Nelson is a small school with a big singing
tradition. Students have a regular music class once a week for forty minutes (kindergarten for thirty minutes). In
addition, the entire school gathers every other week in the multi purpose room for a whole school sing. During a whole
school sing we might sing for birthdays, practice for an upcoming performance, share news concerning the community,
and sing songs requested by students or pertaining to the season. Visitors to our school, including guest musicians
from Monadnock
Music’s Lend an Ear program, and the Apple Hill Chamber group, have remarked on our
student’s ability to sing in tune and to clap an unusual rhythm.
On alternate weeks this year, the kindergarten, first and second graders have gathered
to play music games and dance together. Older children assist younger children with more complicated moves,
and everyone has a good time. Students enjoy contra dancing, and often attend the contra dances at the Nelson
Town Hall as teenagers.
Band is taught once a week after school by Karen Woods. There is both a beginning and advanced band. Twice a year, in December and usually in May, students give a concert which may include large and small group songs, band performances, skits or puppet shows and/or songs in French (led by Marylise Reilly, French and Art teacher). Music also plays an important role in the sixth grade graduation. Sixth graders often choose a song to sing in farewell to the rest of the school, and the kindergarten through fifth grade may choose to sing a song in response.
Music in Nelson is interwoven with the curriculum, and frequently chosen to enhance realms of study as well as for it’s own sake. Music is an integral part of Nelson school life.
