Music

8th GRADE CHOIR
Choir is a great place for students interested in exploring how to use their voice in a group setting.  Our junior high choirs are open to everyone, regardless of experience level.  If you aren't sure whether or not choir is for you, come visit us!  Our mission is to create a culture where it is safe to explore singing and grow musically, all while sharing our art and passion with the community.  Students enrolled in choir will work to develop choral singing skills in anticipation of enrollment into the high school choir program.  Students will participate in evening concerts throughout the school year.  Additional volunteer opportunities to perform might include the National Anthem, Solo and Ensemble contest, and Honor Choir.  This course is a direct pathway to the choral music ensembles at the high school level. 

Full Year / 2 Semester Course

8th GRADE BAND

The focus of eighth grade band is performance.  Students have the opportunity to participate in at least three performances throughout the year.  Instead of using a method book, students hone their skills on their instrument through concert literature.  Students also have the opportunity to attend a Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concert.  Eighth grade students also may audition for Honor Band and have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble. (Additional instrument rental/maintenance fee applies to this course) (2 Semester Course) **Students are accepted with no previous experience, but will need to complete/participate in remedial requirements.**

Full Year / 2 Semester Course

8th GRADE STRINGS (ORCHESTRA)  

With continuing skill development, eighth grade Orchestra challenges the string player to widen his/her musical repertoire.  The eighth grade Orchestra meets daily and will perform in two concerts, attend a Cincinnati Symphony Concert and have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble competition as well as large group contests.  Members may elect to audition for district Honor Orchestra or various community youth orchestras, if they choose. (Additional instrument rental/maintenance fee applies to this course) **Students are accepted with no previous experience, but will need to complete/participate in remedial requirements.**

Full Year / 2 Semester Course

8th GRADE PERCUSSION 

 In the eighth grade, percussion students meet together as a separate class from the brass and woodwind groups.  The class is a continuation of skills developed in sixth and seventh grade percussion classes. In this course, the students learn advanced snare drum techniques as well as proper techniques for keyboard and timpani.  The students are also exposed to drum set and hand drumming concepts and an overview of percussion instruments and their history.  Students will acquire the necessary skills for advancement to High School ensembles through participation in this class.  These students also perform band literature with the eighth grade band at concerts and festivals.  In addition, members of this ensemble will perform percussion ensemble pieces from the standard repertoire and selections written especially for the group.  (Additional instrument rental/maintenance fee applies to this course)**Placement in course requires previous experience or teacher permission** 

Full Year / 2 Semester Course