Info for 8th Graders
Welcome future LHS Music Students!
As you start to think about your time beyond middle school and your future at LHS we hope this page can serve as an informational resource that can answer questions you may have about the music program at LHS. We have many musical offerings and there is no shortage of ways to be musically involved. We hope this page can be a starting point to answering any questions you may have. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out directly with an LHS music teacher.
We look forward to welcoming you to our musical community!
Performing Ensembles:
Instrumental:
Concert Band: woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble, no audition necessary
Wind Ensemble: woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble, auditioned/honors level ensemble
Orchestra: open to all string students, honors and non-honors options
Jazz Band: ensemble for saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section instruments (co-curricular/after school hours)
Vocal:
Lancer Singers: tenor and bass voices, no audition necessary
Vox: soprano and alto voices, no audition necessary
Lyrics: all voices, auditioned/honors level ensemble
I Cantori: all voices, chamber group, audition required (co-curricular)
Accidentals: ensemble of soprano and alto voices, no audition required (co-curricular)
Non-Performing Classes:
Studio Production: an introduction level class open to any LHS student where students work with professional software such as GarageBand and Logic Pro X to create and compose their own music. No experience needed!
AP Music Theory: students will explore the written and aural language of music through sight-singing, ear-training, analysis and composition. The first half of the year will focus on fundamentals of music notation and composition, and the second half will use those skills in analysis and composition projects.
Basic Guitar & Piano: No experience required! This semester elective provides basic guitar and keyboard skills which will give students the ability to play their favorite music, alone and with others.
Frequently Asked Questions by 8th graders:
Can I play sports and be in music?
Absolutely, we have so many students who play sports and are involved with music! We have many 3 season athletes within the music program!
If I take music, how will that fit into my class schedule?
Every music class is scheduled like any other class at LHS and meets just as often as any other class you would take. Click HERE to see sample 9th grade schedules including 1 or 2 music classes or 1 music class plus an additional elective.
ICE blocks: if I take an ICE block can I be in music?
Absolutely, we even have students who take multiple music classes a year. If you take one music class you will often still have one ICE block a day.
Can I take more than one music class?
Yes, we even have students who have take multiple music classes all four years of their time at LHS.
I have never done music, can I still be in the high school music program?
Of course! ANY student who wants to be in the music program is welcome, no experience needed!
Recent Performances:
Click the below links to listen to recent performances of our student musicians:
We hope you have found this page helpful, if you have any questions we would love to hear from you:
Kayla Werlin: Department Chair/Vocal Music: kwerlin@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Arthur Thovmasian: Instrumental Music/Studio Production: athovmasian@longmeadow.k12.ma.us