Music
The Music program at Lamplighter nurtures creativity, teamwork, improvisation, composition, and a lifelong love of music at every grade level.
The program includes group performances, music composition projects, and opportunities for students to learn and explore musical instruments. Instruction is guided by four core objectives: music literacy, music history, music theory, and music performance. These concepts are introduced through age-appropriate lessons and experiences from Pre-K through fourth grade.
Early Childhood
In Early Childhood classes for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Transitional First Grade (T1), music concepts are introduced through movement, singing, music centers, and instrument exploration. These activities not only support students’ understanding of core music concepts but also encourage the development of both gross and fine motor skills. Through improvisation, collaboration, dance, and instrument play, students also build creativity while engaging in joyful, hands-on musical experiences.
Lower School
In Grades 1–4, the music program builds on foundational skills as students engage with increasingly advanced musical concepts. Instruction focuses on reading music for instrument play, with first and second graders learning on xylophones and third and fourth graders playing recorders. Older students further apply their knowledge through composition and arrangement, creating music for the student-written operas during Senior Year at Lamplighter. Classes include collaborative, inclusive group activities as well as opportunities for individual musical growth.
Music Brings Us Together
Once a month, the entire school comes together to sing favorite Lamplighter songs. This joyful gathering, known as a Hootenanny, is a celebration of music and community!
Student Performances
The Music program plays an important role in many school events throughout the year. All students participate in monthly Hootenannies, a favorite Lamplighter tradition that brings the community together through music. Student groups also perform at special events, including Pre-K Sing, Grandest Friends’ Days, the Spirit Award Luncheon, the Senior Jacket Ceremony, Senior Graduation, and the Earth Day assembly.
In addition, all students participate in the annual All School Program, a musical performance held each December before the winter break. Students learn and perform songs centered on a unifying theme, sharing their work with the Lamplighter community.
Senior Opera
In fourth grade, students focus on opera writing and performance as part of their Senior Year experience. Each class collaborates with literacy teachers to write an original libretto before composing the music in class. Students explore how elements such as mood, tempo, and key help shape music to best support each opera’s story.
Following the 12-week composition process, students shift their focus to performance, developing their singing and dramatic expression with guidance from both Music and Drama faculty. Senior Year culminates in a live opera performance for the entire Lamplighter community at the end of the school year.
