Middle School Instrumental Music

This course provides an opportunity for students with no prior experience to learn how to play a woodwind or brass instrument, including the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, or tuba. Students learn to care for their instruments. They also learn the fundamentals of music theory and how to read music. Students enrolled in this class are provided with a school instrument, texts for the class, and daily group instruction. By the end of the year, students become proficient readers of music and acquire the proper technique to ensure a lifelong appreciation of and involvement in the discipline of instrumental music. After-school rehearsals, usually one each in the winter and spring, prepare students for the biannual concerts in which they perform.

This course introduces students who have no prior experience playing a stringed instrument to the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students are provided with a school instrument and daily group instruction. By the end of the year, students read music written in a variety of styles. Intensive study of music literature, technique, ear training, and music theory make possible a lifelong involvement and appreciation for the discipline of instrumental music. After-school rehearsals, usually one each in the winter and spring, prepare students for the biannual concerts in which they perform.

This course provides an opportunity for students with between one and four years of playing experience on a wind, brass, or percussion instrument to further develop technical and musicianship skills. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the spring, and placement is at the discretion of the conductor. Students learn how to play an instrument in a large ensemble, how to follow a conductor, and what it means to be part of a musical team. Students are exposed to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to popular. The repertoire is sequenced so that concepts learned in class are continually reinforced, and students are engaged and challenged. After-school rehearsals, usually one each in the winter and spring, prepare students for the biannual concerts in which they perform.

This course provides an opportunity for students with previous playing experience on a stringed instrument to further develop technical and musicianship skills. Students concentrate on more advanced technique, including shifting, tuning instruments, vibrato, ensemble playing, altered fingerings, bowing styles, and expressive playing. Technique is taught through carefully sequenced orchestral repertoire. Students learn about different eras and styles of music. Professional conduct and careful listening are stressed to prepare students for future participation in more advanced orchestras. After-school rehearsals, usually one each in the winter and spring, prepare students for the biannual concerts in which they perform.

This course provides an opportunity for students to rehearse and perform jazz and blues in big band and jazz combo settings. The instrumentation for this class includes piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. The coursework also covers some music theory and basic improvisation skills. Because class time is spent on ensemble work, a strong commitment to individual practice outside of class is essential for all students. There are approximately four after-school rehearsals each semester.

This is the most advanced symphonic music ensemble on the middle school campus. In this course, students with advanced playing experience rehearse and perform music of various styles and periods. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the spring. Students are exposed to string, wind, and symphonic literature throughout the course, and the classwork provides appropriate challenges and technical difficulties to all members. This orchestra performs in three concerts and participates in a nationally recognized competition or festival. Extra rehearsals outside the classroom, while minimal, are required.

This class teaches guitarists, electric bassists, and drummers the fundamental techniques of ensemble rehearsal. Curriculum topics include basic instrument maintenance, intonation, rehearsal techniques, music theory, and playing from written arrangements, as well as learning music by listening to recordings.

This course is open to advanced wind, brass, and percussion players whose skill level is beyond the intermediate stages of learning how to play an instrument. Students must have at least two years of playing experience as a member of a large ensemble. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the spring, and placement is at the discretion of the conductor. There is an emphasis on learning how to adjust one’s intonation in relationship to others, as well as on interpreting the music beyond the notes printed on the page. Musical expression, phrasing, tone quality, challenging technical passages, and the opportunity to become familiar with classic symphonic-band repertoire are all elements covered in this performing ensemble. After-school rehearsals, usually one each in the winter and spring, prepare students for the biannual concerts in which they perform.