Grade 5 to 6 FAQs

The choices for music classes are Music Explorations, Band, Chorus and Orchestra.  Music is a required elective in grades 6-8.

There are only a certain number of students who can take each class due to room size, teacher availability, and how classes fit into the master schedule.  You will be scheduled into your first or second choice music class based on how well each option fits into your schedule.  You will have an opportunity to re-select music classes for 7th grade.

Here is a description of each music class:

• Band - 6th grade band is a continuation of the 4th and 5th grade instrumental program.  Students who started playing a wind or percussion instrument in elementary school through the school instrumental program are encouraged to sign up for band in 6th grade.   Students who did not play a band instrument in elementary school but wish to start playing should contact the Director of Music to discuss enrolling. 

  • • Click here  for a slide deck about 6th grade band

    • Click here  to watch a video about 6th grade band

• Chorus - 6th-grade chorus is a continuation of the elementary general music program.  There is no prior singing experience necessary to join 6th-grade chorus.  Students of all ability levels who are interested in group singing are encouraged to sign up for chorus in 6th grade.

  • • Click here  for a video about Viva Voce (6th grade auditioned chorus!)

• Orchestra - 6th grade orchestra is a continuation of the 3rd-5th grade string program.  Students who started playing a string instrument in elementary school through the school string program are encouraged to sign up for orchestra in 6th grade.  Students who did not play a string instrument in elementary school but wish to start playing should contact the Director of Music to discuss enrolling.     

  • • Click here  for a slide deck about 6th grade orchestra

    • Click here to watch a video about 6th grade band 

• Music Explorations -  6th grade music explorations is a continuation of the elementary general music program. Units of study include music literacy and creation through music composition and introduction to basic music production, performance practice using guitars and keyboards, connecting with music through the study of composers and musical innovations throughout history, and responding to music through listening journals.   

Students can only sign up for one music class that meets during the school day at MMS.  In addition to the school-day music classes, there are extra-curricular opportunities for students in band, chorus, and orchestra.  Students who wish to participate in both vocal music and instrumental music, or who play both a band and orchestra instrument, can audition for Viva Voce, Rockestra, or Jazz Band.  Students who enjoy theater may participate in MMS Players.  More information on how to sign up for these extra-curricular ensembles will be provided once the new school year begins.

The vast majority of rehearsals for Band, Chorus and Orchestra happen during the school day.  There are typically 2 evening concerts per year.  The concert dates are announced well in advance.  There are hundreds of students involved in the concerts - the vast majority of the MMS student body - so there are not often conflicts with other local events, as so many students would be double-booked.  There are occasionally rehearsals before or after school prior to each concert to combine the sections into a larger ensemble.  These rehearsals are announced well in advance and the ensemble directors work with students and parents to try to avoid conflicts with other events.  

Music classes are graded largely on participation.  Students who participate actively in class with good effort generally receive high grades in music class.  There are some assignments and projects, especially in Music Explorations, but students are given plenty of time to complete them during class.  There are at-home practice expectations for students in band and orchestra.  Students should not have trouble keeping up with assignments or practice expectations in music classes.

Visit other pages on this website to get more information about the music program, including links to live and virtual concert performances.  Anyone in the music department would be happy to speak with you about music classes!  Please contact one of us at the email address below:

• Mrs. Colleen Thompson, Director of Music - cthompson@darienps.org

• Mr. Jim Carter, 6th grade Band teacher - jcarter@darienps.org

• Mr. Matt Curley, 7th and 8th grade Band teacher and Jazz Ensemble - mcurley@darienps.org 

• Mrs. Rebecca Parnocc, 6th grade Chorus co-teacher, Camerata, and MMS Players- rparnoff@darienps.org

• Mrs. Kathy Knapp, 6th grade Chorus co-teacher and Viva Voce - kaknapp@darienps.org 

• Ms. Caitlin Brown, 6th grade Orchestra co-teacher and Rockestra - cbrown@darienps.org

• Mr. Richard Cruz, 6th grade Orchestra co-teacher - rcruz@darienps.org 

• Mr. Joel Knecht, Music Explorations teacher - jknecht@darienps.org

We can't wait to meet you!