Sixth Grade General Music
All sixth grade students receive general music every other day for twelve weeks. The sixth grade general music program works on the development of music reading and appreciation skills through, playing guitar, movement, composition and listening. Sixth grade students will work on a composition project using music technology. The sixth graders also study musicology through the exploration of Latin American Music, review the elements of music, and work on class performances of a variety of musical styles.
Seventh and Eight Grade Music
Most seventh and eighth grade students receive general music instruction every other day for one semester of their seventh or eighth grade year. This instruction is intended to build music literacy and the understanding of music’s role in culture through a variety of musical activities including: playing the guitar, writing music, exploration of a variety of styles of music, and exploration of a variety of musical cultures.
Standards: General Music addresses the Vermont Arts Expectations for Music in Skill Development, Reflection and Critique, Making Connections and Approach to Work.
Chorus
6TH Grade Chorus meets daily at EMS with opportunities for students to choose an every other day schedule in order to participate in band, or orchestra. 7th and 8th grade choruses meet every other day. The choruses study a wide variety of music focusing on vocal development and music reading. Each rehearsal begins with a series of vocal warm-ups designed to relax the vocal mechanism and focus the students on singing. Sight singing (singing melodies from written music without having heard them first and without piano accompaniment) is regularly incorporated into the chorus rehearsal. The chorus performs two evening concerts each year and participates in one or two community performances. Chorus is an elective course but the students who make a commitment to participate are given a grade based on their attendance, attitude, behavior, and effort.
The seventh and eighth grade students have the opportunity to audition for the district festival which takes place in February and is a large chorus of the top vocalists from Chittenden County. Ms. Nolan teaches chorus at EMS.
Standards: Chorus addresses the Vermont Arts Expectations for Music in Skill Development, Reflection and Critique, Making Connections and Approach to Work.
Orchestra
Orchestra is comprised exclusively of stringed instruments. Students may elect to play violin, viola, cello or double bass. String orchestra meets on Blue days. We explore a variety of musical styles and traditions, while also focusing on rudiments of technique and applicable music theory. Each student also receives a series of lessons throughout the year, allowing for an essential degree of individual attention to be given to their development.
There are two string orchestras at EMS – one for sixth graders, and another for seventh and eighth graders. It is an elective course. Students learn how to be part of a team when playing in an ensemble, and are expected to participate positively in that experience. We perform in three concerts a year. Seventh and Eight graders are also eligible to participate in the District III music festival.
Standards: Orchestra addresses the Vermont Arts Expectations for Music in Skill Development, Reflection and Critique, Making Connections and Approach to Work.
Extra-Curriculars in Music
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir is an after school, select chorus that meets once a week. The group focuses on vocal development and part singing. Membership in chorus is a pre-requisite for membership in Chamber Choir.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is an after school, elective ensemble that meets once a week. The group focuses on jazz styles and techniques. Membership in band is a pre-requisite for membership in Jazz Band. There are two levels of Jazz band, one for beginner instrumentalists and one for instrumentalists with at least one year of instrumental experience.
Music-comp
Edmunds Middle School is a member of Music-Comp. Music-Comp is an online mentoring program for student composers. This is an opportunity for composers of all levels to receive diverse feedback on their works in progress. Twice each year the project hosts a composition contest, Opus, which engages students in writing for live performance. EMS has had many successful participants in the Opus concerts.