Ratajeski's Music Notes

Rachel Ratajeski
Mrs. Ratajeski's Web Page

The Music Department at Bethesda Elementary was established in the Fall of 1992, when an Orff-Schulwerk certified music specialist was hired. Since that time, music classes and performances have become a regular part of the Bethesda school experience.  The department embraces the philosophy that every person has musical aptitude. Although that aptitude varies among individuals, the child's "talent" will be greatly influenced by his or her early musical experiences. In addition, the mental disciplines learned through musical play and study, such as, memory skills, concentration, and symbol recognition are just as exacting as those underlying reading, mathematics and social studies. A child who has worked to improve his or her musical skills understands that achievement is based on sustained personal effort and is its own reward. By involving the child in musical activities at an early age, the parents are investing in the child's future. Even though the child may never become a professional musician, music will become a life-long activity.

The schedule at present is such that every child in the school has music once a week. The activities in the music are varied, including such things as movement to music, singing, playing mallet instruments, playing recorders (in the 5rd grade), playing musical games, body percussion, reading and writing notes and many other activities that encourage children to develop their latent musical skills. The Music Department also sponsors a volunteer chorus of 4^th and 5th graders. Chorus usually runs from September through May.  They practice once a week and usually present two programs a year. Professional musicians, such as the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, ensembles from the Nashville Symphony, and others, have been invited to come and demonstrate their talents and entertain the students.

The curriculum of the music department follows very closely the National Standards of Music Education, and the State Standards of Music Education and many times, ties in with the classroom curriculums, creating an even stronger tie to the information the children are learning here in school.  Every effort is being made to have as comprehensive a music department as possible. Above all, music will be fun.

  4907 Bethesda Road  ●  Thompson Station, TN  37179  ● 615-472-4200