|
Music in the middle school is considered an art
and a craft, an individual and a group activity,
creative and recreational in nature, vocal and
instrumental in expression, and participant as well
as community-oriented. All musical activities
should be thought of and planned as episodes in a
process of musical growth. Therefore, the program
is structured to challenge all students at their
own level of ability.
The program's philosophy is not only to
challenge the student musically but also to build
character and self-discipline. All students can
participate in the music program as long as they
are willing to practice their instrument and have
the desire to participate in one of the musical
ensembles. The music courses are all elective
courses.
General Music is offered at the sixth grade
level only. General music lesson plans are designed
to integrate into classroom activities in which
composers are discussed, listening activities are
planned, instrumental demonstrations are given,
rhythmic and notation reading periods are provided,
and different styles of music are discussed.
GRADE
6
BAND (2 x week - year
course)
The grade 6 band is a training ensemble
consisting of instruments from the
brass, woodwind, and percussion
families. Music is selected based on
the ability of the incoming fifth grade
students. The emphasis is placed on
beginning rehearsal techniques and
developing a concert band sound.
Band students interested in also
taking chorus will be scheduled for a
before school band class one day per
week.
|
CHORUS (2 x week - year course)
The girls and boys in grade six chorus
rehearse two days per week. The
emphasis is placed on learning to sing
two- and three-part songs in
preparation for their concert
performance. Music is selected based on
the ability of the students.
|
GENERAL MUSIC (9 weeks - 2x week
[Sixth Grade])
Grade six general music is a 9-week
course required of all students. The
content of this course will consist of
music notation, expression of music
using aural techniques to recognize
dynamic levels, tempos, moods and
styles, form, analysis, and music
history, multicultural awareness, and
curriculum integration. Students will
be exposed to a wide variety of music,
which will include classical, opera,
Broadway, and contemporary. This course
will relate to the state standards by
asking students to demonstrate
originality and artistic expression in
the creation and performance of music,
to critique and evaluate their own and
others' music, and to evaluate the
techniques of media in the creation of
music.
|
GRADE
7
BAND (2 x week - year
course)
The grade 7 band students are part of a
large concert band. They rehearse as a
separate band until a scheduled
performance. Then the 7th graders
combine with the 8th graders to form
the concert band. Emphasis is placed on
developing a more rounded and balanced
band. Students will play more advanced
literature and will have more
performance demands.
Band students interested in taking
chorus will be scheduled for chorus
class on one day of each week in lieu
of an exploratory class.
|
CHORUS (2 x week - year course)
The 7th grade chorus is a combination
of male and female voices. Students
rehearse as the 7th grade chorus.
Emphasis is placed on three-part
harmonic singing and developing a
balanced choral sound. The 7th grade
chorus may be combined with other grade
levels for special performances,
festivals, and concerts.
|
JAZZ BAND
Before School Practice Sessions -
The jazz band is a highly select group
of musicians taken from the seventh and
eighth grade. Students in the jazz band
should know various scales and be
working diligently on their method
books. The group includes a limited
instrumentation of saxes, flutes,
trombones, trumpets, and a rhythm
section. This group performs many times
during the school year, and students
should be willing to be present for ALL
rehearsals and performances. Students
audition each year for this jazz
ensemble.
|
SELECT CHOIR
The select choir is an auditioned
choir of seventh and eighth grade
students and meets before school one
day per week. Their performances
feature literature that is at an
advanced level for middle school
students.
|
GRADE
8
BAND (2 x week - year
course)
This course is for 8th grade students
who wish to further their development
of playing wind and percussion
instruments. At times they combine with
the 7th grade band to form a large
concert band for performances. The
level of the music requires students to
practice at home.
Band students interested in taking
chorus will be scheduled for chorus
class on one day of each week in lieu
of the exploratory class.
|
CHORUS - 2 x week - year course
This course is taught similar to the
other choir periods. This chorus may
also be combined with other grade
levels at the discretion of the
director.
|
JAZZ BAND
Before School Practice Sessions -
The jazz band is a highly select group
of musicians taken from the seventh and
eighth grade. Students in the jazz band
should know various scales and be
working diligently on their method
books. The group includes a limited
instrumentation of saxes, flutes,
trombones, trumpets, and a rhythm
section. This group performs many times
during the school year, and students
should be willing to be present for ALL
rehearsals and performances. Students
audition each year for this jazz
ensemble.
|
SELECT CHOIR
The select choir is an
auditioned choir of seventh and eighth
grade students and meets before school
one day per week. Their performances
feature music compositions that are at
an advanced level for middle school
students.
|
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TECHNIQUES (1 x
week - year course)
Each student, in order to be in one of
the ensembles or large performing
instrumental groups, must continue to
study his/her instrument by enrolling
for at least one period per week of
instrumental music. A limited number of
beginners may be enrolled, depending
upon the instrument desired and
available time. All lessons are
arranged on a rotating basis so that
students do not regularly miss the same
scheduled class every week. All facets
of instrumental music training are
emphasized. Students are expected to
practice daily at home.
|
|
TOP
OF
PAGE
|
|
