WPS Music Department
Music Department
Overview
An essential part of the human experience, our goal in the music department is to support lifelong learning in music; one that examines the music of the past, explores music of the present and anticipates music of the future. We actively involve students in the joy of music making in all its forms from singing, dancing, creating, improvising and learning to play a variety of instruments.
We hope to strike a balance between the rigor of the discipline and the relief of the art; guiding students to envision a future with a place for music in their own way, whether it be as a profession, an avocation; as a consumer or an advocate.
Students are encouraged to embrace music for its own merits and to find connections with other disciplines and studies - in science, poetry, art, culture, kinesthetics, social movements and more.
Elementary (K-5) Music
Every student in the elementary schools has music class twice a week.
In the elementary music classroom, students are introduced to the basic elements of music, are taught to use appropriate singing and playing techniques and are exposed to a wide range of songs and dances. This grid (link) is a quick reference guide to the skills, concepts and standards that will be covered.
Elementary Instrumental Lesson Program:
Winchester Public Schools offers an extensive program of in-school instrument lessons and ensembles (before and/or after school) for students in grades 3 – 12. The Instrumental Lesson Program begins in the 3rd and 4th Grades and continues through 5th grade at the elementary school. Playing an instrument can be a rewarding and lifelong pursuit and a wonderful way to feel connected to other students.
McCall Middle School
Music
All students at McCall study music.
The choices are band, percussion/band, chorus, orchestra, and general music. In addition, students may audition for our after-school groups, Jazz Band, Jubilation or join the Heritage Chorus. There are no fees for any of the music courses, including band and orchestra.
Band, Percussion/Band, Chorus, and Orchestra
In-school performing groups generally meet every other day and build on the training in singing, playing and musical literacy begun in elementary school. Concert performance is part of our curriculum, so band, chorus and orchestra students should expect to participate and wear concert attire. Occasional before- or after-school rehearsals may be necessary when several classes or groups prepare to perform together. Learning and performing music in a group is an enriching experience that many students will continue throughout their lives.
Band and Orchestra students need intermediate skills to participate, ideally with at least a year of lessons prior to 6th grade. During the middle school years students’ skills, expression and understanding of performance on their instrument expands quickly as they perform a varied repertoire of classical, folk and popular music.
Percussion/Band meets all year in alignment with the 6th Grade Band. Open to students who would like to learn to play concert percussion in an ensemble. Students with piano experience are encouraged to consider this option. If the number of interested students in this class exceeds the number of available seats, students will be chosen randomly for assignment.
If a student is interested in joining the band or orchestra but does not currently play a woodwind, brass or string instrument, please contact the Music Director for more information.
General Music
Students in general music sing, move, play instruments, learn the basics of music notation, and study music from a variety of cultures and musical styles. Unlike Band, Chorus, and Orchestra which are year-long courses, General Music is a semester long course. Students who are enrolled in General Music will take Drama during the opposite semester.
After School Groups
After school groups available to McCall students include Jazz Band, Jubilation, and Heritage Singers. Jazz Band students who play band or orchestra instruments are expected to participate in McCall’s day-time instrumental ensembles. Jubilation is by audition and is open to students who are also enrolled in a McCall band, chorus or orchestra. Heritage Singers is open to any student wanting to have an after school choral experience – no audition is required.
Festival Participation
Only those students enrolled in band, orchestra, and/or chorus ensembles are eligible to audition for their corresponding Northeast Junior District Festival ensembles.
Winchester High School Music
The ARTS are a vital part of Winchester High School. The music department welcomes all students to become involved in music whether it be to try something new or to continue to develop the instrumental and/or vocal skills begun in elementary and middle school. All ensembles in the high school are performance-based courses. It is expected that students enrolled in the ensembles attend and participate in all performances. All courses offered in the music department apply to the arts graduation credit.