PK-8 Music Program:

Our music program at IHM is an integral component of the IHM educational experience. IHM students are afforded opportunities to participate and engage in musical experiences and activities in accordance with our AoB curriculum.

• All students in PK-3 through 8th grade attend Music Class once a week

• Grades PK-2: Introduce concepts of music, rhythms, singing, movement, and creative expression through a variety of instruments and mediums

• Grades 3-5: Utilize one-to-one Chromebooks to develop musical skills, and also learn to play music on hand bells, drums and percussion; as well as cultural and holiday singing, educational games and activities, dance/choreography, composers, instruments of the orchestra, and introduction to treble clef note reading

• Grades 6-8: Utilize one-to-one Chromebooks to enhance musical skills such as treble/bass clef note reading and rhythm skills; as well as drumming, singing, hand bells, piano keyboard, song writing, creative projects, dance/choreography, musical genres, music history, and composer appreciation

• Also: Grades 1-4 participate in our annual Christmas Pageant -- an event you don't want to miss!

• Also: Grades 4-8 can participate in Band, Choir, and/or the Musicals (see below)

Performing Ensembles:

The stakeholders at IHM strongly believe that music plays an important role in the cognitive and emotional development of a child. Participation in music contributes to a well-rounded and appreciative life-long learner who values the importance of the arts and humanities.

Eaglet Beginner Band: Open to any student in grades 4-8 wanting to learn to play an instrument for the first time. Students will learn how to hold the instrument, play the scale, read music notation, understand rhythms, and play beginning songs. Students in Eaglet Band perform in school and evening concerts. There is an additional band fee which can be paid monthly through FACTS.

Eagle Concert Band 5-6: Open to students with at least 1 year of Band experience or instrumental lessons. Students will continue to develop good playing technique, learn more notes, fingerings, rhythms, dynamics, articulation, and slightly more difficult pieces of music. Students will perform in school and evening concerts, as well as community events throughout the year. There is an additional band fee which can be paid monthly through FACTS.

Eagle Concert Band 7-8: Open to students with at least 1 year of Band experience or instrumental lessons. Students will further develop good playing technique, learn more notes, alternate fingerings, more complex rhythms, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and more challenging pieces of music. Students will perform in school and evening concerts, as well as community events throughout the year. There is an additional band fee which can be paid monthly through FACTS.

Eaglet Choir: Open to any student in grades 4-5 who loves to sing. Students are introduced to a variety of songs and genres. Students rehearse weekly during the school day and perform in school/evening concerts, as well as community events.

Eagle Concert Choir: Open to any student in grades 6-8 who loves to sing. Students are exposed to a variety of songs and genres, with opportunities for solos and part-singing. Students rehearse weekly during the school day and perform in school/evening concerts, as well as community events.

School Musicals: Middle School students are invited to audition and perform in our performances offered through our theatre department.

Additional Band Information:

Instruments offered at IHM: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Snare Drum & Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, and 4-string Electric Bass Guitar (not 6-string Electric).

Instruments can be rented through a local music store or purchased on your own. If purchasing an instrument, please consider investing in a fairly good-quality student instrument in order to alleviate student struggles and constant repairs.

Band folders, sheet music, fingering charts, and scale sheets will be provided.

All band members must purchase a folding music stand (any color) to use during rehearsals and performances.

Additional supplies: reeds, cork grease, valve oil, sticks, etc. will be purchased by the family, as needed.

Bass Guitars will need: 4-string bass guitar, 10-watt Fender amp, a guitar neck strap (any color), strap locks, 10 foot guitar cord (connects amp to guitar), Snark digital tuner, 25-foot outdoor light-duty extension cord for performances.

Band rehearsals are held once a week for 30 minutes during the school day (using a rotating schedule). Schedules and contracts are given to students at the beginning of the year. Since Band is considered a "team" activity, students are expected to continue the commitment for the entire year.

We love music at IHM and we look forward to having you join our musical team!!

Questions? Please email: abickraj@ihmschoolmd.org