Music

5th grade Music will build upon students’ pitch- and rhythm-reading skills, while listening to music from different genres and different cultures through the Elements of Music: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Timbre, Texture, Form, Dynamics, Tempo.

5th Grade Chorus will meet every other day and we rehearse unison and 2-part music. This large group ensemble will help students to use their voice correctly, to read music more easily, and to increase their confidence level. There are two performances each year, and a required concert outfit of white top and black bottoms. There is no previous experience in singing required.

5th Grade Band is open to students who played a band instrument last year. Lessons will take place on a rotating basis every Monday and our large, 5th grade ensemble rehearsals are held every other day during 4th Period. Students will build upon the skills they learned last year, expanding the range of notes they can play, learning new rhythms, and new styles of playing. As a reminder, there are two performances each year, and a required concert outfit of white top and black bottoms. 

5th Grade Orchestra is open to students who played a stringed instrument last year. Lessons will take place on a rotating basis every Wednesday and our large, 5th grade ensemble rehearsals are held every other day during 4th Period. Students will build upon the skills they learned last year, expanding the range of notes they can play, learning new rhythms, and new styles of playing. As a reminder, there are two performances each year, and a required concert outfit of white top and black bottoms. 

6 Music will build upon students’ music reading skills and incorporate performance and composition projects. 

6th grade Chorus rehearses 2-part and some 3-part music every other day. Students will become more confident in their voices and music reading abilities. There are two concerts each year, a required concert outfit of white tops and black bottoms, and previous singing experience is not necessary. 

6th Grade Band meets every other day, 5th Period. In addition, students will have a group lesson every Tuesday on a rotating schedule. 6th Grade Band expounds on skills from 4th and 5th Grade, as well as offering new opportunities such as jazz band and NYSSMA solo festival. For the first time, band will be a numerical grade included on progress reports and report cards.  There will be two concerts and a required concert outfit of white top and black bottoms. 

6th Grade Orchestra  meets every other day, 5th Period. In addition, students will have a group lesson on a rotating schedule. 6th Grade Orchestra expands on skills from 4th and 5th Grade, as well as offering new opportunities such as NYSSMA solo festival. For the first time, orchestra will be a numerical grade included on progress reports and report cards.  There will be two concerts with a required concert outfit of white top and black bottoms.

7 Music will build upon students’ performance skills and incorporate exploration of historical musical periods. 

Junior Chorus is made up of 7th and 8th graders who rehearse 3 - part music every other day. There are two concerts each year, and the required concert attire is a white top, black pants or skirt, black shoes, and a long tie for the boys. There is no previous singing experience necessary.

Junior Band is made up of 7th and 8th grade students who previously participated in Band in 6th grade.  This graded ensemble meets every other day and continues to expand the musical education skills involved with traditional band instruments.  Participation in the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble festival may be re-visited or introduced, as well as opportunities such as Marching Band and Jazz Band.  Concert dress continues to be white on top with black on the bottom, and the first piece of concert uniform is purchased upon joining Junior band.

Junior Orchestra is made up of 7th and 8th grade students who previously participated in orchestra in 6th grade.  This graded ensemble meets every other day and continues to expand the musical education skills involved with string instruments.  Participation in the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble festival may be re-visited or introduced!  Concert dress continues to be white on top with black on the bottom, and the first piece of concert uniform is purchased upon joining Junior Orchestra.