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. The first trimester will focus on choral and musical theater repertoire in preparation for a winter concert. Additionally, students will study drama and dance techniques through classes by learning choreography, acting, and song interpretation. The second trimester will focus on bringing all three disciplines together for their annual musical production. By exploring these three unified crafts, students will experience a well-rounded education in the performing arts.

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.

MUSIC INNOVATION (T1, T2, or T3)

Have you ever wanted to create and produce your own original songs? Use your song as a ringtone? Here's your chance to unlock your inner creativity and musical talent! You and your musical partners will learn how to structure and create original song lyrics, with melodies and chords, alongside learning the ukelele to accompany yourself. You will then put it all together into a GarageBand recording, adding rhythm and other effects to make a final, professional-sounding recording to share with the world! No singing or instrumental experience is necessary.

THE SIDE NOTES (T3 only)

If you like to sing and would like to make music with others who like to sing, then come join The Side Notes, the course designed for anyone who enjoys singing in a group. Melody? Harmony? High? Low? Middle? Wherever you're comfortable, there's a place for you. We'll perform some of your favorites, old and new. No prior singing experience necessary.

UKE SONG FACTORY (Ukelele and Songwriting) (T3 only)

Have you ever wanted to play the ukulele and write your own songs? Well, now Uke-can! Unlock your hidden creativity and musical talent! Learn several chords and strumming techniques, then set off to create your own songs to accompany yourself and others. Finally, learn to record your songs into GarageBand, adding beats, sofware instruments and effects, then mix your song down to an mp3 file to share with the world! No previous musical experience required.