WHO WE ARE
Introducing children to music during one of the most
integral phases of growth and development
OUR CLASSES
A solid music foundation sets the stage for a lifetime
of musical enjoyment, learning and participation.
Music Discovery is a unique two-year program, specifically designed for children ages 5-7 to develop a solid foundation of musical skills. The program is designed to support and enhance school readiness, and builds on children’s previous musical experiences, such as participation in ChIMES.
Music Discovery classes focus on the fundamentals of music literacy, rhythmic competency, and learning to sing in tune. The program is designed to be completed in two years, and the curriculum allows ample time for students to work together as a whole ensemble, in small groups, and as soloists.
Both the Year One and Year Two Music Discovery programs mirror the academic year and run from October through May (26 weeks, no classes during holidays and select dates).
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MAY 1, 2024
MUSIC DISCOVERY: YEAR ONE
(October 2024 - May 2025)
Mondays, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Liberty Station (2820 Roosevelt Rd.)
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
OR
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Liberty Station (2820 Roosevelt Rd.)
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
Cost: $715
The first year of the program is focused on musical learning such as note reading, part singing, and rhythmic activities, and introduces beginning terminology in music theory. Orff xylophones, hand drums, and other percussion instruments are used in every class.
Age Requirement: We recommend children are at least age 5 by the start date of the program in September (typically, children who would be going into kindergarten or first grade), but will consider children that will be turning 5 within a couple of months. Maximum age to start this first-year Music Discovery program is 7 years old.
MUSIC DISCOVERY: YEAR TWO
(October 2024 - May 2025)
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Liberty Station (2820 Roosevelt Rd.)
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
OR
Saturdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Balboa Park, Casa del Prado Room 204
Teaching Artist: Lowri Casimiro
Cost: $715
The second year builds on the skills and concepts learned in Year One, and expands upon them with more in depth music theory, ear training, and ensemble work. Additionally, children are introduced to the families of musical instruments and gain hands-on exposure to orchestral instruments, setting the stage for them to join a musical ensemble, such as the KeyNote’s San Diego Youth Symphony program (for ages 7-8+)
Age Requirement: We recommend children are at least age 6 by the start date of the program in September (typically, children who would be going into first grade), but will consider children that will be turning 6 within a couple of months. Maximum age for Year Two Music Discovery program is 7.5 years old.
*It is highly encouraged that students applying for Year Two have completed Year One. For students who were not enrolled in Year One, we will consider applications based on previous music experience, such as at least six months of piano lessons or at least one school year of general music classes.
Registration will open on May 1. If you have any questions, please email music-discovery@sdys.org.
MEET THE ChIMES TEAM
Our creative, experienced team is passionate about helping your child
grow and develop
Lowri Casimiro
Lowri Casimiro
Conductor
Prelude Level: Debut Strings Class & Inspiration Level: Overture Strings
Originally from the United Kingdom, Lowri Casimiro attended the Royal Welsh College of Music where she studied performance on viola and violin, graduating with a Bachelor of Music. She continued her musical education in London with Post-Graduate studies in performance at Trinity College of Music and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education from Roehampton, University of Surrey.
Since leaving the United Kingdom, Ms. Casimiro is grateful to have had the opportunity to travel the world, teaching music to students of all ages in prestigious international schools. Some of her favorite schools include Bluewater International School in Koh Samui, Thailand and Al Yasmina Academy in Abu Dhabi. Since settling down in San Diego five years ago, she has been a valued teaching artist at SDYS’ Opus Community Project.
Ms. Casimiro is an Orff certified teacher; her true passion lies in developing the musical minds of younger students and she now teaches within the Chula Vista Elementary School District. In 2015, she was the recipient of the VH-1 Save the Music Foundation, Music Educator of the Year, recognizing her commitment and dedication to her students.