All students in the fifth grade participate in chorus. Students focus on learning the difference between their head-voice and chest-voice. Students spend the majority of time learning how to match pitch through the use of solfege. Part-singing is introduced. In addition to performing during Middle School special events, the ensembles perform at the winter and spring concerts. The repertoire that the ensemble prepares is diverse, focusing on both western and multi-cultural themes. Full year.

Students in the fifth grade orchestra continue to build musical and technical skill on violin, viola, cello or bass. In strings class we use scales, exercises and carefully chosen repertoire that facilitates work on sound production, intonation and reading. Larger ensemble rehearsals allow students to learn how to listen to others, follow the cues of the conductor and pay attention to all nuances of group playing. At the end of this year, students will be able to play music that is level II according to New York State Music Association guidelines. Students take part in two concerts a year. The fifth grade orchestra meets 3 times per 10 day cycle. There are four extra early morning rehearsals before the concert.

This course will build on students’ experience in the fourth grade band. Students who have chosen to continue on trumpet or saxophone will do so; those who have decided to play clarinet or trombone will learn alongside their classmates according to the family of instrument (brass or woodwind). This course will focus on instrument proficiency; reading and understanding musical notation; and listening skills and teamwork in an ensemble setting. Each semester culminates in a middle school evening concert in the Hawley Chapel. Full year; 2 times/10-day cycle

Students in the fifth grade band play trumpet, trombone, saxophone and clarinet, and build on their musical experience in fourth grade band. Band class uses exercises and repertoire that facilitate work on sound production, intonation and reading. Larger ensemble rehearsals allow students to learn how to listen to others, follow the cues of the conductor and pay attention to all nuances of group playing. At the end of this year, students will be able to play music that is level II according to New York State Music Association guidelines. Students take part in two concerts a year. The fifth grade woodwind and brass classes meet 3 times per 10 day cycle. There are four extra early morning rehearsals before each concert.

All students in sixth grade participate in chorus. Part-singing and sight reading are taught at a more advanced level. The ensemble performs at the winter and spring concerts, as well as special events such as the Interschool Festival in the spring, schedule permitting. Repertoire is diverse, focusing on both western and multicultural themes. Full year; 2 times/10-day cycle

Students in the sixth grade orchestra continue to build musical and technical skill on violin, viola, cello or bass. In strings class we use scales, exercises and carefully chosen repertoire that facilitates work on sound production, intonation and reading. Larger ensemble rehearsals allow students to learn how to listen to others, follow the cues of the conductor and pay attention to all nuances of group playing. At the end of this year, students will be able to play music that is level II-III according to New York State Music Association guidelines. Students take part in two concerts a year. The sixth grade orchestra meets 3 times per 10 day cycle. There are four extra early morning rehearsals before the concert.

Students in the sixth grade band play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet and other instruments as approved by instructor. Sixth graders will build on their experience in fifth grade band, and continue to develop musical and technical skills. Band class uses exercises and repertoire that facilitate work on sound production, intonation and reading. Larger ensemble rehearsals allow students to learn how to listen to others, follow the cues of the conductor and pay attention to all nuances of group playing. At the end of this year, students will be able to play music that is level II-III according to New York State Music Association guidelines. Students take part in two concerts a year. The sixth grade woodwind and brass classes meet 3 times per 10 day cycle. There are four extra early morning rehearsals before each concert.

The seventh and eighth grade chorus is a co-educational group that performs in the Middle School concerts and occasional chapels or assemblies. The focus is on developing vocal techniques and performance skills. Students learn a broad variety of age-appropriate repertoire.

This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters.

4 periods per cycle

This one semester course is open to all students who are interested in learning to play the guitar - no previous musical experience is required. The class will study a variety of guitar styles and develop a small repertoire of folk, blues and rock songs. Students will learn essential chord forms and basic techniques, including strumming with a pick and introductory finger style playing, as well as rudimentary scale study and beginning soloing skills. In addition, the class will include an introduction to the basic elements of music theory and reading standard music notation.

This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters.

4 periods per cycle

Intermediate Guitar/Guitar Ensemble combines technical guitar playing instruction and participation in a performance ensemble. Students are expected to have successfully completed Beginning Acoustic Guitar or pass a skills equivalency exam. The class extends study of chords and notation begun in Beginning Acoustic Guitar as well as beginning to develop ensemble and performance skills and a repertoire of ensemble pieces in a variety of styles for performance. This class is only offered during spring semester. Some home practice is required for preparation of performance pieces.

This course will be offered in the spring semester.

4 periods per cycle

The seventh and eighth grade jazz course is open to woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, and guitar. Students learn the basics of jazz theory and practice simple techniques of improvisation. The ensemble performs at Middle School concerts and at the Jazz Night in April. String players may join with permission of the Department Head. All students must demonstrate adequate proficiency on their instrument.

This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters.

4 periods per cycle

The seventh and eighth grade string orchestra furthers the technical training for reading and ensemble performance by string players. At this level the study of melody and counterpoint is added to the students’ performance skills. The orchestra performs at Middle School concerts and other school events, schedule permitting. Woodwind players may join the ensemble with permission of the Department Head.

This course will be offered in the fall and spring semesters.

4 periods per cycle

This course is designed as an introduction to Theatre Arts with an emphasis on Communication, Creativity and Community. These three elements are considered the essence of theatre.

Musical Theater 7/8 focuses on developing students' skills in acting, singing, and dancing. Students learn to interpret scripts, embody characters, and convey emotion through movement, facial expressions, and vocal delivery. They practice vocal techniques such as pitch, tone, and projection, as well as dance choreography that aligns with the musical’s storyline. Collaboration and teamwork are emphasized as students work together to create a cohesive production. The course culminates in a full-scale musical theater performance in June.

This course will be offered in the spring semester.

4 periods per cycle