Middle School Curriculum Guide

The fifth-grade Music program is structured in order to provide all students an experience in both band and chorus throughout the year. In chorus, students will explore music of various styles and historic periods in several languages. Solfege and ear training are incorporated alongside the study and performance of a variety of choral repertoire. In band, students are introduced to a band instrument with both small-group lessons and larger band rehearsals. They work from a beginning method book, developing a solid skill base to perform elementary band music on their selected instrument. All students participate in several major concerts during the school year.

Sixth-Grade Band provides an ensemble experience for students with beginning experience on wind and percussion instruments. Those wishing to enter Sixth-Grade Band without any prior instrumental experience may do so if deemed appropriate by the instructor. Through classroom instruction (in small groups and larger band rehearsals), a band method/technique book and appropriate repertoire, students will continue to develop a solid skill base to interpret and perform band music at an advanced beginner level. Grading is based on the student participation and overall performance. Participation in the private lesson program is strongly recommended. Members of the Sixth-Grade Band are expected to perform in two major concerts, scheduled in December and May of each school year.

Members of the Sixth-Grade Chorus take on more challenging two and three-part music. Meeting both in small groups and as a larger ensemble, students learn repertoire in several languages and musical styles, such as folk, pop, Broadway, and classical music. Members of the Sixth-Grade Chorus are expected to perform in two major concerts, scheduled in December and May of each school year. Students are evaluated based on their participation and overall performance. 

CONCERT BAND

In Concert Band, students with prior knowledge on wind or percussion instruments will work as a dedicated ensemble to explore and perform music from a variety of styles and genres, including, but not limited to, contemporary music, film music, pop music, and traditional band repertoire. Band members practice important 21st century skills, such as working as a team and collaborating with their peers as they approach new challenges, along with expanding their musical knowledge and developing proficiency on their chosen instrument! Members of the Concert Band are expected to perform in two major concerts, scheduled in December and May of each school year, along with other informal performances throughout the year. Those who participate in Concert Band are eligible to participate in Middle School Jazz Band. Participation in the private lesson program is strongly recommended.

CONCERT CHORUS

If you love singing, you will love learning to sing with others. In chorus students will learn to read music, work on their ear training skills, and blend their voice within a choir. Musicians will learn and sing genres such as, but not limited to, classical, folk, jazz, pop, and musical theatre as well as a variety of languages. When you are part of a choir, you are part of a community. Together, they perform concerts in the winter and spring. The group also has other performances and trips throughout the year. Come join our singing community and be a part of our musical team! Those who are in the Concert Chorus are also eligible to audition for our pop singing group “Cub Scats.” This course can be taken concurrently with other electives, INCLUDING Integrated.

MUSIC INNOVATION

Have you ever wanted to arrange and compose your own songs? Here's your chance to unlock your inner creativity! Students will learn how to use pre-recorded loops to create new musical arrangements. Those in the course will also learn how to compose simple melodies. This class uses Soundtrap to produce pieces. The only requirement is your love and excitement for new music!                       

UKE CAN DO IT!

Come make music with us! This is a chance to learn a new instrument. The ukulele has been made popular with many songs on the radio. Playing the ukulele allows you the freedom to sing while you are accompanying yourself.  This course gives you a chance to learn chords on the ukulele, a variety of strumming patterns, and how to accompany yourself while singing.  No previous musical experience required.    

These are not electives but clubs that meet during Flex.

Grades 7-8 CubScats

CubScats is a club that meets during Flex time. This is a pop music group. Because CubScats is an extension of the ensemble curriculum, students must be in Concert Chorus or Concert Band to be eligible. 

Grades 7-8 Jazz Band

Jazz Band is a club that meets during Flex time. Because Jazz Band is an extension of the ensemble curriculum, students need to be enrolled in the Concert Band or Concert Chorus elective to be a part of the Jazz Band. 

Middle School String Ensemble

The Middle School String Ensemble meets during flex time and is open to any middle school string (violin, viola, cello or double bass) player who is well matched to participate with other interested middle school players. A beginning of the year audition determines the correct placement for each student.