Music at Cider Mill
At Cider Mill School, we are honored to have the opportunity to help our 3-5 grade students hear the symphony in the world around them. Every student at Cider Mill participates in a weekly general music class developed around the National Arts Standards of creating, performing/presenting/producing, responding, and connecting to music. Our program uses a combination of music education methodologies, including the Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk methods, and encourages musical growth and expression through singing, playing musical instruments, and engaging in movement.
Cider Mill formally introduces all Wilton students to the experience of participating in a performing ensemble. All 4th grade students in the district participate in our 4th Grade Chorus and have the option of continuing chorus in 5th grade. We also offer a robust instrumental program, including Strings and Orchestra for all students interested in studying violin, viola, cello or bass, and Band for 5th grade students interested in learning a wind or percussion instrument.
Our Programs
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In the Wilton Public Schools curriculum, students in the 5th grade are able to take on a band instrument for their first time on instruments such as the: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, baritone horn, trombone, or percussion. Students are expected to take their instrument home and practice for a minimum of 10-15 minutes per day.
The 5th grade band program consists of 1 weekly rehearsal and 1 weekly 40 minute lesson. The band rehearses once a week on Wednesdays before school from 7:00-7:40 AM. Our band puts on two concerts a year for our school community and families: a Winter Concert (February) and a Spring Concert (late May). In addition, we participate in the annual Youth Band Night at a WHS football game halftime show.
Advanced band students may also be invited to participate in our CM Jazz Ensemble group, which meets on Thursdays afterschool from 2:35-3:35 PM. This ensemble performs at our school and community events like our World Culture Night, FAPA Showcase concert at the Wilton Library and our Tacos & Jazz Event in the Town Green.
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The Wilton Public Schools orchestral program begins at Cider Mill School. All students are invited to study violin, viola, cello, or bass in an ensemble as well as a weekly small group lesson. Students develop the necessary playing technique, literacy, and musicianship to begin a lifelong love of playing a stringed instrument.
Students who are ready for an additional challenge may be invited to join the Advanced Strings Ensemble.
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Every Wilton student has the opportunity to experience choral singing in 4th Grade Chorus at Cider Mill. Here we begin building the foundation for ensemble practice and performance, including reading music with multiple parts, blending and collaborating with other musicians, and developing life-long rehearsal strategies. Most importantly, we strive to cultivate a love of music and singing in every student by exploring a variety of culturally responsive repertoire and building a respectful and inclusive community.
Cider Mill students have the option of continuing their choral journey in our 5th Grade Chorus before school. 5th Grade Chorus explores advanced repertoire and performs both for our school and greater Wilton community at sporting events, local venues, and partnerships with Middlebrook and Wilton High School choirs. 5th Grade Chorus warmly welcomes all voices and is a unique time for Cider Mill students to make music and collaborate across houses.
The Cider Mill Team
Andrew Pearson
Beth Bakst
Ken Hayashi
Jon Garcia
Kirsten Karlan
Music in our Schools
Miller Driscoll
Cider Mill
Middlebrook
Wilton HS
Genesis