MUSIC

Note:

Thank you to Ellis Paul for his wonderul May perfomance!!!

MCCPS MUSIC NOTES:

Please see the blog for more important information!

Music at MCCPS is fun and elaborate. Grades 4th-8th have music class twice a week, for 45 minutes. Each student learns how to sing, play keyboard, compose, analyze and read music. There is a full keyboard lab where every student may practice at his or her own level. Each child has the option to learn a band instrument of choice from the flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums. The MCCPS band is popular- it meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-8:15, (instead of community meeting). The band performs many times each year including exhibition, and a band competition, which involves going to the Six Flags Park. Also, during enrichment period, there are other courses offered such as, strings, choir, band, jazz music, MCCPS IDOL, musicals and more.

In the fourth grade students learn how to sing, compose and play keyboard and recorder. They are taught the basics of how to read music using the keyboard and the recorder. They also sing songs from various genres and cultures Neat the end of the year, is the year when band is offered as well.

 In the fifth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to join the MCCS band, which meets before school on Tuesday and Thursdays. Most students learn a new instrument and make goals to practice. The fifth covers the Massachusetts standards using integrated projects.

In the sixth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the play in the MCCPS band. MCCPS IDOL is a big hit where they simulate American Idol and choose songs to sing in small ensembles. Performances are critiqued by “Paula, “Simon”, and “Randy”, as they use correct music terminology. Inspiring artists perform for the entire school. There are also performances for the play, Romeo and Juliet, including medieval compositions and songs. Other integrated projects are also introduced, (these may change from year to year).

In the seventh grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to play in the MCCPS band. Like all grades they complete integrated projects that cover the Mass. Frameworks.

In the eighth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to play in the MCCPS band. There are units such as Garage band and Finale Notepad, (music arranging computer programs); music bingo, (where they study music from different cultures and genres through a game); and the graduation song. The graduation songs are chosen by the students and sometimes are accompanied by students as well.

Singing, improvisation, and composition, playing instruments, reading music, and critical thinking are the categories that are graded and studied. The exhibition performances have been extremely successful and the band has won awards for their excellence. For band students, please note that there are professionals who teach private lessons after school for woodwind and brass instruments. Many students make a music goal to practice and meet with the music teacher twice a year to work on how to achieve the goal. There is also a summer music camp! The music program provides an excellent balance to aid the general curriculum.