Sixth Grade Choir is designed to teach you how to use your voice as a musical instrument, begin reading and performing written music, and perform and act the right way in a concert. In the first trimester, you will perform an in-class concert to showcase what we've learned. In the second trimester you will  perform in an all-sixth grade after school concert with the other sixth grade choirs. The third trimester includes a full 6-7-8 choir concert featuring pop music performed at the MSHS Performing Arts Center. You'll also have the opportunity to attend optional after school events like our annual roller skating party, Disney sing-along and end-of-year Michigan's Adventure trip. 6th Grade Choir is about learning and having fun with our voices while becoming better musicians and people at the same time.

Sixth Grade Orchestra is for students who have chosen to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. In addition to daily group rehearsals, students have the opportunity to study various aspects of music, including basic music theory and history. Tuning techniques and other skills that emphasize independent musicianship are emphasized. Students in this ensemble will participate in five performances throughout the year (October, December, February, April & May).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5th Grade Orchestra, or permission of the orchestra directors with the understanding that extra work will be necessary to catch up to the skill level of the rest of the students.

The Band Program begins in 6th grade.  Students are “fitted” to an instrument at the beginning of the school year.  Beginning band students may choose from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.  One of these instruments will be recommended during the fitting process.  A limited number of percussion positions are available, and these spots are chosen by a separate audition during the instrument petting zoo in the spring of a student’s 5th Grade year.  Anyone wishing to play percussion should also be prepared to play a different band instrument if they don’t get chosen for the percussion section. As a sixth grade band member, you will participate in three concert performances including a holiday performance, a mid-winter performance and a spring concert held at the MSHS Performing Arts Center.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Choirs are designed to build upon the skills you gained in 6th Grade Choir; while completion of 6th Grade Choir is helpful, it is not needed to take 7/8 Choir. Emphasis is put on reading music as well as growing individual and group vocal skills. You will perform in several concerts throughout the school year, including: a fall showcase; a holiday-themed concert in winter; a concert with the high school choirs and performance at MSVMA Choral Festival in the Spring; and an end-of-year pop concert featuring all 6-7-8 choirs at the MSHS Performing Arts Center. You will gain valuable skills in the areas of musical performance, communication, teamwork, personal relationships, confidence and critical thinking. You'll also be invited to many out-of-school events including our Roller Skating Party, Chicago Broadway Trip, Singing Christmas Tree VIP Experience, end-of-year Cedar Point trip and many more. There's room for everyone in the choir!

Seventh and Eighth Grade Orchestras are for students who have two to three years of prior playing experience. Rehearsal techniques, music theory, music history, as well as musicianship skills are emphasized in this course. Your repertoire will expand by participating in Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students in this ensemble will participate in five to six performances throughout the year (October, December, February, Sound of Shores every other year, April & May), and are also eligible to participate in the end-of-the-year Music Department Trip to Cedar Point!

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the prior year's orchestra class.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Bands are for band students who have successfully completed a year of band instruction. Each band, Intermediate Band and Advanced Band, will participate in at least four concert performances including a winter performance, a mid-winter performance, a spring concert, held at the MSHS Performing Arts Center, and a marching band performance on Memorial Day in downtown Muskegon. The Advanced Band will also participate in the Homecoming Day Parade, Sound of Shores (every other year) and the Holiday Collage Concert for the Middle School. You will have the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival where you can perform solo or in a group with your friends! You will be eligible to participate in the jazz bands after school where we perform in two to three performances a year. Jazz Band students will travel to the Hastings Jazz Festival to perform in the spring! You will also have the opportunity to go on our Music Department end-of-year trip to Cedar Point! 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the prior year's band class.