BMS Music Courses

6th Grade Band (musb6): 1.0 Units

The sixth grade band is a performing ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments which rehearses on a daily basis at Bellport Middle School. Participation in this group is based on the successful completion of the Frank P. Long band program with recommendation by the 5 th grade band director. In the event that there should be a late entrant, proficiency at a 6th grade level must be demonstrated prior to acceptance in the program. Requirements: Daily home practice, lesson attendance and participation in both the winter and spring concerts.

6th Grade Chorus (musc6): 1.0 Units

The objective of the sixth grade chorus is to develop vocal technique towards a more mature and professional technique in a disciplined group setting. A variety of music will be rehearsed and performed in two school concerts. The choral music will include classical, holiday and popular styles. Students will also learn the rudiments of sight singing and score-reading, and will be coached to refine pitch-matching and rhythmic skills, including drills in 2- and 3-part harmony. Requirements: attendance at the winter and spring concerts.

6th Grade Orchestra (muso6): 1.0 Units

The goal of sixth grade orchestra is to further develop both the technical and musical skills of the students through a variety of music and exercises performed both in orchestra rehearsals and group lessons. Technical issues will include, but are not limited to: bowing, left-hand fingering in first, half and third positions, pizzicato playing and posture. Musical issues will include, but are not limited to: articulation, dynamics and stylistically appropriate decision-making. Students will also be exposed to a greater variety of music including selections from the classical repertoire, folk music, popular selections and world music. Requirements: attendance at the winter and spring concerts. Prerequisite: Recommendation from intermediate school orchestra director.

General Music 6 (musgm6): 1.0 Units

This course is designed to provide an introductory examination of the elements of music; melody, harmony, rhythm, tone, form, tempo and dynamics. Students will be given the opportunity to explore instrument families and create and build their own instrument. Units throughout the year include composition, piano and study and the development of simple performance skills.

7th Grade Band (musb7): 1.0 Units

The seventh grade band is a performing ensemble consisting of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments which rehearses on a daily basis at Bellport Middle School. Participation in this group is based on the successful completion of the sixth grade band program with recommendation by prior year’s director. In the event that there should be a late entrant, proficiency at a 7 th grade level must be demonstrated prior to acceptance in the program. Requirements: daily rehearsals, weekly lessons on a rotating basis and the winter and spring concerts. The seventh and eighth grade bands also perform at the Memorial Day parade.

7th & 8th Grade Chorus (musc7/8): 1.0 Units

The objective of the seventh and eighth grade chorus is to introduce students to basic music theory, solfege syllables, and to engage in part and solo singing. A variety of musical styles are explored including Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, contemporary, patriotic, jazz, and show choir. Students will have exposure to a number of different languages as we explore our musical roots and celebrate the ethnic diversity of our student population. Requirements: class participation in warm-ups, sight-singing, lessons and the rehearsal of selected choral octavos. Students perform at both the winter and spring concerts. Participation at dress rehearsals and concerts are mandatory.

7th Grade Orchestra (muso7): 1.0 Units

Students participating in orchestra will actively engage in the performance of orchestral music while being exposed to music of various genres and time periods. Student’s musical vocabulary and appreciation for music will grow as they will be introduced to numerous bowing styles, technical markings, shifting positions on their instruments, dynamics and vibrato. Students will attend weekly lessons on their instrument to reinforce material from rehearsals. Requirements: students will participate in a winter and spring concert as a culmination of their music literature studies each semester. Participation at dress rehearsals and concerts are mandatory.

General Music 7 (musgm7): .5 Unit

The objective of this course is to familiarize and sensitize students to the history, performance, artistry and social impact of music in our culture. Included in the curriculum is a condensed history of musical trends from the dawn of civilization to the present, with emphasis on 20 th century popular music including rock, rhythm and blues, and American Musical Theater. Several musicals will be viewed, analyzed and compared, with emphasis on choreography, lyrics and music as propulsive/ emotive forces. Analysis and focused awareness of film soundtrack music, including a comparison of compositional techniques for mood setting, application of source music and “film-spotting” philosophies.

8 th Grade Band (musb8): 1.0 Units

The eighth grade band is a performing ensemble consisting of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments which rehearses on a daily basis at Bellport Middle School. Participation in this group is based on the successful completion of the seventh grade band program with recommendation by prior year’s director. In the event that there should be a late entrant, proficiency at an 8 th grade level must be demonstrated prior to acceptance in the program. Requirements: daily rehearsals, weekly lessons on a rotating basis and the winter and spring concerts. The seventh and eighth grade bands also perform at the Memorial Day parade.

7th & 8th Grade Chorus (musc7/8): 1.0 Units

The objective of the seventh and eighth grade chorus is to introduce students to basic music theory, solfege syllables, and to engage in part and solo singing. A variety of musical styles are explored including Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, contemporary, patriotic, jazz, and show choir. Students will have exposure to a number of different languages as we explore our musical roots and celebrate the ethnic diversity of our student population. Requirements: class participation in warm-ups, sight-singing, lessons and the rehearsal of selected choral octavos. Students perform at both the winter and spring concerts. Participation at dress rehearsals and concerts are mandatory.

General Music 8(musgm8): .5 Unit

 Students in this course continue developing their appreciation of music through comparison of styles, genres and composers. Composition is a major component of this class with students writing for traditional and non-traditional instruments as well as creating electronic loop compositions. At the end of this class, students will have developed the piano skills necessary to perform more complex rhythms and melodies.