Middle School Music Grades 7-9

All students in grades seven and eight receive music instruction for a forty-five minute period every other day all year long.  Students study the Performing Arts and will develop life long skills in all areas of performance. Seventh grade students choose from Band, Orchestra, and Introduction to Performing Arts.  Eighth grade students choose from Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Performing Arts.  In all of these courses, students are expected to perform several times throughout the year.

Grade 7

8751 Introduction to Performing Arts

A music course is required of all seventh graders. Courses meet on alternate days for a full year. Introduction to Performing Arts is designed for seventh graders who are not enrolled in Band or Orchestra. This is an active, hands-on class in which students can experiment with various methods of performance, including playing guitar and/or recorder, singing, dancing and acting. Interpretation of musical notation is emphasized an interdisciplinary activities are encouraged. Students will actively participate in a variety of performance settings.

 

8752 Band 7 is designed for seventh graders who choose to continue their educational interests in band music. Students receive experience playing in a variety of musical styles and continue their development of musical skills and techniques.

 

8753 Orchestra 7 is designed for seventh graders who play violin, viola, cello or double bass. Emphasis is placed on developing string technique and experiencing a variety of new musical styles and skills.

Grade 8

8851 Performing Arts

A music course is required of all eighth graders. Courses meet on alternate days for a full year. Performing Arts is designed for eighth graders who are not enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra. This is an active, hands-on class in which students can experiment with various methods of performance, including playing guitar and/or recorder, dancing and acting. Interpretation of mu­sical notation is emphasized, and interdisciplinary activi­ties are encouraged. Students will actively participate in a variety of performance settings.

 

8852 Band 8 is designed for eighth graders who choose to continue their educational interests in band music. Students receive experience playing a variety of musical styles and continue their development of musical skills and techniques. Several public performances are scheduled throughout the year, including concert and marching settings.

 

8853 Orchestra 8 is designed for eighth graders who play violin, viola, cello or double bass. Emphasis is placed on developing more advanced string technique and experi­encing a variety of new musical styles and skills. Several public performances are scheduled through­out the year, including winter and spring concerts.

 

8854 Chorus 8 is designed for eighth graders who choose to continue their interest in choral music. Students will experience singing a variety of musical styles in multi­-part arrangements. Development of vocal skills and technique will be emphasized. Opportunities for public performance will help stu­dents to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, both individually and collectively.

Grade 9

Students in ninth grade may choose Band, Orchestra or Chorus as electives. Ninth grade students may elect one or two music courses on the same time basis. Performing techniques are refined and more advanced skills are developed.

 

8965 Band 9 is designed for ninth graders who play instruments in the woodwind, brass, and percussion families. The function of this full-year program is to develop optimum musical standards and provide a wide range of musical experiences. Students will learn the techniques needed to achieve higher levels of performance. Both concert and marching opportunities are scheduled.

 

8966 Orchestra 9 is designed for ninth graders who have a minimum of two years of study of violin, viola, cello or string bass. This requirement may be waived, pending an audition. Students will continue the development of previously learned skills. Additional string techniques, such as higher positions, vibrato, and advanced bowings will be taught. The study of classical music will be emphasized with work toward performance of same.

 

8967 Chorus 9 is designed for ninth graders who enjoy singing and choose to enroll in a full-year program. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive musicianship through the use of choral literature representing a variety of styles, forms, and cultures, and which includes both sacred and secular texts. The goal is for students to perform artistically at maximum ability while developing skills in vocal technique, sight reading, basic music theory, and music history literature.

Middle School Music Teachers 2007-2008