Jefferson Middle School Music
The music program at Jefferson Middle School offers electives in band, orchestra, and choir. These programs are available at all three grade levels and are year-long classes. Each class has its own focus and requirements. Check out all of the music options available to JMS students:
Band
6th Grade Band
Sixth Grade Band is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on wind and percussion instruments. The primary focus is on the development, continuation, and expansion of basic skills begun the previous year that are necessary for effective instrumental music performance. Although the curriculum is designed for students with one year of playing experience, students with no prior experience are welcome to participate. Beginners in 6th grade band must choose from one of the following beginning instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone. Other options may be available with teacher approval. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Winter Concert in December, the Westside Band Festival in February/March, the Spring Concert in April, and our Final Concert in June.
7th Grade Band
Seventh Grade Band is a continuation of skills learned in the 6th Grade Band class. Emphasis in 7th Grade Band will be placed on students learning the full playing range of their instruments, increasing their vocabulary of rhythms, and continuing to improve their overall musicianship. Students must have previous music experience to join 7th Grade Band. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Winter Concert in December, the Westside Band Festival in February/March, the Spring Concert in April, and our Final Concert in June.
8th Grade Band
Eighth Grade Band is the Middle School’s most advanced performing ensemble for wind and percussion instrumentalists. This year long course introduces “comprehensive musicianship” through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills and preparation for high school band. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, honor bands, and private lessons. Students must have previous music experience to join the 8th Grade Band. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Winter Concert in December, the Westside Band Festival in February/March, the Spring Concert in April, and our Final Concert in June.
Jazz Band
Jazz band meets with JMS band teacher Mr. Holder mornings before school starts. There are no auditions; anyone interested in playing in the Jazz Band may sign up with Mrs. Curley. Performances are scheduled throughout the school year.
Orchestra
6th Grade Orchestra
Sixth Grade Orchestra is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on orchestral string instruments. This class is designed to expand and
develop the skills learned in 4th and 5th grade strings classes as well as prepare students for the 7th/8th Grade Orchestra. Although the curriculum is designed for students with two years of playing experience, motivated students with no prior experience are able to participate. This requires extra practicing in order to get caught up to the rest of the class. Beginners in 6th Grade Orchestra must choose from one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Fall Concert in October/November, a Winter Concert in December, the Spring/Festival Concert in March, and our Final Concert in June.
7th/8th Grade Orchestra
This mixed-grade orchestra builds upon the skills learned in the 6th Grade Orchestra and prepares students for orchestra at the high school level. Emphasis in 7th/8th Grade Orchestra will be placed on students expanding their technical skills, increasing their vocabulary of rhythms, and developing comprehensive musicianship. Students must have previous music experience to join the 7th/8th Grade Orchestra. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Fall Concert in October/November, a Winter Concert in December, the Spring/Festival Concert in March, and our Final Concert in June.
Choir
Jag Choir (6th Grade)
Jag Choir is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities through singing. The primary focus is on the development, continuation, and expansion of basic skills begun the previous year that are necessary for effective vocal music performance. The curriculum is designed for students with prior singing experience as well as those who are beginning singers. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Fall Concert in November, a Winter Concert in January, a Spring Concert in March, and our Final Concert in June.
Apex Singers (7th/8th Grade)
This mixed-grade choir builds upon the skills learned in the Jag Choir and prepares students for choir at the high school level. Emphasis in Apex Singers will be placed on students expanding their technical skills, increasing their sight-reading ability, and developing comprehensive musicianship. It is recommended that students have prior choir experience before joining the Apex Singers. This course has required evening performances at least four times each year, usually consisting of a Fall Concert in November, a Winter Concert in January, a Spring Concert in March, and our Final Concert in June.
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