Singing is the backbone of the music program at Hilltown and familiar songs create a shared language within our community. Students begin learning the repertoire when they enter the school in kindergarten and the whole school sings together weekly at All-School Meeting.

Music classes often involve learning songs that specifically connect to the children’s social studies or science curriculum in addition to community and seasonal songs. Orff instruments and percussion play a big role in 4th-8th grade classes, and are used in lower grades as well. Recorder is learned at the 2nd/3d grade level.

The Hilltown Children’s Chorus (open to students in the 3rd -8th grader) performs music from the world’s harmony singing traditions. 7th and 8th graders can also join the more technically challenging Chamber Singers. We strive to offer students rich and varied musical experiences, including literacy, by the time that they graduate.

In addition to the regular music program, Hilltown students also have the option (at parent expense) of studying a string instrument (violin, cello or bass) and playing in the school “orchestra” or studying guitar or bass through group lessons scheduled during the school day.

Movement classes meet once a week for our K-6 students and include Folk Dancing for everyone with an emphasis on Creative Movement for K-3rd graders.