General Music
This required class for all Middle school students places emphasis on learning through doing. During the student's tenure in general music, they play various classroom instruments including keyboard, cup drums, bucket drums, Kalimba, xylophone, boomwhackers and voice. Students practice, perform, create, analyze and reflect in each musical unit. General music also introduces students to music technology, and how to use it as a vehicle for creation, practice, and enjoyment. At the close of each semester, students perform instruments and sing at the All-School concerts.
Piano Lab
All students in Grades 5-8 learn to play the piano in a group setting, while still developing based on prior experience. Students’ Chromebooks, keyboards, and headsets enable students to develop at their own pace, guided by faculty. Opportunities to perform for classmates provide another opportunity to build confidence.
Middle School Choir
This is a mandatory Middle School class where students learn about choral literature, fundamentals of music, and beginning vocal techniques. Students study unison, and two- and three-part choral literature from all historical and cultural periods; fundamental music reading; vocal technique; and performance skills, including staging and movement.
Middle School Select Choir
This course is designed for students who have some choral/vocal experience and a solid foundation of fundamental music reading skills. It is open to Grades 3 - 8, as an after-school club. Students will study challenging three- and four-part choral literature from all historical and cultural periods of music. They will also study vocal technique and practice performing skills, including staging and movement. The Select Choir participates in monthly Mass and at additional SHA performances.
