MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Band - Zero Period (Grade 7/8)
Zero period band 7 and 8 is intended for students who wish to continue to develop skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band or string instrument.
The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.
Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.
Concert Band (Grade 7)
Concert Band is intended for students who wish to continue to develop skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band instrument.
The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.
Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.
Symphonic Band (Grade 8)
Symphonic Band is intended for students who wish to expand upon the skills and competencies related to playing a traditional band instrument.
The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.
Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.
String Orchestra (Grade 7/8)
String ensemble is intended to provide in depth musical experiences specifically for students playing violin, viola, cello, and/or bass.\
The course will examine aspects of music including basic fundamentals, elements, solo and ensemble repertoire, and historical context. In addition, in depth examination of pedagogical and technical aspects of playing and performance, as well as connections to other disciplines will be presented.
Successful completion of this course requires active classroom participation and will be measured through the evaluation of student preparation for class and performances, ongoing formative and summative evaluation of skills. Attendance at all scheduled performances is expected.
Instrumental Music Lessons
Instrumental Music Lessons is designed for students in grades 7 and 8 who wish to further refine their instrumental technique in a small, homogeneous group setting. This course meets in conjunction with the respective ensemble course.
This course requires students to understand and apply music fundamentals, musical elements, proper instrumental technique, historical context, relation of music to the other arts, and appropriate performance practice.
Students will build and develop skills through the study of instrument-specific methods, aural training, and repeated practice of proper instrument technique.
Jazz Ensemble (Extra-Curricular)
VOCAL MUSIC
Chorale
Chorale is designed for students who want to gain singing experience and develop vocal/music skills. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.
This course requires students to take into account basic vocal production, beginning theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop music and singing skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of age/level appropriate choral repertoire.
Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, sight singing exercises, as well as performance assessments.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is designed for students who want to explore music and perform in a large ensemble. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.
This course requires students to take into account proper vocal production, basic theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Students will build and develop music skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of choral repertoire.
Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, sight-singing exercises, as well as performance assessment
Debonaires
Debonaires is designed for middle school girls who want to participate in a women’s choir and develop vocal technique and musicianship skills. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, and festivals, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.
This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply basic music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music. Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, and performance of age-appropriate treble/women’s choral repertoire and sight-singing exercises.
Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, repertoire and sight-singing testing, as well as performance assessments.
