MUSIC
Please see the homepage for constant updates pertaining to music needs!
This is a description of the music program at MCCPS:
Music at MCCPS is fun and elaborate. Grades 4th-8th have music class for 45 minutes, twice a week.
Each student learns how to sing, play keyboard, compose, analyze and read music. There is a full keyboard lab where every student may practice at his or her own level. Each child has the option to learn a band instrument of choice from the flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, horn or the drums. Honor Band meets Tuesday and Thursdays from 7:30-8:15 am and Concert Band meets Monday and Wednesday from 7:30- 8:15 am. The band performs many times each year including exhibition, and a band competition, which involves going to the Six Flags Theme Park. Chorus is included each year during class. All classes are based on the Massachusetts standards and integrated projects. Also, during enrichment period, there are other courses offered such as, strings, choir, band, jazz band, MCCPS IDOL, musicals and more.
In the fourth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard and recorder. They also choose a band instrument to learn.
In the fifth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to join the MCCPS band. Many students make goals to practice their band instrument.
In the sixth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the opportunity to play in the MCCPS band. The jazz/blues unit is usually covered and tends to be memorable. Integrated projects may change from year to year.
In the seventh grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to play in the MCCPS band. Like all grades, students complete integrated projects that cover the Mass. frameworks. We have been known to record at Ringo Studios!
In the eighth grade students learn how to sing, compose, play keyboard, and they have the option to play in the MCCPS band. There are units such as Garage band or music bingo, (where they study music from different cultures and genres). There is also a graduation song chosen by the students and sometimes accompanied by students as well.
Singing, improvisation, and composition, playing instruments, reading music, and critical thinking are the categories that are studied and graded each term. The exhibition performances have been extremely successful and the band has won awards for their excellence. For band students, please note that there are professionals who teach private lessons after school for woodwind and brass instruments. Many students make a music goal to practice and meet with the music teacher twice a year to work on how to achieve the goal through MAP meetings. The music program provides an excellent balance to aid the general curriculum.
