A SOUND
like
no other
ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM
Music is vital to every child’s education for its inherent aesthetic, historical and cultural value. If music is an inseparable part of our culture, then it should be an inseparable part of our school life.
The Music Essential years at TCS provides each student with a solid foundation of musical skills centered on a rotation through a number of musical experiences. Students will become aware of how the different musical elements interact to create musical ideas and thoughts.
Kindergarten
Kindergartners will develop their musical skills through a unique curriculum based on singing, movement and instrumental music. Students will learn proper use of singing voice, posture and voice range. They will establish a steady beat and develop rhythmic ability by playing a variety of percussion instruments in the classroom and participating in music and movement activities.
Instrumental music instruction in kindergarten is based on the violin. Early in the year, every family will have the opportunity to make a foam violin in our “Build-A-Violin” day. Students will learn the foundation of violin playing by practicing on their foam violins. Kindergarteners will transition into violins and will be able to perform simple songs on their instrument by the end of the school year.
First Grade
First graders will continue to develop their musical skills through a well-rounded curriculum centered around singing, movement and instrumental music.
First grade musicians at TCS will perform songs Cajon drums, Orff instruments (Fall) and Nuvo recorders (Spring) while mastering key musical concepts.
Second Grade
Second graders will continue their musical development by learning instruments from the String and Wind families. In strings class, students will learn how to play the Ukulele, thus developing fine motor skills and basic techniques needed to play orchestral instruments in third grade. In winds class, students will learn how to play the J-Sax. They will learn fundamental concepts of band instruments such as breath control and finger coordination.
Third - Fifth Grades
Beginning in 3rd grade, students become a part of our Instrumental Music Program, playing either a string or band instrument. Each student will be receiving instrumental music lessons 2 days each week. All the music fundamentals that have been instilled in your child will be put to use as they learn their new instruments in the coming years. In 4th and 5th grades, students receive music lessons 3 days each week.
Concepts are introduced at designated grade level. Students will review content at the beginning of each new grade level. Knowledge and skills will build upon previously studied material.
MIDDLE GRADES MUSIC PROGRAM
This unique program provides a continuum of instrumental music education designed specifically for dedicated young orchestral musicians. All middle grades students must apply for entry into our Middle Grades Instrumental Music program. Applicants must have prior instrumental music instruction.* Our El Sistema-inspired program emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and mentorship as a central focus. With a high level of expectation for achievement, TCS students are challenged both musically and academically.
For more information regarding the application and audition process, please click here.
*Students must meet eligibility requirements.
TALENT LIKE NO OTHER
Essi
Nadal
Strings Director
Ms. Essilevi Nadal is an active teacher and performer in South Florida. She has served on the cello faculty of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (2014-2016), Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (2011), Lynn Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division (2010-2012) and the Schwob School of Music Preparatory Division (2006-2008). She has performed with many of the area’s leading ensembles including: Miami Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Americas, Palm Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Dominican National Symphony Orchestra.
Kelsey
Lin
Strings Director
Kelsey Lin began her love of music at an early age, receiving her first violin at age six. She participated in many music festivals such as the Florida State University Summer Music Camps, Brevard Summer Music Festival, Indiana University Summer String Academy, and Domaine Forget Summer Music Festival. During those festivals Ms. Lin studied violin with Austin Hartman, Helmut Lipsky, and Marie Berard. She participated in string ensembles receiving instructions from the Biava String Quartet and the Nash String Quartet.
Kathy
Towler
Band Director
Kathleen L. Towler, a National Board Certified Teacher in Early/Middle Childhood/Music/
Band since 2003, earned her Bachelor of Music degree with endorsements in Music Theory and Music History from Michigan State University. She has been teaching instrumental music for 35 years at the elementary and secondary level. She taught in Michigan, South Dakota, New Jersey, and Illinois before coming to Florida. She was a W.T. Dwyer Award Nominee, in 2004 and was awarded the “I Make a Difference” Teacher of Excellence Award in 2005.
Dr. Jeff
Uban
Band Director
Dr. Jeff Uban has been an educator, composer, and active musician for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor's degree at Grand Valley State University, Master's Degree at Denver University, and his Doctorate Degree at the University of Illinois. Dr. Uban has performed professionally around the world and is passionate about teaching music and the impact music can have in the growth of students.
Marcos
Rodriguez
Band Director
Marcos J. Rodriguez is the Elementary Band Director & Music Teacher at TCS. A graduate from Florida International University in 2001, he has over 20 years of teaching as Band Director, Choral Director, and Orchestra Director where he has accumulated various accolades. At his previous school he was the Teacher of the Year in 2016 & 2019, Broward County School ArtsED Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2017 & 2018, recipient of the 2019 FMEA Enrollment Award, and was a quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award from 2018-2022.