Music Home
Welcome to the RJO Intermediate School Music Department
LATE REGISTRATION ENDED Sept. 9th
If you are still interested in:
4th grade FLUTE or HORN or 5th grade FLUTE, CLARINET, or HORN
Please e-mail Mrs. Brunson directly at brunsonj@kpcsd.org
If you are still interested in:
4th grade VIOLA, CELLO, or BASS or 5th grade VIOLIN, VIOLA, or CELLO
Please e-mail Mr. Schiavone directly at schiavonet@kpcsd.org
RJO Music Department Calendar (Including ALL rehearsals!) [UNDER CONSTRUCTION – dates are still being added for 2025-26!]
2025-26 Concert Dates:
[COMING SOON]
2025-26 Before-School Rehearsal days:
Grade 4 Band - Tuesdays, start date TBA
Grade 4 Chorus - Wednesdays, start date TBA
Grade 4 Orchestra - Thursdays, start date TBA
Grade 5 Orchestra - Wednesdays, start date TBA
Grade 5 Chorus - Thursdays, start date TBA
Grade 5 Band - Fridays, start date TBA
Why should my child study music?
Music study supports RJO's mission to help all students become lifelong learners!
Music is interdisciplinary!
We learn fractions in order to count note values, read a time and frequency chart (the score) to perform pitches, study languages to read musical directions and lyrics, communicate through sound, learn about people of other historical periods and cultures through their music, and develop physical education skills like body awareness, muscle strength, and fine motor control from instrumental and vocal training. Because music connects so many disciplines in real-time performance, it strengthens our mental connections between them.
Music teaches growth mindset!
Because music performance requires so many different skills, it is one of the greatest challenges most students will experience. In keeping with our RJO mission statement, we learn to take risks like performing for others, to celebrate mistakes as opportunities to solve problems and improve our skills, and to learn skills for teaching ourselves that can be applied to any challenge in life.
Music teaches responsibility!
As a member of a team, we develop skills for time management, organization (such as following the schedule and having needed materials), preparation, and hard work to help the ensemble succeed.
Music is a moving experience!
Music is an artistic and expressive process that challenges us, engages our senses and emotions, and connects us to other people, places, times, and ideas, allowing us to better understand our world and ourselves.
REALLY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!
What is my child’s instrument assignment?
Each year, assignment letters are sent home in your child's backpack in June and again in September.
Once you have your child's instrument assignment, please view the SUPPLY LIST for that instrument and purchase all needed supplies.
***The supply list also contains important rental information!***
Is my child's instrument in the BAND or the ORCHESTRA at RJO?
All string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) are ORCHESTRA instruments.
Woodwinds, brass, and percussion are part of the BAND.
RJO Music Faculty
4th and 5th Grade General Music: Ms. Alexandria Costanza
4th and 5th Grade Chorus: Ms. Alexandria Costanza
4th and 5th Grade Orchestra: Mr. Tyler Schiavone
4th and 5th Grade Band: Mrs. Jeanne Brunson
Back to School Night handout on music and cognition
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation: Music Matters brochure