Band

Mr. Ben Vermilyea, Room E108 

bvermilyea@melroseschools.com

• High School Concert Band

High School Concert Band is open to all students. Students will learn and develop performance skills, sight reading, breathing, phrasing, analyzing music and concert production. Each year, members of the Concert Band perform at a Winter Concert, Band Night in March, a Spring "Pops" concert, and other TBA events. Band students will have the opportunity to master their chosen instruments, enhance their music reading abilities, and refine their understanding of various musical styles. The class will delve into a variety of repertoire of different genres from a wide range of composers, providing a well-rounded musical experience.

The curriculum includes fundamental instrumental techniques, sight-reading exercises, music theory concepts, and ensemble performance. Students will engage in regular rehearsals and have the chance to showcase their talents through concerts, competitions, and community events.

• Marching Band

The Melrose High School Marching Band is a Division IV NESBA competition band. Marching band fosters a sense of teamwork to put together our annual show. Our band includes the full range of wind instruments, drumline, pit percussion, and Color Guard. Each year, the band performs at each home football game, NESBA competitions on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Parades and MHS Graduation. 

• Jazz Band

• MVMMS Band

Chorus

• High School Chorus 

Chorus is open to all students. Students will learn the basic elements of vocal production and technique, music notation and sight reading skills, as well as beginning ear training skills. Students will learn simple score study skills and practice techniques for self-improvement. Opportunities for performance will be introduced during the second semester. This class is open to all students. All students will perform in two concerts a year. 

• High School Honors Chorus

Prerequisites: 1 year of previous choral ensemble training or demonstration of competency         Grade 9-12

Expectations: Students will learn and develop proper vocal technique through performance skills, sight reading, breathing, phrasing, analyzing music and concert production. Students will have the opportunity to use these skills in a variety of performances. Each year, members of the chorus are expected to perform in a both Winter Concert & Spring Concert.  In addition, the members of the Honors Chorus will have the opportunity to perform at Bruins Games, MHS graduation and other concerts for local civic groups.

MVMMS - 7th Grade General Music 

• Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to topics in music education that focus on the four core music standards: Creating, Performing, Responding & Connecting. Students will explore a variety of project-based learning assignments as well as performance-based assignments. 

Topics of Discussion Include:

• Soundtrack of My Life Project

• Using Chrome Music Lab in Composition 

• Using Incredibox 

• Understanding Rhythm 

• History of Jazz 

• American Popular Music 

• Instruments of the Orchestra

• Native American Chant Writing

• Critical Listening in Music

• Music in the Movies

• Instrument Development Project

Schedule of Class: This is a trimester course that meets twice a week.

MVMMS - 6th Grade Chorus 

• Students in 6th grade chorus will learn to sing music from a wide variety of musical genres, styles and cultures. Students will learn the skills necessary for healthy vocal technique, including proper posture, tone production, interpretation and diction. . Students will learn beginning sight-reading skills, audiation and tonal memory skills, through a system of daily sequential lessons designed to improve music literacy.  Students will focus on the study of unison and two-part repertoire in class, while developing rehearsal and performance etiquette skills as an ensemble. All students will participate in two evening concerts over the course of the school year. 

MVMMS - 7th Grade Chorus

• Course Description:  In Chorus, students  will learn to sing music from a wide variety of musical genres, styles and cultures. Students will learn the skills necessary for healthy vocal technique, including proper posture, tone production, interpretation and diction. . Students will learn beginning sight-reading skills, audiation and tonal memory skills, through a system of daily sequential lessons designed to improve music literacy.  Students will focus on the study of two and three part repertoire in class, while developing rehearsal and performance etiquette skills as an ensemble. All students will participate in two evening concerts over the course of the school year. 

• Schedule of Class:  This class meets three times per cycle for the entire year.

• MVMMS Select Chorus 

• High School Orchestra

The orchestra is open to all students. Students will learn and develop performance skills, sight reading, phrasing, analyzing music and concert production. Students continue study of left and right hand techniques from the MS, with even more complex techniques and expressive tools. Students will have the opportunity to use these skills in a great variety of performances. Each year, members of the orchestra perform in their Winter Concert, MICCA Festival, String Fling, and Spring Concert. 

• MVMMS Orchestra

Orchestra is open to all students in grades 6-8 who play a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass), and meets by grade level. Orchestra provides an academic opportunity for participation in instrumental ensemble playing. Special attention is given to forming proper habits regarding ensemble routine. Students will work to develop their tone production, intonation, rhythm, critical listening, instrumental technique, and musical interpretation through skill study and participation. Students will study and perform music from a variety of genres and time periods. In addition to evening concerts, students have the opportunity to perform at two school-wide assemblies throughout the year.

• MVMMS - General Music 

Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to topics in music education that focus on the four core music standards: Creating, Performing, Responding & Connecting. Students will explore a variety of project-based learning assignments as well as performance-based assignments.