Elementary Performing Arts

At the elementary level, performing arts play a vital role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and foundational skills in music, movement, and theatre. Through engaging and dynamic experiences, students develop an appreciation for the arts while building confidence, collaboration, and cultural awareness. Our curriculum is designed to align with Utah State Fine Arts Core Standards, ensuring that all students receive high-quality arts education that nurtures their growth and inspires a lifelong love for creativity.

Elemental music is never just music. It’s bound up with movement, dance, and speech, and so it is a form of music in which one must participate, in which one is involved not as a listener but as a co-performer.”Carl Orff

Elementary Music Curriculum

Students in grades 1-6 in each elementary school in the district attend music class once a week for approximately 40 minutes. These classes are designed to provide foundational experiences in music study while aligning with the Utah State Fine Arts Core Standards.

Classes Include:

• Singing, creative movement, and folk dancing
• Playing basic percussion instruments
• Composing and creating original music
• Creative movement and folk dancing
  • These activities help children explore ways to express themselves creatively, recognize and respond to steady beats, work collaboratively with a partner or group, increase awareness of their own and others' cultures, increase their focus and self-discipline, and release stress, among other benefits.

Grade-Specific Instruments:

• 4th and 5th Grade: Learn to play the recorder, offering an introduction to wind instruments.
• 6th Grade: Learn to play the ukulele, introducing string instruments.

Optional Orchestra Participation

• 5th and 6th Grade: Students can opt into the Mountain West String Academy (MWSA) orchestra program. (See below for more information about the Mountain West String Academy).
  • Participation in MWSA is not required for secondary orchestra participation.
• Middle School Orchestra: Students may begin learning a string instrument in 7th grade by enrolling in Beginning Orchestra, which is held during the school day. Instrument rental is available through the student’s middle school.

Mountain West String Academy (MWSA)

The MWSA provides an optional first and second year elementary orchestra program for Cache County School District. Students in 5th and 6th grade can learn the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Orchestra classes are held two days per week before or after school. MWSA also offers supplemental lab classes on Saturday mornings for first-year students. Beginning students in grades 5-6 are invited to register for the 1st year class. Advanced second-year students can audition for the MWSA Ambassador Orchestra, a second-year honors orchestra.

For information on registration for MWSA, please visit the MWSA Website or calling 435-554-1021.