Curriculum Overview

• 4th- During fourth grade students sing, learn to read choral music, play games, and perform during first term. During second term students read piano music (at their own level) as well as compose, notate and perform. During third term students choose a concert band instrument to learn and arrange music on Soundtrap. Throughout the year various musicians and styles are discussed to supplement hands-on learning.
• 5th – During fifth grade students learn a concert band instrument during the first term. During second term students read and play piano music. During the third unit students arrange and compose songs, sing songs, and create rhythm ensembles in groups. Throughout the year listening activities, music history, music theory, musicians, and games are a part of the class. The Soundtrap arranging program is used as well regarding discussion about form in music.
• 6th – During sixth grade, students learn about blues music and its impact on other genres during the first term.  They form blues bands and perform for Exhibition. Students learn about Gutav Holst and the piece “The Planets'' and other famous composers. Planet compositions or slideshows accompany the project.  The piano or keyboard lab takes place where students read music and choose their pieces. During the third term,  Drums Alive provides a fun way to combine fitness and drumming! They learn about various musicians, counting the beat, and drumming to songs in small and large groups. They create their own to showcase at Exhibition.  They also create music for original public service announcements using Soundtrap. Music history, and singing are also an integral part of music class, which is often integrated with other subjects.
• 7th – During seventh grade students practice the ukulele. They learn chords, songs, and form ukulele bands. Students also arrange music in soundtrap, read and play piano. They learn about various musicians throughout the decades through "Music Madness" listening activities. Students learn about music theory, film music, and composers. Then, using a notation program, Flatio, students compose an original score that goes with an original movie scene. Students also perform in percussion ensembles.
• 8th – During eighth grade, students play the ukulele, or guitar, and form bands. Students learn about musicians and  history of music from the 1880-current day, which includes music from the Late-Romantic, Impressionistic, and Modern classical period as well music from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980’s, 1990s, which finishes with a class graduation song. An entire jazz unit, which aligns with the 8th grade curriculum, also takes place. Students have a choice of which piano piece to learn and arrange music on soundtrap as well.

Extra classes/Performing Arts

• MCCPS Honors Band- This extra opportunity includes playing in the school concert band, called the MCCPS Honors Band. After the 4th and 5th grade band units, students have the option to try it out, and then join the band. Band instruments include percussion, trombone, trumpet, French horn, clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. We rehearse and perform at Music Extravaganza and the Canobie Lake competition. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-8:15am
• MCCPS Chorus-This extra opportunity that includes singing the school’s choral group. We meet twice a week to rehearse and learn the part to two-four part harmony choral arrangements. An array of different styles are sung and solos are optional. We rehearse and perform at Music Extravaganza and the Canobie Lake competition. We meet every Tuesday from 2:30-3:15 and Friday from 7:30-8:15am.
• MCCPS Advanced Jazz Combo- This is an extra opportunity, for advanced players, to play jazz and funky music and to improvise. Students read music, take solos, and perform on their instrument or instruments. Songs usually include jazz standards and original compositions. Performances take place at Music Extravaganza and at community events. Performances can be booked through their agent at asmith@marbleheadcharter.com  We meet every Wednesday 2:30-3:15
• MCCPS Rock Band- This extra opportunity is open to advanced players and singers who want to rock. We learn rock tunes and perform at various concerts. Performances can be booked through their agent at asmith@marbleheadcharter.com We meet every Thursday 2:30-3:15.
• MCCPS Strings- This extra opportunity is open to violin, viola, cello, and bass players. We play at the Music Extravaganza concerts and rehearse every Monday 7:30-8:15am and Thursdays 2:30-3:15.