In our district, which is in California, they have to "achieve" standards that have been put in place for all classes. I recall her "music" teacher utilizing the sections from the standards list when he did articles for me for the school newsletter.
Our DD's elementary did performances that were centered around a theme that had to do with music from regional areas. I remember "Christmas Down Under" which had music and rhythms and animals from Australia and New Zealand. Next they had one that had to do with the "Ranchos in California" from the early to mid-twentieth century. Their final one in fifth grade had to do with American and the rights that we have here. They were all very enjoyable, though different from what I had grown up with.
Not a traditional song, really, among them.
Her Chorus this year in 6th grade is an elective course and they are doing more "choral" type songs. Not really too much along the lines that I did for so many years in school, but very enjoyable.
Karen