Middle School and Junior High Fine Arts - Music Courses

Grade: 6, 7   Credit: 0

RISD: 8636      PEIMS: 03154130 

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: None

This introductory class is designed for students with little to no prior musical experience who wish to learn a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument; the primary goal is establishing the essential foundational skills necessary for music literacy, proper instrumental technique, and successful advancement into future ensemble-based classes. Students will be formally fitted for an instrument during the spring of their 5th or 6th grade year and must acquire the instrument, either through rental/purchase from an outside vendor or, if supplies allow, through the RISD usage program, noting that fees apply for instrument usage and required supplies. Throughout the course, students can expect to learn correct instrument maintenance, proper tone and technique, fundamental music reading skills, and individual performance practices, often grouped with students playing like instruments whenever possible. Success requires students to participate fully during all class rehearsals, attend mandatory outside-of-school rehearsals and performances, practice consistently on their own outside of class time, and reliably bring basic materials, such as their instrument, pencil, and sheet music, to every rehearsal.

Grade: 7, 8   Credit: 0

RISD: 8235 7th   PEIMS: 03154233

       8236 8th             03154333

Prerequisite: Audition and approval by the director

Endorsement: None

Junior High Symphonic 4 will introduce and refine methods and techniques of performance on woodwind/brass/percussion instruments to prepare a student for a performing band. Students are encouraged to participate in RISD Chamber Music Festival.  This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 7, 8   Credit: 0

RISD: 8237 7th   PEIMS: 03154233

       8238 8th             03154333

Prerequisite: Audition and approval by the director

Endorsement: None

Junior High Symphonic 3 will emphasize the development of individual skills, ensemble playing, and rehearsal techniques. The student needs to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of fundamentals and musicianship on the student’s instrument. There will be continued emphasis on individual and group musical development. This group may attend UIL contest and other competitions and performance activities. Students are encouraged to participate in All-Region Band and RISD Chamber Music Festival. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances. 

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8241 7th    PEIMS: 03154230

       8242 8th              03154330

Prerequisite: Audition and approval by the director

Endorsement: None

Junior High Symphonic 2 will emphasize the development of individual skills, ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques. The student needs to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of fundamentals and musicianship on the student’s instrument. There will be continued emphasis on individual and group musical development. This group may attend UIL contest and other competitions and performance activities. Students are encouraged to participate in All-Region Band and RISD Chamber Music Festival. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8243 7th     PEIMS: 03154230

       8244 8th               03154330

Prerequisite:  Audition and approval by the director

Endorsement: None

The emphasis of the Junior High Symphonic 1 Band will be the development and refinement of individual and ensemble playing skills for brass, woodwind and percussion players who exhibit refined performance skills on their individual instruments. The students must demonstrate superior knowledge of fundamentals and musicianship on their instruments. Participation will include group, individual and small ensemble performances. This group will attend UIL contest and other competitions and performance activities. Students must participate in the All-Region Band and RISD Chamber Music Festival. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 6 Credit: 0

RISD: 8646 PEIMS: 03154131 

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: None

This course is an introductory, non-auditioned ensemble designed for students with little to no prior choral experience who wish to explore the fundamentals of singing and ensemble performance.  Students will be grouped into like voices to expedite learning and vocal development.  Students can expect to develop basic vocal technique, improve music literacy, develop aural skills, explore repertoire, cultivate ensemble skills, and gain performance experience through individual and group opportunities.  Students will be expected to participate fully during class, attend outside the school day rehearsals and performances, practice on their own outside of class, and bring basic materials (e.g., pencil, choir folder, sheet music) to every rehearsal. 

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8425 7th    PEIMS: 03154231

       8426 8th              03154331

Prerequisite:  None

Endorsement: None

This is a beginning choral ensemble with emphasis on teaching the fundamentals of music reading, choral techniques, and musicianship. This course involves some outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 7, 8       Credit: 0

RISD: 8427 7th   PEIMS: 03154231

       8428 8th                 03154331

Prerequisite:  None

Endorsement: None

This is a beginning choral ensemble with emphasis on teaching the fundamentals of music reading, choral techniques, and musicianship. This course involves some outside of school rehearsals and performances. 

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8431 7th    PEIMS: 03154234

       8432 8th              03154334

Prerequisite:  Audition and director approval

Endorsement: None

This is an advanced choral ensemble with emphasis on expanding the fundamentals of music reading, choral techniques, and musicianship. This course involves some outside of school rehearsals and performances. 

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8431 7th    PEIMS: 03154234

       8432 8th              03154334

Prerequisite:  Audition and director approval

Endorsement: None

This is an advanced choral ensemble with emphasis on expanding the fundamentals of music reading, choral techniques, and musicianship. This course involves some outside of school rehearsals and performances. 

Grade: 6, 7 Credit: 0

RISD: 8626 PEIMS: 03154132 

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: None

This introductory class is designed for students with little to no prior musical experience who wish to learn a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass); the primary goal is establishing the essential foundational skills necessary for music literacy, proper instrumental technique, and successful advancement into future string ensemble classes. Students will be formally fitted for an instrument and assessed for the best physical fit during the spring of their 5th or 6th grade year and must acquire the instrument, either through rental/purchase from an outside vendor or, if supplies allow, through the RISD usage program, noting that fees apply for instrument usage and required accessories. Throughout the course, students can expect to learn correct instrument maintenance, proper holding and bowing technique, fundamental music reading skills, and individual performance practices, often grouped with students playing like instruments whenever possible. Success requires students to participate fully during all class rehearsals, attend mandatory outside-of-school rehearsals and performances (including concerts), practice consistently on their own outside of class time, and reliably bring basic materials, such as their instrument, bow, pencil, and sheet music, to every rehearsal.

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8531 7th    PEIMS: 03154232

       8532 8th              03154332

Prerequisite:  Director approval

Endorsement: None

The emphasis of this class will be in learning the fundamentals for playing a string instrument and reading music to prepare the student for a performing organization. Students should participate in RISD Chamber Music Festival. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8531 7th    PEIMS: 03154232

       8532 8th              03154332

Prerequisite:  Director approval

Endorsement: None

The emphasis of this class will be in learning the fundamentals for playing a string instrument and reading music to prepare the student for a performing organization. Students should participate in RISD Chamber Music Festival. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.

Grade: 7, 8     Credit: 0

RISD: 8535 7th    PEIMS: 03154232

         8536 8th                       03154332

Prerequisite:  Audition and Director approval

Endorsement: None

Wind and percussion students must have concurrent membership in the school band program.

The Advanced Orchestra is the main orchestral performing group at the junior high. The students must demonstrate above average knowledge, ability, and musicianship on their instruments. The emphasis of the group will be on the development and refinement of individual and ensemble playing skills. Students must participate in the RISD Chamber Music Festival and are encouraged to audition for All Region Orchestra. This course involves outside of school rehearsals and performances.