Performing Arts
Music
The music department has something to offer every student! There are two major areas of study, General Music and Performing Ensembles. Students can elect to be in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra (strings). All students who do not elect a performing ensemble will be automatically enrolled in general music.
General Music
General Music is the study of music in a classroom setting. Through the General Music curriculum, students are given the opportunity to create music and to refine and rework their compositions in collaborative groups. After interpretation and analysis, students then present their work to their peers. Throughout their musical studies, students build a language to respond to musical examples and performances, identifying meaning and intent. Students also connect their musical knowledge to their personal life, historical events, culture, as well as other classes they take throughout the day.
Grade 6
Students in 6th grade will develop proper technique in xylophone, ukulele, and voice. Students will demonstrate proper playing technique through projects such as Compositions, Solfege Reading, and a culminating final project. Through this course, students will also develop knowledge of music theory elements including notation reading and basic chord progressions that will prepare them for 7th grade and beyond.
Grade 7
In 7th grade, students will continue to use and build their skills on ukuleles and guitars. Students also continue to develop their composition skills and their knowledge of music theory and notation via a variety of assignments using the notation software FlatIO. Students will study World Music Drumming, Keyboards, and the Blues. Through studying West African, Caribbean and American cultures of music, students learn to perform on a variety of instruments while also exploring how music can play a role in society and how the music of today is connected to these cultures. The experiences of the 7th grade musicians will give the students the skills and tools to become lifelong musicians in 8th grade and beyond.
Grade 8
In 8th grade, students will continue to build on the percussion skills that they learned in 7th grade through bucket drumming including keeping time, rhythmic patterns, and drumming tones. They will also experiment with electronic music through composition and musical software. In the third trimester, they will study the history of Rock and Roll and its stylistic development throughout history. Grade 8 students will explore the world of composition throughout the year using a software program called Soundtrap. They will also learn modern rhythmic patterns as they play bucket drums. Another unit will explore key historical moments in the Evolution of Rock and Roll. In this unit, students will continue playing guitar/ukulele, keyboard and drums.
Performing Ensembles
Performing Ensembles provide another opportunity for students to expand their performing skills through singing and instrument playing with their classmates. Students are introduced to a wide variety of music styles and genres, as well as advanced instruction in music literacy, interpretation, rehearsal techniques, and performance etiquette. GMS provides multiple performance opportunities throughout the year for the members of the band, chorus, and orchestra (strings).
Band
Band students play flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, or percussion instruments. Band rehearses twice each seven-day cycle. In addition to the full ensemble rehearsal, students attend small group lessons called “sectionals”. The Band curriculum includes instrument specific technique, score reading, audiation, and basic music theory.
*Students who join band as beginners are strongly encouraged to take private lessons as most students in band have already been playing their instruments for a minimum of one year!
Orchestra
Orchestra students play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Orchestra rehearses twice each seven-day cycle. In addition to the full ensemble rehearsal, students attend small group lessons called “sectionals”. The Orchestra curriculum includes instrument specific technique, score reading, audiation, and basic music theory
*Students who join orchestra as beginners are strongly encouraged to take private lessons as most students in band have already been playing their instruments for a minimum of one year!
Chorus
Chorus members sing in Soprano, Alto, and often tenor/Baritone voice parts. Chorus rehearses twice each seven-day cycle. In addition to the full ensemble rehearsal, students attend small group lessons called “sectionals”. The Chorus curriculum includes vocal technique, score reading, audiation, and basic solfege for sight reading.
After School Activities
Jazz Band
Any student in Band can sign up to play in the Jazz Band. Students will learn a variety of jazz styles, jazz rhythms, and how to improvise on your instrument! Guitar, piano, and drum set players who are not in band are also invited to join.
Wind Ensemble
Any student in Band can join! Students will learn fun, challenging pieces, while making new friends across grades 6, 7, and 8.
Chamber Orchestra
Any student in Orchestra can join! Students will learn exciting, new pieces while making new friends across grades 6, 7, and 8.
Musical
All students are encouraged to audition for the GMS musical. Auditions are in November and rehearsals run through January and February with the show opening in March! All students who audition are included in the show!