MURRAY AVENUE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Course Selection for 2016-17 School Year
Band - Orchestra - Chorus
Dear Sixth and Seventh Grade Parents/Guardians and Students:
At this time in the school year we would like to give students in the 6th and 7th grades an opportunity to sign up to play band and orchestra instruments and/or sing in chorus next year. Please read the following information and return this form to the office by Friday, June 3rd. All students who wish to play an instrument and/or sing in chorus next year must complete this form in order to be scheduled for the class(es). Any student who does not return a form will be enrolled in general music. The ability to drop or add a music class next year will depend on availability of the schedule.
Course Description and Expectations
Seventh & Eighth Grade Band:
Band students in 7th and 8th Grade will continue mastering tone production, posture, blend, balance, articulation and rhythm. New concepts will include mixed meters, triplets, sixteenth notes, and expanding playing registers. Emphasis will be placed on learning to play with expression.
-Meets 3 times per cycle as a class.
-Full ensemble rehearses every 2-3 weeks on varying evenings, 6:45-8 PM.
-Students are expected to attend all evening rehearsals and performances.
Seventh & Eighth Grade Chorus:
Chorus students in 7th & 8th grade will continue practicing proper tone production, posture, blend, balance, articulation and rhythm. Students will also concentrate on identifying and singing solfege as well as rhythmic and note dictation.
-Meets 3 times per cycle.
- Students are expected to attend all after-school rehearsals and performances.
- Current choir members must audition with Ms. Dehner/Mrs. Handfinger in chorus class.
- Any students interested in joining choir must also schedule a WIN audition with Ms. Dehner on
Day C or D. Please see Ms. Dehner in Room 216 during 1st or 2nd period.
Seventh & Eighth Grade Orchestra:
Students will continue mastering tone, posture, blend, articulations, bowing and rhythms. Students will work on bowing unity, phrasing, playing style, musical interpretation and playing with emotion.
-Meets 3 times per cycle.
-Students are expected to attend all rehearsal and performances.
Jazz Band:
Students will learn the basics of playing in jazz and rock styles. New articulations, rhythms, terminology and the basics of improvisation will be introduced.
-By audition in September. Audition music is distributed by Ms. Lillie and Mr. Champion (Rm. 215) in
June.
- Members must participate in concert band.
- Rehearsesonce a week from 7:00-8:00 AM.
- Mandatory sectionals once per cycle during WIN.
-Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performance, including the Dorney trip.
Chamber Strings:
Students will play a wide variety of musical styles. New articulations, rhythms and techniques
will be introduced.
-By audition in September.
- Members must participate in Orchestra.
- Rehearses on Tuesdays after school until 4:00.
-Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.
Instrument Rental:
Instruments can be leased from a music store. The Music & Arts Center in Horsham, PA provides the instrument rental service for our district. However, students may go to any reputable music store. It is suggested that students choose the 9 month rental to take them through the entire school year.
Dress Code for Performances:
Students are to wear collared, button-down white shirts (no logos or writing), nice black pants (no leggings or skirts) and nice black shoes.
Thank you for your interest and support. Questions may be addressed to the following:
Mr. Champion, Jazz Band:
Ms. Dehner, Chorus:
Mrs. Handfinger, Orchestra:
Ms. Lillie, Band & Jazz Band:
Murray Avenue Music Program Sign-up
Please return to the office no later than Friday, June 3, 2016
Student’s Name: ______
Current Grade (circle one)6th Grade7th Grade
Parent’s Name: ______
Parent’s Signature: ______
Parent’s Email address (please print clearly): ______
Telephone: ______
Please check and fill in all that apply:
______BandInstrument you play______
______OrchestraInstrument you play ______
______Chorus
Do you take private lessons? Yes No
Private Teacher______
Instrument Studied______