The Curriculum

The program currently runs from September through the beginning of June after school from 3:30 p.m.—6:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and during the school day from 10:20 a.m.—2:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as occasional Saturday enrichment activities. During the 2009-2010 school year, OrchKids has expanded from 30 students to 150 by adding Pre-K and Kindergarten classes and will continue to expand in this fashion within the school each consecutive year.

Over the course of a school year, students will meet two to six times per week during and after school. Below is a sample curriculum for the current OrchKids location.

• Pre-K and Kindergarten: Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of music and musicianship, using techniques developed by Dalcroze (Eurythmics), Kodaly (Solfege), Gordon and Orff. These age-appropriate games and activities invite the children to discover musical concepts in a fun, participatory manner. 
• First grade: Students will have the opportunity to explore the different instrument families (strings, woodwinds and brass) by learning to play the violin, trumpet and recorder. Through the "exploration of the instruments" experience, they will discover their own personal preferences and proficiencies by active participation. The bucket band will help children develop respect for an instrument, give immediate gratification of being able to play an instrument and act as a vehicle to teach ensemble playing and rhythm.  Musicianship classes will continue during the school day with off-site enrichment activities. Homework tutoring sessions will begin in the first year to ensure high academic achievement. 
• Second grade: Students will select an instrument to play and be involved with group lessons, mixed ensembles, homework tutoring, rhythm class and enrichment activities. Each child will receive an instrument of his or her own to practice in the program and at home. Young musicians from the program will be provided opportunities to play side-by-side with other community partner music groups, including BSO musicians.  Students will also begin participating in leadership activities in preparation for significant mentoring roles they will undertake in coming years.
• Third grade: Students will continue to play orchestral instruments and will be involved with group lessons, mixed ensembles, rhythm class and enrichment activities. Third grade students will also begin to act as mentors for the younger students. Homework tutoring sessions and mentoring training will continue. Students will become advocates for the program in new schools through collaborative and informative performances.
• Fourth grade: Students will continue to play orchestral instruments and will be involved with group lessons, mixed ensembles, rhythm class, enrichment activities and an introduction to piano class. Fourth grade students will begin to assume their role as mentors for the younger students and continue community collaborations and advocacy.
  Fifth grade: Students will continue to play orchestral instruments and will be involved with group lessons, mixed ensembles, rhythm class, enrichment activities and a continuation of piano class. Fifth grade students will also act as mentors for the younger students. By the end of the fifth grade year, students will be preparing for study and work at the OrchKids sixth grade—12th grade community center and for participation in other community music programs.

Year Round Learning: A four-week summer program is planned for 2010 and will coincide with the Baltimore City Public School System summer school schedule. This program will be for Kindergarten through fifth grade and will include study in musicianship, group lessons, emotional management, physical education and off-site enrichment activities. 

In addition, throughout the year students will take part in activities other than musical instruction that will help to develop the whole person. These activities will include family activities, field trips to local, cultural and civic organizations, as well as leadership and personal development training. Such activities will include frequenting the BSO, Peabody, The Lyric Opera House, Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore landmarks, higher education institutions, sporting events and meetings with civil servants and government officials.

At several points in the year, students, families, faculty and advisors will participate in activities to evaluate the impact of the program to ensure that the goals we have established for the programs are appropriate and are being met.