Music in the Classroom

Kindergartners at Silver Oak participate in an interactive music learning experience through the sounds of drums and percussion. Music teacher, James Henry, visits our kindergartner classrooms 10 times a year. He is a San Francisco artist, recognized among his peers in the music industry. He has composed TV & film scores, touring the world with Columbia recording artist Pablo Cruise, and collaborating with other great artists including Taj Mahal, Robben Ford, Sly Stone, Buddy Miles, Merle Saunders, Pete Escovedo and Tom Jones.

In the spring, kindergartners also experience 12 weekly music visits from Ms. Lauren of MFM (see below).

1st - 4th Grades, Kindergarten (spring): Students in grades 1-4 (Kinder, in the spring) learn and perform music weekly with teachers from PTO music partner, Music for Minors.

Music for Minors (MFM) is a nonprofit with over 40 years of expertise in elementary school music education. With the mission of nurturing in children a lifelong love of music, MFM provides students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade with a comprehensive music education program. The MFM curriculum includes a variety of musical experiences through hands-on participation in many facets of music, such as singing, movement, theory, dance, musical games, use of rhythm instruments, and playing recorder.

Ms. Marie Alberry-Hawkins (1st & 2nd Grade Instructor) has a BS from San Jose State University and extensive experience in planning and conducting educational programs for preschoolers through adults. She has held numerous leadership positions with the San Jose Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department, and previously volunteered as an MFM music teacher for several years. Marie sings with Schola Cantorum.

Ms. Lauren Haber (Kinder, 3rd & 4th Grade Instructor) has a Master’s in Music (Vocal Performance) from the Manhattan School of Music, as well as an AD from the Aaron Copland School of Music. She has a background teaching voice and piano with young students and has extensive operatic performance experience as a soprano. Lauren also serves as MFM’s Director of Talent.

5th and 6th Grades: Silver Oak's 5th and 6th grade students have busy academic schedules to achieve over the course of the year, and so their music classes are held in the spring over 10 weekly visits by music teacher and band instructor, Mr. Andrew Boyd.

Mr. Boyd brings a lifetime wealth of music knowledge and experience to the students of Silver Oak. He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Through songs, various instruments, and interactive teaching, he shares the important ground foundations of music in a way that is passionate, inspiring and engaging each students creative spirit.

The aim is fun, informative, experiential learning.