Every student at Burdick participates in weekly music classes that focus on both musical technique and music appreciation. Students have frequent opportunities to perform as both singers and instrumentalists, and some are so passionate that they even form small rock groups during recess! Our middle schoolers are able to join the award-winning Burdick Panther Band, explore percussion through Panther Drumline, and participate in citywide and statewide competitions.

Curriculum

Our elementary students first participate in an Orff-Schulwerk-based curriculum that combines music, movement, drama, and speech. This mirrors children’s natural play and creates a holistic learning experience for our students. They then move on to studying specific instruments and musical concepts:

• Grades 3 and 4: Recorder
• Grades 4 and 5: Ukelele, plus a choral emphasis
• Grade 6: Ukelele and xylophone
• Grades 7 and 8: Guitar, keyboard, music technology

Project-based learning in middle school taps into student interests to focus on modern music history and the music industry.

Performance Opportunities

All students in grades K4–8 can participate in Burdick’s winter and spring concerts. Outside of school, our band students have performed at the Garden District Tree Lighting, at the MPS Biennial Festival, and through an ongoing service partnership with area nursing homes. They also compete in the Wisconsin School Music Association District Solo and Ensemble Festival, the Wisconsin School Music Association Large Group Contest, and the Milwaukee Public Schools Battle of the Drumlines.

Questions

If you have any questions about our program, please contact our music teacher:

Emily Reinholz
reinhoe@milwaukee.k12.wi.us