Music

The philosophy of the music department is to allow our students exposure to the wonderful variety of music found in the world around them, creating a knowledge of and love for all types of music. Our students have an opportunity to experience music as an expression of themselves personally, as well as a group performance art. Every student is empowered to learn and enjoy music during their time at Westfield Friends School.

In the earlier grades basic musical concepts are taught that allow students to learn the language of music, and how to use those tools in translating music notation into music of their own. Singing skills are encouraged from the earliest age.

As our students’ confidence and knowledge grows, their music skills are incorporated in the playing of a variety of classroom instruments including pitched and unpitched percussion, Irish Whistles, Choirchimes and Guitar. Songs and music traditions of our country are presented throughout the grades as well as the music of other world cultures. Looking to the future, the latest advances in music technology are explored by the upper classes as they listen and learn about the new world of computer music.

The highlights of any year at Westfield Friends School are the musical performances during individual class plays, and at the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and closing assembly. All of these provide a unique opportunity for each student to apply the skills acquired throughout the year and personally experience music as a performance art. Students are not only able to acquire a sense of personal achievement in the musical arts, but they also end their time here with the valuable lesson of teamwork learned from making music together.