PHILOSOPHY of VISUAL ARTS/MUSIC

The visual arts program is an integral part of a complete education for all students. Visual arts contributes to achievement of the district’s goals by:

helping each student develop aesthetic awareness and sensitivity
giving students a source of enjoyment which can enhance the quality of
life during school years and throughout later life
providing a means for creativity and self-expression
providing a sense of our history and cultural heritage
providing students with opportunities for visible success and achievement in the school and community

Moore visual art teachers identify these areas of focus in art education:

skill in creating various art forms
awareness that expression is the interpretation of art’s aesthetic dimension
an understanding of art forms from past and present cultures and knowledge of the artists who created them
skill in analyzing visual art (art appreciation)

Activities in which students will engage to meet these expectations include all of the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) identified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The music program is an integral part of a complete education for all students. Music instruction contributes to achievement of the district’s goals by:

Helping each student develop aesthetic awareness and sensitivity
Giving students a source of enjoyment which can enhance the quality of life during school years and throughout later life
Providing a means for creativity and self-expression
Providing a sense of our history and cultural heritage
Providing students with opportunities for visible success and achievement in the school and community

The Moore elementary music teachers identify the following areas of focus in music education:

Pitch
Rhythm
Timbre
Form
Expression
History and Style
Harmony
Improvisation and Composition

These are identified as concept strands and are designed to meet the expectations of all of the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) identified by the State Department of Education. The curriculum also addresses standards set by the Music Educator’s National Conference (MENC).
Curriculum development is an on-going process. It is important that the individuals who use this guide document ideas that have been helpful as well as suggestions for improving the next revision.