Meadow Brook Elementary

Courses

This course is for students who have completed one year of study on the instrument that he/she is planning to play in

BAND 1. Exceptions are made with director approval. Students new to Forest Hills should contact the band directors to

determine skill level. A variety of band literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all

performances is required as well as included in the student’s grade. The bands perform several concerts throughout the

year and attend MSBOA music festivals. Opportunities also exist through solo and ensemble festivals. Students are

expected to make a commitment to these performances and all requirements of band class. Students are expected to

remain in the class for the entire year.

This course is for students who have completed two previous years of band. Exceptions are made with director approval

and appropriate tutoring in private lessons. Students new to Forest Hills should contact the band directors to determine

skill level. Students are expected to remain in the class for the entire year. Pre-requisite: Completion of Seventh Grade

Band and/or the Standard of Excellence, Book 2 Method Book. If your child does not meet this pre-requisite, please

contact the Music Department Staff. A variety of band literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and

attendance at all performances is required as well as included in the student’s grade. The Band performs several

concerts throughout the year and also attends MSBOA music festivals. Opportunities exist for individuals through solo and

ensemble festivals. Students are expected to make a commitment to these performances and all requirements of band

class.

Orchestra is offered on a daily basis for students who have prior experience on violin, viola, cello, and bass. This could

also include a Suzuki background. Emphasis is placed on gaining technical skill through performance of different types of

literature, and on music theory as it relates to string playing. Computer-assisted instruction will be incorporated into the

curriculum. A yearlong list of required performances is given in September. Practice at home and attendance at all

performances is required as well as included in the student’s grade. Pre-requisite: Completion of Sixth Grade

Orchestra and/or the Standard of Excellence, Book 1 Method Book. If your child does not meet this pre-requisite, please

contact the Music Department Staff.

Emphasis is placed on refining and improving an individual’s music skills to a higher degree of proficiency. A variety of

orchestral literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all performances, including district

and state music festivals, is required as well as included in the student’s grade. Students are expected to remain in

this course for the full year. Pre-requisite: Completion of Seventh Grade Orchestra. If your child does not meet this prerequisite,

please contact the Music Department Staff.

Students will develop the ability to sing with good tone and diction, to sing and read parts, to learn to read music, and to

develop a greater understanding of music. Activities include sight-reading exercises, daily choral rehearsals, and

performances. All students learn the basics of music theory, music history, sight-reading, and proper vocal production.

Several concerts are given each year. Performance demeanor, responsibility to the group, and teamwork are stressed.

Attendance at all performances is required as well as included in the student’s grade.

Note: All members of the music department are expected to wear a white tuxedo shirt (can be ordered

from the school), black pants, black shoes, black socks, cummerbund, and bow tie for all

performances. The school will supply the cummerbund and bow tie. Families requiring financial

assistance should contact a building administrator.