MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

All middle school students are required to choose at least one music course each year. All music courses are year-long. General music courses must meet a minimum enrollment of 10 students to run each year. If minimum enrollment is not met, students will need to select a band and/or a choir course. 

6th Grade General Music 

The 6th grade general music class will Create, Perform, Respond and Connect with music and align with the Wisconsin Music Educators Association’s State Music Standards. Topics covered in 6th grade general music will include but are not limited to the following: Music Theory, Composition Projects, Appropriate Vocal Technique (posture/breathing), Elements of Music, Analysis of Music and Music Performances, Exploring Various Cultures and Their Musical Traditions 

6th Grade Choir 

This ensemble performs a variety of musical genres. The voicings vary from 1 to 3 part singing. Basic music theory and fundamentals of music will also be covered in Choir. Vocal technique will be integrated into the classroom daily. Appropriate breathing, posture and vowel formation will be covered. This ensemble performs as part of the Winter, Mid-Winter and Spring Choir Concerts as a part of the musical learning experience. In addition, students will create, respond and connect with music through music theory, composition projects, study of the musical elements, musical performances of various cultures and traditions. 

6th Grade Beginning Band 

Registration and orientation occurs in the spring of the student's fifth grade year, followed by a two-week summer instructional program in August. At the beginning of the school year, students begin classroom instruction every other day as a full band. Small group sectional instruction is given weekly. The Sixth Grade Band performs at the Parents Concert, Mid-Winter and Spring Band Concerts. 

7th & 8th Grade Choir 

This ensemble performs a variety of musical genres. The voicings vary from 2 to 4 part singing. Basic music theory and fundamentals of music will also be covered in Middle School Choir. Vocal technique will be integrated into the classroom daily. Appropriate breathing, posture and vowel formation will be covered. This ensemble performs as part of the Winter, Mid-Winter and Spring Choir Concerts as a part of the musical learning experience. Participation in district/state festivals and honors choirs is highly encouraged. In addition, students will create, respond and connect with music through music theory, composition projects, study of the musical elements, musical performances of various cultures and traditions. 

7th & 8th Grade Concert Band 

The Middle School Concert Band provides students in grades seven and eight the opportunity to play an instrument in a large ensemble. Along with preparations for concert performances, the Concert Band stresses basic fundamentals of intermediate level music and allows time for proficiency on each student’s individual instrument. Participation in the Solo and Ensemble Festival is highly encouraged. FEES may include: Solo & Ensemble entry fees, misc. instrument equipment, method books (reeds, oils, etc). 

7th & 8th Grade General Music 

The 7th and 8th grade general music class will Create, Perform, Respond and Connect with music and align with the Wisconsin Music Educators Association’s State Music Standards. Topics covered in general music will include but are not limited to the following: Music Theory, Composition Projects, Appropriate Vocal Technique (posture/breathing), Elements of Music, Analysis of Music and Music Performances, Exploring Various Cultures and Their Musical Traditions and Playing Ukulele.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY 

Music education is a basic component of the general education of all students. A well-balanced school curriculum includes musical experience. It is recognized that the school music education program is of equal importance with all academic subjects. Music allows the student to develop aesthetically, creatively and academically. 

The primary purpose of the school music program is to provide students with a variety of experiences through a comprehensive education. Active participation promotes a student's ability to learn. Every pupil should have the opportunity to: a) become aesthetically sensitive to music, b) understand and appreciate music, c) pursue and develop his or her own potential for musical expression, d) enrich their lives through opportunities for musical success. 

A successful aesthetic experience involves the cognitive understanding of music. For music to have meaning, students should strive toward an understanding of the basic elements of music. Through these elements, students will be able to perceive the structures, symbols and syntax of music. While the elements of music are each important in their own way, they do not exist alone. 

Music, a natural form of expression, is important in developing each student's affective potential. We as music educators understand the expressive qualities of music. It is of value to provide those opportunities for feeling to the students, which promote and generate meaningful experiences, responses and profound learning. Music gives each student a source of enjoyment, which can enhance the quality of life during school years, and throughout later life. 

Choir and band are year-long classes. If there is a conflict with schedules, students need to make changes at the semester.

HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR

Credit: 1.0

Fees: Choir Binder Purchase 

Concert Choir is an elective class open to anyone in grades 9-12. This chorus is exposed to a large variety of choral music including classical, contemporary, folk, sacred and pop genres. Students will create, perform, respond and connect through their study of the elements of music, the history, the theory and the aesthetic value of the music they study throughout the year. Posture, breathing techniques and vocal production are all part of this course. Concert choir performs three (3) major concerts per year and sings at the annual Scroll Night ceremony. Attendance at performances is required.

HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONY BAND

Credit: 1.0 

Fees: Instrument rental fee  

The Symphony Band is open to instrumental students in grades 9-12. Music performed is of advanced difficulty and includes a variety of compositions. The music curriculum focuses on performing, creating, responding and making connections beyond the music. Band meets 2-3 times per week. Attendance at performances is required. The Symphony Band performs three major concerts a school year. Members can play in the pep band and jazz band, as well as having the opportunity to participate in the District Solo and Ensemble Festival. 

HONORS SYMPHONY BAND 

The purpose of the honors project is to enhance the musical learning experience for the individual, as well as enhancing the education of all students within the music program by reinvesting and Students have the opportunity to create an independent project or pick a project from the following list: sharing what is to be studied and learned. Students will assume necessary leadership roles while involved with their project. All honors projects are carried out in addition to the curriculum. Its purpose is not to replace curriculum, but to enhance the curriculum. Students must be either a junior or senior within the school's music program. Students have the opportunity to create an independent project or pick a project from the following list:  

• Compose an original composition or arrangement for the band, choir, or small ensemble  

• Study conducting and conduct one of the school ensembles  

• Give private lessons at no cost to junior high students  

• Perform in a mini-recital  

• Create a research project or interdisciplinary project focusing on the understanding of music in relation to history, culture, and art. 

Before work on an honors project is to begin, a written proposal detailing what will be accomplished, timeline for completion, materials or resources to be used and the anticipated results must be submitted. This should be typewritten. All proposals are to be submitted. All honors projects will be student initiated and completed without extensive help from the teacher(s). Projects should involve at least two hours of work per week on the average. At the end of the term (semester/year), a final product or presentation is required.

GENERAL MUSIC OFFERING: Music In Popular Culture

Credit: 0.5

The Music in Popular Culture course will explore the history of popular music in America, beginning with early blues and folk music all the way through the most recent developments in popular music. Students will study the relationship between music and American culture over the course of decades and through the context of major historical events, focusing heavily on the role of young people and their influence on society. Students will also learn about the interconnectedness of music and media, focusing on how radio, television, movies, and social media has impacted the development of popular music