Frequently asked questions...

Band, orchestra, and chorus are all performing ensembles. This means that students enrolled in these ensembles will actively play their instruments/sing in each class. These students will complete performance-based assignments and participate in two evening concerts throughout the year. 

Music lab is a class that focuses on the many aspects of music within everyday life. Students will spend the majority of the class using a variety of music technology to complete assignments about the role music plays in their life, various musical genres, how to record and edit live audio, artistic responsibility and censorship, music in video games, movies, and digital content. As well as other content relating to the role music plays in civil rights, creating beats and remixes, and finally beginning the process to create their own original music. There is no formal performance / concert component required in this class like there is in chorus, band, and orchestra. 

No. The school musical meets after school and is open to all students at Springton Lake. If you’re interested in the musical, you can learn how to get involved at our annual Springton Lake club fair. The club fair will happen after the school year has started.

Yes. However, please be aware that this is a big responsibility. Students who participate in both chorus and band/orchestra will split their time between the two ensembles. These students will be expected to complete all of the lessons and assignments from both ensembles. This means that students who participate in chorus and band/orchestra will have a higher workload than students who just participate in one ensemble. 

As an alternative, we highly recommend that students select band or orchestra as their main music course and then participate in Choice Voices after school. Choice Voices is an extracurricular chorus club that meets once a week after school and is open to all 6th grade students. It is separate from the main 6th grade chorus class, which meets during the school day. Participating in Choice Voices allows students to continue to sing, but removes the added stress of having to complete assignments and lessons for two classes (chorus and band/orchestra). If you’re interested in this option, you should sign up for band or orchestra as your music class. You can then sign up for Choice Voices at our annual Springton Lake club fair.

Band: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion.

Orchestra: violin, viola, cello, bass.

Please contact us to talk more about this! Typically, if a student has no prior experience on an instrument, we’ll ask them to take private lessons over the summer so that they are as prepared as possible for joining band or orchestra. 

For band, please email Mr. Alan Reno: areno@rtmsd.org

For orchestra, please email Ms. Claire Schneider: cschneider@rtmsd.org

Unfortunately these instruments are not part of our school band or orchestra. However, students who play these instruments can participate in Jazz Lab or Jazz Band in 6th grade. 

These are both extracurricular ensembles that meet after school. More information about these ensembles will be provided at the annual Springton Lake club fair. 

Additionally there are courses in 8th grade you can take Guitar-Modern Band and Piano Lab