General Music
The General Music course helps students explore various aspects of music. Students will sing, play instruments, improvise, compose, and notate their own compositions. Students will also listen to, and reflect on works of music from various time periods. Many units end with a small group project demonstration. General Music meets two times per cycle.
Band
Each band at CMS rehearses three times per cycle. Additional rehearsals (after school, etc.) are scheduled well in advance. All curricular band ensembles at CMS perform at least one winter and one spring concert. Curricular ensembles may also participate in informal/informational performances - which we call "informances" - and compete in the MICCA Concert Festival each spring.
PREREQUISITE: to participate in middle school Band, a student must have played a band instrument in elementary school. Please contact the ensemble teacher if you have any questions about this requirement.
Orchestra
The orchestra class is a continuation of the string program that starts in grade four. Students rehearse orchestral works three times a cycle and perform them several times a year. In addition to playing a string instrument, students learn other skills, such as self-discipline, teamwork, responsibility, sight reading, expression, and listening.
PREREQUISITE: to participate in the middle school Orchestra, students must have played an orchestra instrument in elementary school. Please contact the ensemble teacher if you have any questions about this requirement.
Chorus
Chorus at CMS rehearses three times per cycle. Additional rehearsals (after school, etc.) are scheduled well in advance. We perform a variety of styles, including but not limited to Classical, Jazz, Latin, Folk, Rock and Pop. In 6th grade, students are required to attend four evening events. There is a December Concert and a May Concert with an evening rehearsal for each. As students progress in the program, additional rehearsals and performances are required.
Students in Band/Orchestra can sing with the Chorus also! If you would like to sing with the chorus, materials will be shared for you to practice and you will be invited to join us for some rehearsals and the concert.
