“Good Morning, First Grade!!” Sung to the happy strumming of a guitar as students approach the door. “Good Morning, Mr. Cordes!!” the class sings back in response. All done as naturally as saying “hello” as they head into class.
There is perhaps no sweeter sound than young children singing with confidence. And while we all love the events where our youngest students stand on stage and absolutely beam while earnestly remembering words and singing with all their hearts, little do most folks know how that enthusiasm and engagement is ignited and maintained from our earliest grades to the commitment to practice and polished musicianship in Grade 8 here at Park.
At The Park School, music education is more than just a class—it’s an experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Despite the challenges of limited facilities, Park’s music program continues to grow, offering students a rich and comprehensive journey from PreK through Grade 8. With a commitment to exposure, inclusivity, and excellence, the department provides students with a strong foundation in music literacy, performance, and exploration.
From the earliest years, Park students are immersed in music. In PreK, music class is an engaging and interactive experience where children sing, move, and play instruments while developing essential skills such as matching pitch, keeping a steady beat, and understanding musical patterns. These foundational lessons establish early ensemble experiences, reinforcing teamwork and mutual accountability— values that carry through the entire music program.
By third grade, students begin formal music literacy training with the recorder, learning to read notes and perform as a group. This serves as a bridge to the ensemble program, which launches in fourth grade. At this pivotal stage, every student selects an ensemble—band, choir, guitar, or orchestra—laying the groundwork for future musical growth. In Grade 5, students continue in their chosen ensemble, deepening their skills and confidence before music becomes an elective in Grade 6.
The ensemble program is the heartbeat of music at Park, bringing together students and faculty together every week for 80 minutes with a powerful impact. Students learn the importance of accountability; each member plays a vital role, and their contributions directly affect the overall sound and success of the group.
Major school events like Yule Festival, concerts, and graduation showcase the hard work and dedication of the students in music ensembles. The Grade 7 and 8 ensembles, including chorus, guitar, and orchestra, take center stage at these events, receiving well-earned recognition for their commitment and providing younger students just starting ensemble participation a model of where they can grow with persistence and dedication. In the future, the music department hopes to expand opportunities for students to engage with Boston’s rich musical community, further broadening their horizons.
For students in Grades 6–8, music electives provide another layer of musical engagement beyond traditional performance ensembles. These courses, which rotate on a semester basis, allow students to explore different aspects of music, such as ukulele, digital music, and music theory. The music theory elective, led by Ethan Giles, has become particularly popular among ensemble students, offering a deeper understanding of music composition, scales, intervals,and historical context.
The music program is designed to ensure every student feels valued, challenged, and supported in their musical journey, whether they pursue performance long-term or simply enjoy the experience.
What makes Park’s elective offerings unique is the opportunity for faculty to bring their own professional experience into the classroom. As active musicians outside of school, Park teachers infuse their lessons with real-world musical expertise, inspiring students to develop their own artistic voices.
Music at Park is about more than just learning notes and rhythms—it’s a powerful tool for social emotional learning (SEL) and building a sense of belonging. In every grade, students experience leadership opportunities, from PreK students leading movement activities to middle schoolers taking on prominent performance roles. The music program is designed to ensure every student feels valued, challenged, and supported in their musical journey, whether they pursue performance long-term or simply enjoy the experience.
As the program grows in all the best ways, Park finds an increased need for dedicated spaces to accommodate this thriving program. Undeterred, our educators make it work—setting up chairs and music stands in the West Gym lobby, where students rehearse amid passing foot traffic, blasts of cold air, and daily disruptions. Each day, the classroom is built and taken down again.
Recognizing the need for improved facilities, Park is in the process of designing new music spaces that will better respond to student growth and demand. Striking the right balance between structured instruction and self-guided practice will be key in ensuring these spaces enhance the overall program.
Head of School Scott Young shared, “Music education at Park is thriving—but now it’s time for a space that reflects its importance. With a dedicated music space, we can expand opportunities for students to explore their creativity, collaborate in ensembles and choirs, and build confidence through performance. By putting music at the heart of our campus, we’re ensuring that every student has the chance to experience the joy of making something beautiful together.”
Despite the logistical challenges of time and space, the Park music faculty take great pride in what they have built—a coherent and dynamic program that offers every student a meaningful musical exposure to, and benefits of, participating in the creative experience both individually and collectively. Through performance and exposure opportunities like concerts, Morning Meeting, partnerships with faculty across disciplines, collaboration with Brookline Music School for private lessons, and a clear vision for the future, Park’s music program continues to thrive with the classroom experience that is foundational in creating a program aligned with our mission, vision, and values.
The goal is clear: to create a space where all students can see themselves and be themselves with a future path in music—for some as a listener and maybe also a performer, feeling the joy of experiencing a life impacted by music in community. As the program evolves, Park remains committed to opening the door and welcoming all our students to a lifelong appreciation for the impact and the gift of music education.
By Ken Rogers, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum & Instruction
First published in the Summer 2025 issue of The Park School Bulletin