Music
Middle School Opportunities
Band
Band Grade 6 (Elective)
Let’s make music! In addition to our large group rehearsals, students receive a weekly group lesson. A wide range of music will be performed, from classical to popular. A variety of performance opportunities exist and concert attendance is required. You will learn the fun of making great music with your friends! This course is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
Band Grade 7 (Elective)
Prerequisite: Students who already play an instrument and have participated in Band 6. In addition to our large group rehearsals, students receive a weekly group lesson. A wide range of music will be performed, from classical to popular. A variety of performance opportunities exist and concert attendance is required. You will continue to enjoy the fun of making great music with your peers. This course is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
Band Grade 8 (Elective)
Prerequisite: Students who already play an instrument and have participated in Band 7. 8th grade band gives students an opportunity to learn music through a variety of activities. These activities include playing in a concert band, smaller chamber groups and optional extra-curricular groups such as jazz ensemble. Individuals will learn musical characteristics such as tone production, blending and working with others, pitches and rhythms, intonation and listening. Students also receive more individualized instruction through small group lessons. This instruction includes composition, improvisation, music theory and music history. The band performs three required concerts. You will improve your musicianship and continue to enjoy the fun of making great music with your peers. Band is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes
Choir
Choir Grade 6 (Elective)
Let your voice be heard! Choir 6 is perfect for any sixth grader who likes to sing, wants more musical smarts, and enjoys making music with friends old and new. You’ll be learning many different kinds of tunes in Choir 6. Expect to be involved in three required evening concerts during the school year to learn lots and have fun! This course is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
TB Choir Grade 7 and 8 (Elective)
If you’re a team player and like to have more fun than should be allowed, then join the TB (Tenor and Baritone) Choir 7/8! Being in this choir means you will increase your musical skills, improve your singing, get smart about your voice, and look good doing it! It doesn’t matter if your voice is changed, changing, or unchanged; we’ll find the right music for you! Expect to be involved in three required evening concerts throughout the school year, to learn tons and to have fun! Choir is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
SA Choir Grade 7 (Elective)
It’s your time to shine! This choir performs a variety of music from the beautiful, sensitive, and light-hearted to the serious and sophisticated- all designed to improve your singing voice, develop your musical ear, and learn the importance of community. SA Choir 7 is for any soprano or alto who likes to sing; wants to focus on and improve vocal technique, skills, and musical knowledge; and enjoys making music with friends. Expect to be involved in three required evening concerts throughout the school year, to learn tons and to have fun! Choir is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
SA Choir Grade 8 (Elective)
It’s your time to shine! This choir performs a variety of music from the beautiful, sensitive, and light-hearted to the serious and sophisticated- all designed to improve your singing voice, develop your musical ear, and learn the importance of community. SA Choir 8 is for any soprano or alto who likes to sing; wants to focus on and improve vocal technique, skills, and musical knowledge; and enjoys making music with friends. Expect to be involved in three required evening concerts throughout the school year, to learn tons and to have fun! Choir is a year-long commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
Orchestra
Orchestra Grade 6 (Elective)
Orchestra gives students the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello and bass in both small and large groups. 6th graders with or without prior experience with the above-mentioned instruments may register for 6th grade orchestra. We meet on an every other day basis for rehearsal and also have small group lessons. Students have the opportunity to develop musical skills individually as well as work in an ensemble. There are a variety of performance opportunities for the orchestra, including three concerts. There will also be an instrument display night in September for parents to rent or purchase an instrument and other necessary materials. Orchestra is a year-long course commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
Orchestra Grade 7/8 (Elective)
Prerequisite: Students with one year prior experience in or outside the school orchestra program. Orchestra gives students the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello and bass in both small and large groups. We meet on an every other day basis for rehearsal and also have small group lessons. Students have the opportunity to develop musical skills individually as well as work in an ensemble. There are a variety of performance opportunities for the orchestra, including three concerts. There will also be an instrument display night in September for parents to rent or purchase an instrument and other necessary materials. Orchestra is a year-long course commitment and does not allow for schedule changes.
Other courses
Wide World of Music (Elective)
Discover music in a way you never thought you would love! In this course you will be introduced to many areas of music ranging from world drumming to playing the guitar. We will also explore music’s evolution - from classical music to contemporary pop music. We will create, play, reflect, and respond to music; often in unexpected ways!
Music and the Image: Production Studio
This course will combine the interest areas of video production with music production. In the course of completing various collaborative projects, students will produce original music digitally and traditionally while other students will shoot and edit original footage. Students will then combine their talents into single projects wholly created by them. Some of these projects might include a music video, an advertisement, a jingle, mash-ups and a final biggish project.