WALPOLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MUSIC
GRADES 6-8
Curriculum Summary by Grade
These curriculum summaries have been developed by teachers and administrators to serve as another way of communicating with parents. They highlight the core curriculum and expectations for student learning at each grade level.
The curriculum summaries describe what most students at a grade level are expected to know and be able to do by the end of the school year. They also reflect the goals of the various Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. It is important to note that although children may learn and grow at different rates and through varied styles, all should make regular progress.
While we have high expectations for all students and encourage each student to work to their capacity, parents and teachers recognize that some students have more difficulty in school. Others will progress more rapidly and move well beyond these core expectations. It is the joint responsibility of school and home to provide support, challenge, and encouragement for all students.
Grade 6
BAND
Students will choose and learn a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. They will learn the skills necessary to read and perform music effectively both as an individual and as a group. Fundamentals learned include:
Proper posture and playing position
Development of characteristic tone quality
Music literacy.
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
CHORUS
Students explore vocal production in an ensemble setting in order to:
Develop proper posture, breathing and placement.
Expand their musical background through performance of a variety of literature
Develop self-awareness and awareness of others
Develop their understanding of music through learning symbols, terms and reading skills
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
ORCHESTRA
Students will choose and learn a string instrument. They will learn the skills necessary to read and perform music effectively both as an individual and as a group. Fundamentals learned include:
Proper posture and playing position
Development of characteristic tone quality
Music literacy.
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
GENERAL MUSIC
Students experience a broad spectrum of music and musical experiences in order to:
Explore how music is organized, created and experienced.
Develop an appreciation of music of different cultures.
Expand their musical background through exposure to a variety of styles of music.
Create their own music, respond and connect to other people’s musical creations.
Grade 7
BAND
Students will already have a developing understanding of tone production, basic music reading, correct playing position, and instrument assembly and maintenance. In this class, they will develop the skills to read and perform music effectively both as an individual and as a group. Focuses include:
Refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills, and music literacy.
Exploring various styles of music.
Creating, interpreting, listening, critical thinking, performing as an individual and as a group.
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
CHORUS
Students explore vocal production in an ensemble setting in order to:
Develop proper posture, breathing and placement.
Expand their musical background through performance of a variety of literature
Develop self-awareness and awareness of others
Develop their understanding of music through learning symbols, terms and reading skills
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
ORCHESTRA
Students will already have a developing understanding of tone production, basic music reading, correct playing position, and instrument assembly and maintenance. In this class, they will develop the skills to read and perform music effectively both as an individual and as a group. Focuses include:
Refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills, and music literacy.
Exploring various styles of music.
Creating, interpreting, listening, critical thinking, performing as an individual and as a group.
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
GENERAL MUSIC
Students experience a broad spectrum of music and musical experiences in order to:
Explore how music is organized, created and experienced.
Develop an appreciation of music of different cultures.
Expand their musical background through exposure to a variety of styles of music.
Create their own music, respond and connect to other people’s musical creations.
Grade 8
BAND
Students in this class will have a foundational understanding of tone production, music reading, and instrument maintenance. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced experience on band instruments. Curriculum for this course is an extension of the skills and concepts introduced in seventh grade band. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
CHORUS
Students explore vocal production in an ensemble setting in order to:
Develop proper posture, breathing and placement.
Expand their musical background through performance of a variety of literature
Develop self-awareness and awareness of others
Develop their understanding of music through learning symbols, terms and reading skills
Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
ORCHESTRA
Students in this class will have a foundational understanding of tone production, music reading, and instrument maintenance. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced experience on string instruments. Curriculum for this course is an extension of the skills and concepts introduced in seventh grade orchestra. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning at two concerts.
GENERAL MUSIC
Students experience a broad spectrum of music and musical experiences in order to:
Explore how music is organized, created and experienced.
Develop an appreciation of music of different cultures.
Expand their musical background through exposure to a variety of styles of music.
Create their own music, respond and connect to other people’s musical creations.
Contacts
Johnson Middle School
Steve Morgenweck, Principal
Sarah Giunta, Guidance Counselor
Bird Middle School
Ed Connor, Principal
Katie Gingras, Guidance Counselor
Timothy Fleming, Music Department Head