Middle School Course Offerings
Concert Choir 6
Students in Grade 6 Concert Choir will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles, emphasizing music literature for the younger, developing singer. In addition to classes that meet during the school days, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor’s discretion. Prior choral singing experience is recommended but not required. Participation in the Holiday and Spring Concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events, etc.) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Grade 6 Concert Choir have the opportunity to audition for the All-State Treble Choir.
7/8 Mixed Chorus
Students in Grade 7 & 8 Mixed Chorus will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles, emphasizing music literature for the intermediate, developing singer. Sectional work as well as full ensemble rehearsals will be incorporated to build upon musicianship and vocal technique. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have prior choral singing experience, but it is not required. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Grades 7-8 Mixed Chorus have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Concert Band 6 - The Explorer's Band
Students in the Grade 6 Concert Band will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles, with an emphasis on music literature for the beginning band and developing band program. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have beginner knowledge of one or more traditional wind band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and percussion). Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members.
7/8 Symphonic Band
Students in the Grade 7-8 Symphonic Band will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles. Students will rehearse in sectionals and as a full ensemble to continue building their musicianship and technical proficiency. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have intermediate-advanced knowledge of at least one traditional wind band instrument and have been in a performing ensemble before. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the 7-8 Symphonic Band have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Introduction to Theatre 8
Students in Introduction to Theatre 8 will develop an understanding of novice techniques and the vocabulary of acting and the theatre. In addition to academic components of the course, students will also be expected to take part in performance-based activities related to the art form. Topics to be covered will include: acting fundamentals, memorization techniques, vocal awareness, general stage movement, backstage technology, performance critiques, and other theatrical subjects. Students will also study western theatre history and performance styles from the ancient Greeks to early 20th century.
Middle School Jazz
Students in the Middle School Jazz class will study various jazz, rock and popular styles including but not limited to: Swing, Dixieland, Bebop, Blues, Funk, Gospel and others. In addition to performance, students will be introduced to jazz history, theory and beginning improvisation. Membership and placement in the group are at the discretion and recommendation of the instructor as the ensemble makeup will vary each year. Students should speak to the course instructor if they have an interest in joining the class. Participation in all performances, both in and outside of school is required. Members of the jazz class have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Experiences in Music 6, 7, & 8
Students in Experiences in Music will develop an appreciation of music from a variety of genres. Students will learn how to perform through playing instruments, singing, movement, and reading. Students will learn how to respond to what they hear through listening and evaluating all different genres of music. Students will learn to draw parallels, similarities between classical music (including all musical periods) and contemporary pop/rock/R&B/rap/folk/jazz/musical theater/world music. Students will learn to notate music through composition (including on paper and through music application software on their tech tools), arranging, creating, and improvisation. They will learn, using a hands-on approach, what it means to exhibit steady beat, rhythm, tempo, and articulation.
Students in Grade 6 Concert Choir will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles, emphasizing music literature for the younger, developing singer. In addition to classes that meet during the school days, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor’s discretion. Prior choral singing experience is recommended but not required. Participation in the Holiday and Spring Concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events, etc.) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Grade 6 Concert Choir have the opportunity to audition for the All-State Treble Choir.
7/8 Mixed Chorus
Students in Grade 7 & 8 Mixed Chorus will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles, emphasizing music literature for the intermediate, developing singer. Sectional work as well as full ensemble rehearsals will be incorporated to build upon musicianship and vocal technique. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have prior choral singing experience, but it is not required. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Grades 7-8 Mixed Chorus have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Concert Band 6 - The Explorer's Band
Students in the Grade 6 Concert Band will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles, with an emphasis on music literature for the beginning band and developing band program. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have beginner knowledge of one or more traditional wind band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and percussion). Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members.
7/8 Symphonic Band
Students in the Grade 7-8 Symphonic Band will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles. Students will rehearse in sectionals and as a full ensemble to continue building their musicianship and technical proficiency. In addition to classes that meet during the school day, extra rehearsals may be scheduled before or after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. It is recommended that students have intermediate-advanced knowledge of at least one traditional wind band instrument and have been in a performing ensemble before. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the 7-8 Symphonic Band have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Introduction to Theatre 8
Students in Introduction to Theatre 8 will develop an understanding of novice techniques and the vocabulary of acting and the theatre. In addition to academic components of the course, students will also be expected to take part in performance-based activities related to the art form. Topics to be covered will include: acting fundamentals, memorization techniques, vocal awareness, general stage movement, backstage technology, performance critiques, and other theatrical subjects. Students will also study western theatre history and performance styles from the ancient Greeks to early 20th century.
Middle School Jazz
Students in the Middle School Jazz class will study various jazz, rock and popular styles including but not limited to: Swing, Dixieland, Bebop, Blues, Funk, Gospel and others. In addition to performance, students will be introduced to jazz history, theory and beginning improvisation. Membership and placement in the group are at the discretion and recommendation of the instructor as the ensemble makeup will vary each year. Students should speak to the course instructor if they have an interest in joining the class. Participation in all performances, both in and outside of school is required. Members of the jazz class have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Junior District Music Festival.
Experiences in Music 6, 7, & 8
Students in Experiences in Music will develop an appreciation of music from a variety of genres. Students will learn how to perform through playing instruments, singing, movement, and reading. Students will learn how to respond to what they hear through listening and evaluating all different genres of music. Students will learn to draw parallels, similarities between classical music (including all musical periods) and contemporary pop/rock/R&B/rap/folk/jazz/musical theater/world music. Students will learn to notate music through composition (including on paper and through music application software on their tech tools), arranging, creating, and improvisation. They will learn, using a hands-on approach, what it means to exhibit steady beat, rhythm, tempo, and articulation.
High School Course Offerings
Acting & The Stage
Students in Acting & The Stage will develop an understanding of techniques and the vocabulary of acting and the theatre. In addition to academic components of the course, students will also be expected to take part in performance-based activities related to the art form. Topics to be covered will include: acting fundamentals, memorization techniques, vocal awareness, general stage movement, backstage technology, performance critiques, and other theatrical subjects. Students will also study western theatre history and performance styles from the ancient Greeks to early 20th century.
Concert Choir
Students in Concert Choir will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles. This group is intended for students in grades 9-12, but may be open to middle school students with the written permission of the course instructor. Rehearsals may be also scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor’s discretion. Participation in the Holiday and Spring Concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events, etc) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Concert Choir have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Senior District Music Festival, as well as other state, regional and national affiliated solo and group competitions.
Jazz Styles
Students in the Jazz Styles/Workshop Ensemble will study various jazz and rock styles including but not limited to: Swing, Dixieland, Bebop, Blues, Funk, Gospel and others. In addition to performance, students will be introduced to jazz history, theory and improvisation. Membership and placement in the group are at the discretion and recommendation of the instructor as the ensemble makeup will vary each year. Students should speak to the course instructor if they have an interest in joining the class. Participation in all performances, both in and outside of school is required. Members of the jazz ensemble have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Senior District Music Festival and the Massachusetts All-State Music Festival.
Wind Ensemble
Students in the Wind Ensemble will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles. This group is intended for students in grades 9-12, but may be open to middle school students with the written permission of the course instructor. Rehearsals may be also be scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Wind Ensemble have the opportunity to audition for Central Massachusetts Senior District Festivals, as well as other state, regional and national affiliated solo and group competitions.
Musical Theatre Techniques: A Musical Theatre Exploration Course
Musical Theatre Techniques class is open to all students, grades 9-12. This class is an exploration of American Musical Theatre. This is a vocal performance class. Students will study the work of the singer/actor/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Since this is a workshop course, students will prepare material for class presentation and critique. There will also be a focus on the audition process as well as musical theatre history and repertoire. For the end of the year, the class will collaboratively design and perform a musical theatre showcase.
Music Theory & Composition I
Students in the Music Theory & Composition class I will learn about basic music theory and fundamental elements of music. This course encompasses a thorough study of rhythmic and harmonic elements including time signatures, key signatures, scale make-up, intervals, chord progression, and more. Ear training and aural dictation will be a large part of this course. Students will work with online applications and tech tools in addition to writing music by hand. Students will be required to write compositions of varying lengths covering different musical forms. An emphasis will be placed on using technology to create original student works.
Music Theory & Composition II
Students in the Music Theory & Composition II class will continue their knowledge about the structural and compositional elements of music. This course encompasses a thorough study of basic harmony and counterpoint, scale makeup, modes, major and minor keys, four-part harmony, voice-leading, and more. Ear training and aural dictation will be a large part of this course. Students will work with online applications and tech tools in addition to writing music by hand. Students will be required to write compositions of varying lengths covering different musical forms. An emphasis will be placed on using technology to create original student works. This course offers the option of taking the AP Music Theory test at the end of the academic year.
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory and Composition I or a Test Out to be distributed by the course Instructor
Vocal Techniques: A Vocal Studies Course
Vocal Technique Class is open to all students, grades 9-12. Students will learn to sing using healthy vocal technique for the young adult voice. This is a performance class. Students will be expected to sing with others and alone for the instructor and fellow classmates. There will be many classes taught in a master class fashion, where the student receives individual instruction while the rest of the class listens and observes. The vocal literature studied will be comprised of traditional folk songs, musical theater songs, jazz standards, operetta excerpts, and classical art songs. Music notation, diction, vocal pedagogy and sight-singing will be studied and practiced. Participation in the evening performance of the Solo and Small Ensemble Recital is required of all class participants.
Students in Acting & The Stage will develop an understanding of techniques and the vocabulary of acting and the theatre. In addition to academic components of the course, students will also be expected to take part in performance-based activities related to the art form. Topics to be covered will include: acting fundamentals, memorization techniques, vocal awareness, general stage movement, backstage technology, performance critiques, and other theatrical subjects. Students will also study western theatre history and performance styles from the ancient Greeks to early 20th century.
Concert Choir
Students in Concert Choir will rehearse and perform choral music of various styles. This group is intended for students in grades 9-12, but may be open to middle school students with the written permission of the course instructor. Rehearsals may be also scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor’s discretion. Participation in the Holiday and Spring Concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events, etc) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Concert Choir have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Senior District Music Festival, as well as other state, regional and national affiliated solo and group competitions.
Jazz Styles
Students in the Jazz Styles/Workshop Ensemble will study various jazz and rock styles including but not limited to: Swing, Dixieland, Bebop, Blues, Funk, Gospel and others. In addition to performance, students will be introduced to jazz history, theory and improvisation. Membership and placement in the group are at the discretion and recommendation of the instructor as the ensemble makeup will vary each year. Students should speak to the course instructor if they have an interest in joining the class. Participation in all performances, both in and outside of school is required. Members of the jazz ensemble have the opportunity to audition for the Central Massachusetts Senior District Music Festival and the Massachusetts All-State Music Festival.
Wind Ensemble
Students in the Wind Ensemble will rehearse and perform wind ensemble/concert band music of various styles. This group is intended for students in grades 9-12, but may be open to middle school students with the written permission of the course instructor. Rehearsals may be also be scheduled before and after school depending upon need at the course instructor's discretion. Participation in Holiday and Spring concerts, and in-and-outside of school performance opportunities (festivals, exchanges, community events) of the whole ensemble are required of all members. Members of the Wind Ensemble have the opportunity to audition for Central Massachusetts Senior District Festivals, as well as other state, regional and national affiliated solo and group competitions.
Musical Theatre Techniques: A Musical Theatre Exploration Course
Musical Theatre Techniques class is open to all students, grades 9-12. This class is an exploration of American Musical Theatre. This is a vocal performance class. Students will study the work of the singer/actor/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Since this is a workshop course, students will prepare material for class presentation and critique. There will also be a focus on the audition process as well as musical theatre history and repertoire. For the end of the year, the class will collaboratively design and perform a musical theatre showcase.
Music Theory & Composition I
Students in the Music Theory & Composition class I will learn about basic music theory and fundamental elements of music. This course encompasses a thorough study of rhythmic and harmonic elements including time signatures, key signatures, scale make-up, intervals, chord progression, and more. Ear training and aural dictation will be a large part of this course. Students will work with online applications and tech tools in addition to writing music by hand. Students will be required to write compositions of varying lengths covering different musical forms. An emphasis will be placed on using technology to create original student works.
Music Theory & Composition II
Students in the Music Theory & Composition II class will continue their knowledge about the structural and compositional elements of music. This course encompasses a thorough study of basic harmony and counterpoint, scale makeup, modes, major and minor keys, four-part harmony, voice-leading, and more. Ear training and aural dictation will be a large part of this course. Students will work with online applications and tech tools in addition to writing music by hand. Students will be required to write compositions of varying lengths covering different musical forms. An emphasis will be placed on using technology to create original student works. This course offers the option of taking the AP Music Theory test at the end of the academic year.
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory and Composition I or a Test Out to be distributed by the course Instructor
Vocal Techniques: A Vocal Studies Course
Vocal Technique Class is open to all students, grades 9-12. Students will learn to sing using healthy vocal technique for the young adult voice. This is a performance class. Students will be expected to sing with others and alone for the instructor and fellow classmates. There will be many classes taught in a master class fashion, where the student receives individual instruction while the rest of the class listens and observes. The vocal literature studied will be comprised of traditional folk songs, musical theater songs, jazz standards, operetta excerpts, and classical art songs. Music notation, diction, vocal pedagogy and sight-singing will be studied and practiced. Participation in the evening performance of the Solo and Small Ensemble Recital is required of all class participants.