the study of reading and notation, students begin rhythmic as well as melodic dictation. Again, various games and classroom activities reinforce the subject matter in both a stimulating and challenging manner.

The Harwinton Consolidated School Chorus is open to all fifth graders. Participation in this dynamic group promises new and challenging vocal music. Two part singing is highlighted. The HCS Chorus performs various times throughout the school year, and features both winter and spring concerts.