MUSIC CURRICULUM INFORMATION                        Barbara Armenti

                                                                                                  Vocal Music Teacher

I am very happy to be starting my third year here at AMBS serving as your child’s Vocal Music teacher.  I hold a B.A. Degree from Rutger’s University in Music Education and New Jersey Certification to teach Music grades K – 12.

As a vocal major, I have also taught privately over the past 30 years and I have had many intermittent years of experience teaching in both Public and Catholic Schools (taking time off to raise my four children). My involvement in Catholic Music Ministry dates back to 1970 where I began as a “Leader of Song”, then Children’s Choir Director and Cantor.  Presently, at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, I direct two Adult choirs, the Children’s choir and the Handbell ensemble.  I am also the Cantor/Soloist for funerals and weddings.

The primary goal of my work here as a Vocal Music teacher is to enable the children to become comfortable using their “singing” voices and through a variety of music activities, develop lifetime usable concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, tone color and form.  The ultimate goal is to develop in all students an appreciation for and enjoyment of music.

                                       Focus for following grade levels:

K –  3         To locate and build confidence in the “singing voice” of each child

                    Tone matching and Rhythm development through the use of singing

                    games with percussion instruments and movement activities.

                    Brief introduction to the instruments of the orchestra.

4 -5               Music notation and further development of singing and playing skills.

                     Playing melodic classroom instruments  (chimes)

                     Building performance confidence with encouragement to sing in small

                     groups or as a “Solo” with the support of classmates.

                     Introduction of Vocal Exercises for improvement of tone production.

                     Study of the form, style and interpretation of music selections.

                     Movement activities for further rhythmic development.

 6, 7,  & 8      Continued development of singing skills and building repertoire of

                      sacred and secular music.

                      Continued study of basic musical styles, with attention to notation

                       and/or symbols as they apply to their music activities.                           

                      Some historical background of music used for listening appreciation.

                      Drama improvisation exercises for self-confidence building and

                      to provide an avenue for creative expression in front of an audience.

The entire school will be prepared to make two presentations:  The Christmas Pageant and a Spring Music Review performance based on skills acquired.

Please feel free to contact me at AMBS if you have any questions or concerns.