Are you wondering what we do in Music at the middle school level? Well, search no longer! Here’s the page where the middle school level information will be posted. You’ll find links to our vocal, band, orchestra and general music classes right here!
Meet the Middle School Music Staff:
Mr. Ferrara (6/7/8 grade Band)
michael.ferrara@wpsk12.com
Mr. Ferrara’s Class website
Mrs. Perkins (String Orchestra)
jennifer.perkins@wpsk12.com
Mrs. Perkins’ Class Website
Mrs. Prindiville (6/7/8 grade Chorus, General Music, MS Drama Club Advisor)
Samantha.prinidiville@wpsk12.com
Mrs. Prindiville’s Class website
Mr. Lebrun (6/7/8 grade General Music)
sean.lebrun@wpsk12.com
General Music Grades 6-8:
Music classes at the Middle School provide an introduction and more
advanced study in music making. Students learn the basics of music through
reading, playing, listening and composing activities. They write songs for
their instruments and learn about many different styles of music through
listening examples.
Band:
Sixth Grade Band
Sixth Grade Band students use the knowledge and skills that they developed during their elementary band lessons for practical application in a performance-based setting. Students have the opportunity to not only refine their technical music skills, but also further explore the expressive qualities of music, which include music theory and conducting.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Band
Seventh and Eighth Grade Band students will continue to expand their technical grasp while learning and performing more difficult and challenging music. Several students will be given the opportunity to mentor younger musicians by acting as section leaders and coaches for the 6th Grade Band. All Band students will perform at least twice a year at winter and spring concerts.
Chorus:
Students involved in Chorus will develop their skills through singing and music reading activities. Throughout the three years of chorus, students will be exposed to more complex music, including advanced harmonies and languages. Students’ music reading skills and depth of knowledge of various composers and genres will continue to grow. Performances will happen each year, but the focus of the class is on group and individual music skills. Students will gain confidence as they add to the music repertoire that they have from elementary school. Students will be involved in learning to read music at a more advanced level, analyzing the form and structure of many different genres of music and especially the real-world skill of working as a large team to create something together.
String Orchestra:
Middle School String Orchestra is a continuation of the Elementary Orchestra program and a prelude to High School Orchestra. Students entering the Middle School Orchestra have participated in the Arch of Bows Ceremony and the year-end concerts.
Jr. Jazz Band:
Jr. Jazz Band is an extra-curricular invitation-only ensemble for gifted musicians in grades 6/7/8 who play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, bass guitar, and drum set/percussion. Students must be a member of the band class except for piano/bass/guitar. The invitations are given to students in early November. Rehearsals are held every Friday from December 3 – April 8.Rehearsals take place in the Instrumental Music room (308) Rehearsals are held from 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM (1 hour/45 minutes) Parents are responsible to pick up their children from the rehearsal or make arrangements for them to have a ride. I wait with the students until they are picked up. The culminating activity for this ensemble is a performance at the annual Pops Concert in April as well as a “World Tour” concert series at all of the elementary schools in Wilmington over the course of 2 days in late May or early June. Occasionally, this ensemble has been asked to perform for schools, nursing homes, and other businesses outside of school as well.
