MUSIC
Please see the homepage for constant updates pertaining to music needs!
This is a description of the music program at MCCPS:
Music at MCCPS is fun and elaborate. Grades 4th-8th have music class twice a week which meets 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. Chorus is also included each year during class. All classes cover the Massachusetts standards while using integrated projects. Also, during enrichment period, there are other courses offered such as, strings, choir, band, jazz band, 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 in chorus. Near the end of the year is when band is offered and students choose an instrument to learn.
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.
In the sixth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the opportunity to play in the MCCPS band. Integrated projects 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, students complete integrated projects that cover the Mass. frameworks. We have been known to record at Ringo studios as well.
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 or music bingo, (where they study music from different cultures and genres through a game). There is also a graduation song 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 studied and graded each term. 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 throu MAP meetings. There is sometimes a summer music camp offered also. The music program provides an excellent balance to aid the general curriculum.
