Wagner Ranch's music program includes both classroom and instrumental music instruction. Each class, kindergarten through fifth grade, has a half-hour music lesson weekly from the vocal music teacher, Ron Pickett. This includes instruction in note reading, rhythm, harmony, and music appreciation along with opportunities to experience the joy of singing. Recorder instruction is provided for third graders. Our instrumental teacher offers optional instruction for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments for fourth and fifth grade students, and directs our school band.

 

Performing for an audience is an important component of learning to sing and act. All of the students at Wagner Ranch get the opportunity to perform for their teachers and parents at two concerts each year, the Holiday Concert and Spring Sing. Wagner Ranch forth and fifth graders have two additional performance opportunities during the school year. They may participate in "ensemble" and/or the Spring Musical. Ensemble meets every Wednesday during lunch. The students learn and perfect a number of songs and harmonies which they then perform for the school and for the community.

 

The Spring Musical is a wonderful teaching and learning experience for students. Fourth and fifth grade students who choose to participate produce a full-length Broadway musical. Previous productions have included Pinocchio Jr., Willy Wonka, Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof, and Seussical Jr. The technical crew is comprised of students, with parental oversight. This is a great opportunity for students to explore their dramatic abilities.