** Course listed as ART1040

Intermediate Chorus provides an opportunity for students to sing and perform in an exciting large ensemble. Students with elementary choral experience are encouraged to continue chorus as their Arts offering in grade 6. Chorus is not limited to students with prior vocal experience. No audition is necessary. Students will develop and refine their choral skills by learning proper vocal techniques and performing a variety of musical styles ranging from Bach to Rock. Students will develop a greater understanding of music in relation to history and culture, and will have an opportunity to sing in different languages. Selected singers will have the opportunity to sing solos in concerts, and be considered for County Honors Chorus.

**All 6th grade students should register for this class

Treble Chorus (Chorus 2)

** Course listed as ART1041

In this all girls group, students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will continue to develop the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing. Students will primarily sing state level 2-3 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts as well as the opportunity to participate in other festivals/performances and students are expected to participate in all performances.Selected singers will have the opportunity to sing solos in concerts, and be considered for County Honors Chorus and All State Chorus. An audition and/or a prerequisite of MS Chorus 1 may be required.

** 6th grader students are considered by auditions only. Please register for Chorus 1 to hold the spot and arrange for an audition at min_y_nam@mcpsmd.org

** Please note that 7th Grade male students need to register for Advanced Chorus

Advanced Chorus (Chorus 3)

** Course listed as ART1042

In this mixed chorus, students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will continue to develop proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing in multiple keys and parts. Students will primarily sing state level 3 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts as well as the opportunity to participate in other festivals/performances and students are expected to participate in all performances. Selected singers will have the opportunity to sing solos in concerts, and be considered for County Honors Chorus and All State Chorus. An audition and/or a prerequisite of MS Chorus 1 and/or 2 may be required.

** 6th grader students are considered by auditions only. Please register for Chorus 1 to hold the spot and arrange for an audition at min_y_nam@mcpsmd.org
* Any advanced piano players who are in choral groups may get accompanying opportunities during concerts and other performances.

** Course listed as ART1038

This course is for students with no prior instrumental music experience. Students prepare for participation in performing ensembles and develop technical skills necessary to perform Grade 1 Level music, a performance level established by the National Association for Music Education and not a reference to first grade. Basic instrumental skills are developed by performing a variety of music. Students are taught the elements of musical form, terms and symbols, tone production, instrument care and maintenance, and the importance of consistent practice habits. Cultural context of the music and its historical significance as they relate to performance is studied. Students may attend live performances and perform in public. Electric bass and guitar students may consider string bass.

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Orchestra 1 (Intermediate Orchestra)

** Course listed as ART1045

Intermediate Orchestra provides an exciting large group experience and a seamless continuation for students with one or more years of elementary string experience. No private lessons are necessary. Students with prior string experience are encouraged to choose this arts offering in grade 6 so that they will have the opportunity to continue orchestra in grade 7 and beyond. Through daily instruction, students make incredible progress and are able to perform a variety of musical styles ranging from traditional classical works to the latest popular selections. No audition is necessary. Musicians will explore additional instrument choices like the viola and bass. No experience is required.

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Orchestra 2 (Concert Orchestra)

** Course listed as ART1046

The Concert Orchestra is the newest orchestra at Cabin John. Students in grade 6 who have had private music instruction or one year of Orchestra 1 in grade 6 or 7 should enroll in Orchestra 2. Many students in this group are also members of the PVYO and MCYO Preparatory programs. Through daily instruction, students will expand their fundamentals including extensive work in the higher position and more advanced orchestral bow strokes. Students will perform a variety of musical styles ranging from traditional classical works to the latest popular selections.

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Orchestra 3 (Advanced Orchestra)

** Course listed as ART1047

Please note - All incoming 6th graders interested in Advanced should first enroll in Middle School Orchestra 2. Afterwards, parents should email Ms. Roberts to request an audition or to submit a brief video highlighting their child’s skill level. Upon evaluation, Ms. Roberts move qualified musicians to Orchestra 3.

The Advanced Orchestra is the premier orchestra at Cabin John. Students who have had private music instruction or any other extensive musical training should consider the Advanced Orchestra. Many members of this group are in the advanced ensembles of MCYO and PVYO like Chamber Strings, Sinfonia, Young Artists, and Symphony. Members meet daily in school and after-school in weekly sectional rehearsals. The group studies and performs music from all styles including the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. The members of this ensemble will represent the school in regional and state music festivals, events, and other trips which have included musical tours of New York City and music competitions in Ohio and Virginia. Members of this ensemble are also chosen by audition to represent Cabin John in the county and state honors programs.

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* Please note that piano and guitar are not offered in orchestra, though students with prior experience can transition easily to a traditional orchestra instrument.