• Middle School Instrumental Music

     

    Please read the description of the ensemble below before registering for the course.

     

    Concert Band:  Concert band is our ensemble for students to continue to learn brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.  Students will rehearse one day a week before school and have a 30-minute sectional practice during the day on a rotating schedule. The concert band participates in our Winter and Spring concerts.  One year playing experience (elementary school band or private lessons) is a prerequisite for students to join the concert band.  Students without prior playing and note reading experience are welcome to join our beginning band program.  

    All students must fill out this short form in addition to registering for the course in PowerSchool.  

     

    Concert Band Registration Link: 

     

    Orchestra: The String Orchestra is our ensemble for students to continue to learn the violin, viola, cello and double bass.  Students will rehearse one day a week before school and have a 30-minute sectional practice during the day on a rotating schedule. The orchestra participates in our Winter and Spring concerts.  One or two year playing experience (elementary school orchestra or private lessons) is a prerequisite for students to join the orchestra.  Students without prior playing and note reading experience are welcome to join our beginning strings program.  All students must fill out this short form in addition to registering for the course in PowerSchool.

     

    Orchestra Registration Link:

     

    Beginning Band/Beginning Strings: The beginner instrumental program is designed for students that have not played an instrument before.  The goal is to teach the students the basics of instrumental technique and note reading on an accelerated pace, with the intention of having them join their peers in the concert band or orchestra as soon as they are ready.  The beginning program is not a course, so students do not need to sign up in PowerSchool.  Students will join a schoology ‘group’ for communication and resources.  There are no before school rehearsals, but students will have a 30-minute sectional lesson every week on a rotating schedule. All students interested in the beginning instrumental program must fill out this short form.

     

    Beginning Band/Strings Link: 

     

    Jazz Band: Jazz band is an extra-curricular ensemble that meets after school one day a week. Jazz band performs appropriately challenging music and is composed of the instruments from the concert band, as well as piano, guitar, drum set and electric bass.  Students on particular instruments may be required to audition.  Jazz band performs in the Winter and Spring concerts.

     

    NOTES:

    Piano/Guitar/Drum Set.  We do not offer lessons on piano, guitar or drum set in school.  The jazz band is the only ensemble that utilizes these instruments, and it is expected that participating students have a solid foundation on the instrument.

     

    Morning Rehearsals:  5th Grade Concert band (Wednesdays) and the 5/6 Orchestra (Mondays) rehearse at 7:45am.  Students may need to be dropped off at school in order to attend on time.

     

    Sectionals: Sectionals are small group lessons for students in the same instrumental section, i.e., 5th grade trumpets, cellos and basses, etc.  The sectional schedule is on the same day as the morning rehearsal, but is on a rotating schedule so students don’t miss the same class each week.

     

    Practice Expectations:  It is expected that students make time to consistently practice at home.  Students who spend time working on their music between lesson/rehearsal days typically have a positive and fun experience in school.