Province invests in new music instruments, curriculum

Music class will become more engaging for Island children when hundreds of new musical instruments begin arriving soon at elementary schools.

The province is investing $300,000 in new instruments for English and French students across the province in kindergarten through grade 6. Instruments include rhythm sticks, triangles, maracas, xylophones, recorders, ukuleles, electric guitars, and drum kits.

“Music is very important to early learning and we are pleased to invest in new music resources for our youngest students,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown. “Instruments are essential to music programs for young children who enjoy hands-on learning and moving to the music.”

The instruments will support a new English music curriculum being phased in this fall, beginning in kindergarten. The curriculum combines music, movement, drama and speech in lessons that are similar to a child’s world of play.

In the French Language School Board, the instruments will support a growing elementary music program and arts specialization at the high school level.

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder

The new English language music curriculum is based on the Orff model. It is a learner-centred process used around the world to help young children understand the properties of sound.

 The Orff model:

• encourages students of all abilities to express themselves through singing, dramatization, movement and playing instruments, based on music from many countries, styles, and eras; and
• supports all learning styles, as well as physical, social/emotional, creative and intellectual curriculum outcomes.

 For more information, visit http://aosa.org/about/what-is-orff-schulwerk/the-teaching-process/