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COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Music

MUSIC AT CMS

In sixth, seventh, or eighth grade music, students have the opportunity to participate in one of the courses below:

  • Orchestra
  • Band
  • Chorus
  • General Music (6th and 7th grade)

Additionally, students who especially enjoy singing have the opportunity to join a Lunch Chorus which meets on alternate days during the lunch period. Students in Lunch Chorus go first to the music class for 20 minutes, then are escorted by the music teacher to the cafeteria where they eat their lunch in the remaining 20 minutes of the period.

In Orchestra, Band, and Chorus, students will:

  • further develop playing or choral singing skills.
  • continue to develop a greater understanding of musical elements including:
    • pitch
    • rhythm
    • melody
    • harmony 
    • timbre
    • form
    • expression
    • style.
  • deepen their appreciation for music through a wide variety of performance opportunities.

In General Music, students will develop:

  • a greater appreciation for all aspects of music through listening to a variety of musical styles.
  • the ability to play an active role in "music making" when using keyboards, tone bells, percussion instruments, and guitars.
  • basic keyboard skills.
  • an understanding of music elements.
  • a greater understanding of music through hands-on performance using the keyboard, tone bells, the guitar, and percussion instruments.

  • All music teachers subscribe to the following breakdown for the computation of quarterly grades.

    General Music

    Lunch Chorus
    Class Participation 

    60%

    		 Class Participation 

    80% 
    Tests and Quizzes 

    30%

    		 Concerts 

    20%
    Homework/ In-Class Assignments 

    10%

    		  

    Performing Groups with Lessons

    (Band, Orchestra, and Chorus)
    Class Participation 

    60%
    Lessons 

    20%
    Tests (Played/Written), Concerts 

    20%

  • Students enrolled in General Music are automatically recommended to continue in this course unless they express a desire to join Chorus. Students who wish to join Chorus must audition with one of the vocal-music teachers.

     

    Students enrolled in a performing group (Band, Orchestra, Chorus) are recommended to continue by their teacher, based on their performance during the school year. Students are expected to maintain a skill level appropriate to their grade level. Those who do not will be recommended to take General Music.

  • The Music Department orchestrates a number of special events throughout the year. They include:

    • District Jazz Night in April.
    • Performances at the Festival of the Arts events.
    • The Holiday Sing-along in December.
    • Small-group performances at the Studio Art Show in June.
    • The induction ceremony for new members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
    • Annual performances at differing locations in the community by the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

View Curriculum Guides Go To District Department Page