STANLEY MUSIC ENSEMBLES

Chorus is for any Stanley student grades 6-8.  Chorus is a class dedicated to fostering an atmosphere that is inclusive and fun, while also developing a love for music.  In chorus, students will learn the foundations of good vocal production, choral singing techniques, as well as singing in multiple genres.  Students will learn how to read music, including notes, rhythms, dynamics, articulations, diction in English as well as other languages.  The only pre-requisite is that students come with a willingness to sing, learn, and have fun!

Stanley Music Department offers two classes for students who play bowed string instruments--violin, viola, cello, and bass.  These classes are open to all Stanley students. In both classes, students benefit from group and individual instruction by LPIE music instructors who specialize on their instruments.

Intermezzo Orchestra focuses on instrumental development, musicianship, and strengthening the skills required for more advanced ensemble playing.  Students in the Intermezzo Orchestra have the opportunity to begin playing the bass, or pivoting to a different string instrument.  For many students this is a continuation from musical experiences in elementary school, but beginners are also welcome. There are three performances per year.

The String Orchestra continues string education with greater instruction in technique, more difficult repertoire, and a greater emphasis on performances - usually five concerts per year.  Each year String Orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in our Chamber Music unit.  This LPIE-funded instruction during class time allows students to prepare chamber music under the guidance of our talented LPIE music instructors.  At the conclusion of the instruction, students perform, by audition, in Stanley's annual Solo and Ensemble Recital.

PLACEMENT INFORMATION

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For Intermezzo Orchestra and String Orchestra, placement is based on a student's instrumental proficiency, as determined by the elementary teacher, private lesson teacher, and/or strings teacher.

Band is an elective for all students at Stanley Middle School. Currently, there are three bands: Cadet, Silver, and Symphonic. Students are placed at their ability level at the beginning of the school year.  

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Cadet bands focus on fundamentals, including fingerings, learning some major scales, basic rhythms, and learning how to play in large groups with multiple instruments.  In cadet band, there are more instrument options than in elementary school.  Some of these include: Saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone), F Horn, oboe, bassoon, euphonium, tuba.  Cadet band performs in 3-4 concerts per year.

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Silver Bands extend student knowledge of fingerings, begin study of all 12 major scales and some minor scales, extending chromatic scales, more complex rhythms and time signatures.  Silver performs in 4-5 performances per year.

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Symphonic Band extends student knowledge further, with memorization of all major scales, more work on minor scales, complex rhythms and repertoire, and performance of odd meters.  Symphonic Band performs in 5-6 concerts per year, including the CMEA Festival and Concert at The Res.

The jazz program is a before-school program for music students looking to join a fun, instructive and inspiring group of student musicians.  There are currently 3 jazz band levels:

The Groove Merchants meet Mon. 7:20-8:05

In Groove Merchants, students will learn basics of jazz, including swing, rock, funk, and latin rhythms, as well as an introduction into jazz improvisation.  Students are encouraged to take solos in a fun and inclusive atmosphere.  Groove Merchants play 2 concerts per year.

The Jazz Crusaders meet Th 7:20am-8:05am

In Jazz Crusaders, students will extend their knowledge of jazz rhythms and scales, and dive deeper into jazz improvisation.  Students are encouraged to take more improvised solos in a fun and inclusive atmosphere.  Jazz Crusaders play 2 concerts per year.

The Jazz Messengers meet M,T,F from 7:20am - 8:05am 

In our most advanced group, the Jazz Messengers, students will continue develop their ability to read and perform in many different jazz styles.  Students will focus on the intricacies of playing in a jazz big band, including understanding their instrument's role, balance, articulation, and dynamics.  They will further develop their improvisation skills.  Jazz Messengers performs 4-5 concerts per year, including The Res Run, Campana Jazz Festival, and The Jazz Cafe.  

Pre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in another music class during the regular school day.