Welcome to the Middle School Music Department
The middle school music program continues with the comprehensive music education foundation established at the elementary school. All 6th & 7th grade students continue with General Music as part of their cycle classes. Band, Chorus and Orchestra are offered during the school day and open to all students. Select ensembles for each performance ensemble is offered to students who are enrolled in the corresponding ensemble. Selection to these select ensembles takes place in the spring.
Sixth Grade General Music is designed to build upon students’ prior knowledge of the world of music. The ultimate goal is to provide continuing instruction of music, musical awareness, performance, composition, history, note reading, musical understanding and its relevance in today's society. Students will have the opportunity to perform, create, and respond to music through the use of a variety of instruments and technologies, including piano and drums, GarageBand, writing raps, classical listening and musical theatre.
Seventh Grade General Music is designed to build upon students’ prior knowledge of the world of music, and their understandings from Sixth Grade General Music. Students will have the opportunity to perform, create, and respond to music through the use of a variety of instruments and technologies, including piano and drums, GarageBand, listening and history from 20th century classical, jazz, barbershop, pop and rock, as well as film scoring and careers in music.
6th Grade Band is designed to build upon students’ prior knowledge of the world of instrumental music and ensemble playing. Selected methods, literature, and repertoire will be challenging yet attainable for the technical and musical development of the students. The use of a metronome and tuner is encouraged for musical growth and development and will be included in lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and daily practice. Listening is a critical component of music education. At this level students will be presented listening examples within weekly lessons and ensemble rehearsals. Sixth grade students wishing to begin a band instrument will follow the curriculum and guidelines in the Fifth Grade Band Curriculum and will participate in the band ensemble at the discretion of the director.
Sixth Grade Chorus is designed to build upon students’ prior knowledge of the world of vocal music and choral singing. The emphasis in rehearsals is improving students’ choral/vocal technique and continuing to develop musicianship skills - sight-reading/solfege, music literacy and note reading, production of tone quality, posture, and breathing. Students sing music from many styles and cultures, and in several languages.
6th Grade Orchestra ensemble/course is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to further their knowledge of playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) and offer an opportunity to play in the string orchestra. Emphasis will be placed on technique, note reading, sight-reading, ensemble rehearsal and individual musical development.
7th & 8th Grade Band these courses are designed as a continuation of the 6th Grade Band Curriculum with emphasis on refinement of both individual and ensemble playing. Sectional rehearsals continue with added repertoire for solo and small ensemble playing. Students from these ensembles may audition for the Wind Ensemble and/or Jazz Band. Seventh and eighth grade students wishing to begin a band instrument will follow the curriculum and guidelines in the Fifth Grade Band Curriculum and will participate in the band ensemble at the discretion of the director.
7th & 8th Grade Orchestra ensembles/courses are designed as a continuation of the 6th Grade Orchestra with emphasis on refinement of both individual and ensemble playing. Sectional rehearsals continue with added repertoire for solo and ensemble playing. Ensemble playing includes String Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra. Students will have an opportunity to perform symphonic works from master composers. Students from these ensembles may audition for the Select Strings.
