Music at Mount Carmel

Music  with Mr.Aswad at Mount Carmel

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Biography

Robert Aswad grew up in the Los Angeles area. He graduated from UCSB where he studied conducting, piano, and music theory/history. He also studied the excellent music pedagogy system known as the 'Kodaly method'in classes at USC. For many years Mr. Aswad has maintained a piano studio in Santa Barbara and worked as an accompanist, vocal coach and soloist. He taught for several years at the Waldorf School where his chorus sang with the West Coast Symphony. He currently directs the Ojai Camerata, the Chancel Choir at the Ojai Methodist Church and is also active as an adjudicator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. He started teaching at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in the Fall of 2006.

Curriculum

The music curriculum at Mount Carmel school offers a singing approach to music education, leading to an appreciation of classical music. It is an experienced-based (lots of songs!) program emphasizing sequential teaching of musical elements,including melody, form, rhythm and harmony and musical reading and writing. Folk music  forms the core curriculum of the earlier grades,together with many singing games and dances.The more complicated songs will later form a bridge to the more complicated forms of  classical music. Through the folk songs,the children will also learn and experience history,language,traditions and religion.  As we progress rounds,partnersongs and part-songs will  be used. Musical concepts are always derived from the material used in an organic, experiential manner. In the most general terms,our goal is to lead the children to a love,  appreciation and need of good music.   


To see grade level curriculum please look at the curriculum page.
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Class Expectations and Grading Policy

Children are  expected  to participate in activities and maintain acceptable classroom behavior. Grading is based upon these two areas--participation and behavior. Effort and willingness to participate are more important than any natural talent. In group activities students will learn the importance and responsibility they have to make the whole   successful. 

Click below to go to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School's Web Page:
http://mountcarmelschool.netweeblylink_new_window