The elementary vocal music program (grades 3-5) is based on Kodaly principles. These principles stress the importance of music literacy and singing on pitch. Children learn to sing on pitch and read music with the use of musical hand signs, solfa syllables and rhythm syllables. They read patterns and learn to identify them in folk songs. Singing games are a part of every lesson – the children practice their singing skills while playing one or two short games or activities each class. Children are often given the opportunity to sing solos in class and in chorus. Supportive classmates often cheer on the soloist for encouragement. All children in 4th and 5th grade are in chorus where they learn to find their way around a choral score, sing in harmony, and perform with classmates in two concerts/year.

Outside Singing Opportunities Open to Elementary Students:

Camden County Children’s Songfest – a song festival day at Haddonfield High School in the spring. The children study and perform a themed program (African, Irish, Latin). The children learn all the music on the festival day and do a performance in the afternoon. Open to age 9-13. $15 to participate.

NJ Elementary Honor Choir – a statewide auditioned vocal ensemble for grades 4-6 that meets only on two Saturdays in the Spring. This high-level ensemble is a true honor for the participants who audition successfully. All 4th and 5th graders learn the audition song in Chorus and the most advanced are asked if they are interested in auditioning. Those accepted by audition learn their concert music with Mrs. Murray during recess until it is fully memorized. The festival takes place on the last Saturday of April and first Saturday of May, usually an hour away from Haddonfield. $5 to audition/$20 to participate.

ChildrenSong of New Jersey - Children aged 7 ½ -16 can audition for the community children’s chorus – ChildrenSong of NJ which meets on Monday evenings at Tatem School and once a month on Saturdays. Singers need only to match pitch to be accepted into the beginning chorus. ChildrenSong singers study at a high level and perform locally. Middle and high school participants travel internationally during the summer. Each year the choir studies a different genre of music. Past studies have included African, Irish, Latin-American, and World music. More information can be found on the website: www.childrensong.org.

OAKE National Children’s Honor Choir – a national children’s choir open to the most advanced elementary singers (4th-5th grade). This festival takes place over four days in March in select cities around the nation. The child auditions with Mrs. Murray by tape and if selected, learns the difficult level music with Mrs. Murray during recess for several weeks, then travels to a city with a parent to rehearse and perform with other skilled elementary singers from around the country. Cost ranges around $1,000 for participation, travel, and food for the singer and his/her chaperone.

Moving up to the Middle School?
Children who like to sing are encouraged to sign up to participate in the 6th Grade Chorus. Mrs. Murray conducts this ensemble of singers. There is no audition. Children receive a grade for their participation and Chorus meets during 7th period of the school day. The Middle School also produces two shows – a drama presentation in the fall and a musical in the spring. These are after school production.

Mrs. Murray teaches in all the elementary schools and the middle school. Any questions about the program? Please email pmurray@haddonfield.k12.nj.us.