Darien Music Department

Darien Music Department Richard D. Sadlon, Director Darien High School 80 High School Lane Darien, CT 06820 203.655.3981, ext. 2250 203.655.3981, ext. 2329

Click here for the 2008-2009 Concert Calendar			Welcome to the Darien Music Department! Welcome to the webpage of the Darien Public Schools Music Department. We have an exciting year of musical experiences planned for our students on all grade levels and look forward to sharing the accomplishments of our students with you at our scores of programs and public concerts presented throughout the year. The numerous benefits that a quality music education contributes to a child's total educational learning experience have been well documented in current research and the Music teachers in our district are dedicated to providing a comprehensive, sequential, standards-based curriculum of musical experiences and opportunities for all students in the Darien Public Schools. Please feel free to communicate your questions or concerns regarding any aspect of our music program with us at any time. Sincerely, Richard D. Sadlon Director of Music

Music Department Philosophy Music Department Curriculum Young Composers Info and Application Latin American Music Duke Ellington Project Introduction to Strings DPS Music Staff DPS Main
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		We've Got Gershwin! During the 2008-09 school year, the Music Department of the Darien Public Schools will be engaged in a project to study the life and music of one of America ’s most popular composers, George Gershwin, to all of the students in the district. The teachers in the Darien Music Department will devote Professional Development time and resources to learning more about historical perspective, performance practices and teaching strategies to develop units and lessons that integrate George Gershwin’s Music into our music curriculum. Our ultimate goal is that all of the students in the Darien Public Schools (K-12) experience the music of George Gershwin in meaningful musical activities that lead toward a deeper understanding of the life and music of this prolific American composer. A collaboration with the Darien Music for Youth Foundation will provide opportunities for live musical performances in the schools and the library/media centers throughout the district will assist with providing resources to classroom teachers. This project will offer opportunities that encourage interdisciplinary connections and create meaningful, life-long learning experiences for our students. Via a resource webpage, we will share our goals and recommended resources with all of the classroom teachers in the district. It is our hope that we will find opportunities to incorporate elements of our *We've Got Gershwin* project into classrooms throughout the district that will make life-long lasting experiences and connections for our students.
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