Archie R. Cole Music Department

Music Performance Ensembles:
Concert Band

There are two concert bands; a 6th grade band and a combined 7th/8th grade band which meets every day throughout the school year.  The concert band is intended for students who have prior band experience.  If you are new to the band or interested in switching instruments please contact Mr. Levesque via email at blevesque@egsd.net.  The content literature is based upon the Essential Elements 2000 Book I.  The fundamentals of playing and reading music will be reinforced in each class using the Essential Elements 2000 Book I.  The 8th Grade Concert Band is intended for students who have prior band experience, preferably 7th grade band experience.  The content literature is based on the Essential Elements 2000 Book II, which is a continuation of the musical techniques and knowledge learned in the Essential Elements 2000 Book I.  All bands use the book in conjunction with appropriate grade-level sheet music throughout the entire school year.  Both are used to aid in the development of the student’s individual musicianship while stressing the technique of ensemble playing.  The concert band will present several concerts throughout the school year including graduation.

Orchestra

The Orchestra is open to all string students.  There is a 6th grade orchestra and a combined 7th/8th grade orchestra that rehearses separately but performs together.  Each orchestra class meets every day throughout the school year.  The content literature is based upon the Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Books I, II, & III.  The fundamentals of playing and reading music will be reinforced in each class using the Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Books I, II, & III.  The books will be used in conjunction with appropriate grade-level sheet music throughout the entire school year.  Both are used to aid in the development of the student’s individual technique and musicianship while developing ensemble playing.  The orchestra will present several concerts throughout the school year.

Chorus

The chorus is a full year course that meets every day.  Students will sing a variety of choral music that will be performed at both concerts and festivals throughout the school year.  Sight singing, basic musicianship, and vocal techniques are part of the musical experience and will be taught throughout the year in this class. There is no prior singing experience necessary to join the chorus. 

Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is open to a limited number of 7th and 8th grade students by audition only.  It will meet at 7:25 a.m., four days a week (Monday – Thursday).  The Jazz Ensemble will be modeled after big band playing with the twelve-bar blues being emphasized.  It will rehearse and perform age and ability appropriate repertoire which will include the following styles:  Swing, Ballad, Jazz Rock, and Latin.  The Jazz Ensemble will be comprised of the following instruments only:  Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, and the Drum Set.  The Jazz Ensemble will present several concerts throughout the school year along with the East Greenwich High School Jazz Ensemble.