Music Grade 6

The sixth-grade music program provides students with the choice of taking Group Guitar, Band, Orchestra or Chorus. Students take full-year courses, which are outlined below.

Group Guitar Class

The sixth-grade Group Guitar Class is designed to address performance, aesthetic training, and further develop musical understanding. It is eclectic and integrated program aligned with National and State Standards for music education. Students review the musical concepts previously learned in their musical training and will cultivate listening and singing skills. Students perform music by playing and improvising on guitar.

In the group guitar class, there is a focus on tonal functions, theory, rhythmic reading, melodic structure, and more complex harmonic structure. Solfege syllables and Curwen hand signs are used to strengthen students’ understanding of pitch relationships and melodic intervals, and strengthen their skill in reading melodic lines. Students will explore traditional American folk and popular music through performing and responding to a variety of music styles and genres, and by composing their own music.

Performance Music

Performance music encompasses elective participation in choral, band and string ensembles, culminating in public performances. It provides the opportunity to develop and refine individual aptitudes, skills and understanding, experiences in group dynamics and communicative power.

• Sixth Grade Chorus is open to all sixth graders who enjoy singing and want to improve their ability. Attention is given to proper breathing, tone production, diction and music reading. Students learn two-part singing. There is a minimum of three performances each year.

• Sixth Grade Orchestra is open to all students who play orchestral string instruments. Students are also involved in music sectionals where they are excused from other classes on a rotating basis. They are expected to make up any class work they miss. Private lessons are encouraged. There is a minimum of three concerts each year.

• Sixth Grade Band is a beginner performing ensemble open to sixth grade students who wish to continue learning a band instrument or start learning an instrument for the first time. In addition to ensemble rehearsals, students are also involved in music sectionals where they are excused from other classes on a rotating basis. They are expected to make up any class work they miss. There is a minimum of three concerts per year.

Music Grade 8

The eighth-grade music program provides students with the choice of taking Music Technology, Band, Orchestra or Chorus. Students take full-year courses, which are outlined below.

Music Technology

The eighth-grade Music Technology program is designed to address performance, aesthetic training and musical understand. It is an eclectic and integrated program aligned with National and State Standards for music education. Music theory and aural training continue through an exploration of various musical styles and genres. Students will expand on concepts previously learned in their musical training. Students will develop an understanding of music in relation to history and culture. Students will create music with Sibelius Software, Garageband Software, digital keyboards, microphones, and present their compositions through a variety of technological mediums such as iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes.

Performance Music

Performance music encompasses elective participation in choral, band and string ensembles, culminating in public performances. It provides the opportunity to develop and refine individual aptitudes, skills and understanding, experiences in group dynamics and communicative power.

Eighth Grade Chorus is open to all eighth graders who enjoy singing. In addition to learning to improve their singing ability, students study music reading, aural perception and audiation. They learn and perform more complex vocal ensemble music. Attention is given to the changing voice. There is a minimum of three performances each year.

Eighth Grade Orchestra is open to all eighth graders who wish to continue the pursuit of excellence on their orchestra instruments. In addition to improving upon the technical aspects of playing, students begin to focus more on the total aesthetic possibilities of the instrument. Students are also involved in music sectionals and are excused from other classes on a rotating basis. They are expected to make up any class work they miss. Private lessons are encouraged. There is a minimum of three concerts each year.

Eighth Grade Concert Band is open to all eighth graders who wish to further their skills and techniques on a band instrument. In addition to working on more technical aspects of their instrument, students continue with the background and aesthetics of the work they are studying. Students are also involved in music sectionals. They are excused from other classes on a rotating basis and are expected to make up any missed work. Private lessons are encouraged. There is a minimum of three concerts each year.