Harmonizing Hearts and Minds: How Music Education Engages Lower School Students
Students are often seen on Chalmers Field practicing ukuleles as part of the Lower School music program. Photo: Tyler Gaines
By Marites Olano
From the first notes strummed on a ukulele to the complex harmonies performed in an Upper School concert, St. Margaret's music program offers an unmatched breadth of opportunities for its students.
The school’s approach to music education fosters creativity, collaboration, and a love of music, all while nurturing students’ ability to express themselves through music in a wide variety of forms. It all starts at a young age, in the heart of St. Margaret’s Lower School, where students from kindergarten through grade 5 strike the perfect chord.
One of the most notable features in the Lower School music curriculum is the use of ukuleles, which are introduced in kindergarten and continue through grade 5. The students are introduced with very simple lessons such as how to hold the instrument, how to strum and how to change pitches. This early introduction to music builds foundational skills, helping young students develop an understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony, while also learning the valuable benefits of working together in an ensemble.
The ukuleles are a familiar sight to many on St. Margaret’s campus. On sunny days throughout the school year, Lower School music teacher Zach Hanna encourages students to practice the ukulele outside during class, and Chalmers Field transforms into an outdoor music space where students work on chords and melodies.
Photo: Tyler Gaines
Under the leadership of Mr. Hanna, students master the fundamentals of music theory and performance and also develop crucial life skills such as collaboration, teamwork, and cultural awareness. This comprehensive music program, designed with the youngest learners in mind, is more than just an introduction to notes and rhythm–it's an exploration of learning, creativity, and community.
The music program has evolved significantly. In recent years, the Lower School has expanded its music program to include weekly general music classes for kindergarten through grade 5, with grades 4 and 5 also attending ensemble classes twice a week.
This enhanced schedule, with music classes three times a week for older Lower School students, offers opportunities to learn to read music, explore music history, play the ukulele, sing, and prepare for performances such as the beloved Lessons and Carols, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and Open House. The program also includes the school's annual musicals, with student participation in these events growing significantly. Notably, student involvement in the ensemble has surged, and the number of students joining the ensemble has remained strong since the expansion of music lessons in the Lower School.
As Jennifer Blount, Lower School Principal, explains, this expansion reflects St. Margaret’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection with music and providing students with a well-rounded arts education.
“One of the greatest outcomes of this increase is the camaraderie amongst the music department as a whole, ensuring a through line from Lower School through Upper School,” Mrs. Blount said. “Music is an essential part of a healthy and thriving society and it warms my heart to know that we’ve been able to dedicate so many resources to make this happen.”
As the students grow, so does their music education. St. Margaret's offers a diverse range of ensemble music programs for grades 4 through 12, starting with beginner classes and advancing to more complex concert groups that tackle great works of music. All levels benefit from classroom interaction, supported by technology-based learning tools that enhance the music experience and provide students with a well-rounded understanding of music theory and practice.
For students in kindergarten through grade 3, the focus is on laying a strong foundation in music theory. How does Mr. Hanna ensure his young students stay engaged? "It’s got to be fun," he says. A typical lesson might involve students tapping along to rhythms, dancing to tempo changes, or even moving their bodies to reflect musical elements like pitch and dynamics. The key is movement, “...as concepts stick better when they’re tied to action,” he said.
Through methods like Kodaly, Orff, and Suzuki, Mr. Hanna’s approach blends traditional music education with his own dynamic flair. "I try to keep things fast-paced and energized," he explains, adding that repetition, similar to practicing an instrument, is essential to mastering musical theory. The ukulele serves as a versatile instrument to reinforce these concepts, with its simple chords acting as a gateway to more complex instruments down the line.
A standout moment in these early years comes in the form of a game called "Musical Twister," which combines learning note reading with physical movement. "I created a giant musical staff on the floor in the classroom and students compete by moving to the given line or space. It's a simple, fun, yet very effective way for me to assess each student's understanding of note reading in both clefs," he shares. This interactive approach reinforces note-reading, but also injects fun.
As students progress to grades 4 and 5, the program adapts to match their growing abilities. By this stage, students begin to engage in more structured music classes—band, orchestra, and choir—where they explore advanced musical concepts while refining their skills. "With grades 4 and 5, I support their ensemble work while also challenging them with new material," Mr. Hanna said.
It's a pivotal moment in their musical journey–balancing the fundamentals of music theory and history with the practical, hands-on skills required for performance. To support their learning, Mr. Hanna focuses on reinforcing the theory they're studying in these ensemble classes while also challenging them in new, engaging ways.
The integration of technology plays a significant role as well, with students using music apps on iPads to learn songwriting and recording techniques. Mr. Hanna adds, “With grades 4 and 5 students, I try to support their music ensemble classes by reinforcing theory they are learning in their new classes and also challenging them in new ways. We use their iPads to learn songwriting and recording techniques through Garageband and explore different genres of music and various artists from around the world. We also play much more difficult chords and songs on our ukulele.”
One of the exciting developments at this stage is the increased emphasis on performance. "I always encourage students to share their work, whether they’re musically gifted or just starting out," Mr. Hanna notes. Peer collaboration becomes an essential part of the learning process, with students often taking on leadership roles, guiding their classmates through challenging pieces, and taking pride in their ability to help others succeed. This sense of ownership develops musical growth but emotional maturity as well.
For the grade 5 students, their final year in the Lower School music program is marked by a blend of historical exploration and creative expression. "Students want to focus on music history, so we study everything from the Beatles to Motown," he says. As a result, students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of music.
“It’s incredible to be able to teach these students from kindergarten all the way through grade 5 and watch them grow as people and musicians. Those are the moments why we as teachers do what we do.”
The students study protest songs from the Civil Rights movement and examine how iconic bands like The Beatles contributed to societal change such as ending segregation at concert venues. By making history immersive and interactive through music, Lower School students stay engaged while developing a deeper appreciation for different cultures and time periods. Mr. Hanna adds, “We watch videos, listen to the words and melodies of different time periods, and explore how they have affected the music we listen to today.”
The music program’s ability to engage students across a wide spectrum of abilities and interests is a testament to the power of the arts at St. Margaret’s in shaping young hearts and minds. By creating a space where learning is playful, collaborative, and inspiring, St. Margaret’s Lower School music program ensures that every student learns music and gains confidence.
Lower School music teacher Zach Hanna.
“It's incredible to be able to teach these students from kindergarten all the way through grade 5 and watch them grow as people and musicians. Seeing them slowly understand how to read music in both clefs and count difficult rhythmic notations is magical. Those are the moments why we as teachers do what we do,” expressed Mr. Hanna.
Mr. Hanna grew up in the theater and knew from a young age that performing arts was his passion. After attending the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music, he began his career in New York City and achieved notable success on stage. Highlights of his career include performing as Boq in Wicked for over three years on both the Broadway and National Tour productions, starring in the National Tour of Barry Manilow's Copacabana, and playing Mark in the original National Tour and Off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz.
His vast theatrical credits also include roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, Miss Saigon, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and many more. In addition to his theater work, Mr. Hanna also appeared in numerous national commercials and TV shows such as As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Law and Order SVU, and Third Watch.
Mr. Hanna is among several performing arts teachers at St. Margaret’s who have performed professionally–some of whom continue to balance their classroom instruction with real-world experience on the stage. These faculty members bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, and most are affiliated with prestigious professional arts and education organizations such as ACDA, AEA, SAG-AFTRA, CAPMT, and CMEA. Their real-world experience on the stage both locally and abroad offer students unparalleled insight into the artistry of performance.
From the foundational program for younger students to crowd-dazzling concert ensembles in the Upper School, St. Margaret’s music program is dedicated to fostering the creative potential of every student. The first strums of the ukulele start students on a joyful journey that builds confidence, fosters collaboration and celebrates the transformative power of music.
