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 instrumental 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 Intermediate Band are expected to perform in two major concerts, scheduled in January 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 challenging repertoire in several languages and musical styles, such as folk, pop, Broadway, and classical music. They sing two major concerts each year, in addition to shorter performances within and around the school community. Students are evaluated based on their participation and overall performance. 

INTEGRATED PERFORMING ARTS (Two-trimester course, T1 and T2) – Music and Drama/Dance

Integrated Performing Arts is an exploration of the combined disciplines of music, dance, and theater arts through the production of the spring Middle School musical musical. By exploring these three unified crafts, students will experience a well-rounded education in the cross relationship between the disciplines. 

Important Notes:

• Students in the Integrated elective cannot also take Concert Band due to scheduling constraints posed by the Integrated elective’s meeting five (5) times per cycle, but can take Concert Chorus concurrently
• In addition, students in the Integrated elective participate in a few weekend rehearsals in January and February, as well as several after school rehearsals leading up to the performance.
   

CONCERT BAND (Full Year, with the ability to concurrently take other electives)

In Concert Band, students with prior instrumental 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 member and collaborating with their peers as they approach new challenges, along with expanding musical knowledge and developing proficiency on their chosen instrument! Students will have opportunities to perform at formal and informal concerts throughout the school 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 (Full Year, with the ability to concurrently take other electives INCLUDING Integrated)

Share your talent and passion with the world! If you love singing, you will love learning to sing with others. Learn about how to read Music, how to blend your voice with others, a variety of genres and languages, and so much more. When you are part of a choir, you are part of a community. Come join our singing community and be a part of a new musical team! 

MUSIC INNOVATION (T1)

Have you ever wanted to arrange and compose your own songs? Here's your chance to unlock your inner creativity! You will learn how to pre-recorded loops and how to compose simple melodies, to put together an arrangement you are proud of and can share with others. This class uses GarageBand to produce pieces. The only requirement is your love and excitement for new music!                      

UKE SONG FACTORY (Ukelele and Songwriting) (T2, T3)

This course gives you a chance to learn chords on the ukulele, a variety of strumming patterns, and how to accompany yourself while singing. After you’ve mastered the basics, you can enter the journey of writing your own melody and lyrics. Finally, learn to record your songs into GarageBand, enhance it with other instruments, and set it free to the world! 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 twice per cycle 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 twice per cycle 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 twice per cycle and is open to any middle school string player who is well matched to participate with other interested middle school players. A beginning of the year audition in combination with the student’s schedule will determine what the correct placement is for each student.