(2011-2012)
Oak Hill Middle School
Music touches the mind, body, and spirit. Music is a compelling, meaningful, and powerful force in our lives. The serious study of music is vital to the appreciation and understanding of our culture and the cultures of our world. Through listening, performing, and composing, we create opportunities for our students to have a deeper understanding of music. The music curriculum is based upon learning thru experience. This is true from the earliest elementary school classes through high school. The primary goals of the music programs are to develop basic music literacy in all of our students, and to insure that our students have a basic knowledge of music history and literature. All students take music through eighth grade. The music curriculum is organized as an inverted pyramid. As beginning musicians, students learn general skills and concepts (learn to listen). As they develop, they have access to a wide variety of performance, composition, and beginning theory courses, so they may explore their own creative musical impulses.
School Music:
The Orff philosophy is the part of our music classes. This philosophy places emphasis on fine and gross motor skills. Research shows these skills directly improve reading, math, and coordination. Singing is a daily experience in the lower school music classroom. Additionally, movement, instrumental accompaniment, and improvisation are all taught on a regular basis. All children are encouraged to respect each other's efforts, as well as to be accepting partners in any game or movement. Children learn to listen, observe, and evaluate their own efforts and musical growth. Various types and styles of music are introduced in class to help instill in children and appreciation for their music and the music of others.
Middle School Music continues to build on the skills and concepts begun in grades kindergarten through fifth grade including singing, recorder, and use of the hand instruments. Students study music notation, theory, history, and literature. Beginning in fifth grade and continuing through eighth grade, the middle school music curriculum also offers students a choice of band and chorus. Students selecting band/chorus begin in a group setting and are expected to practice at home on a regular basis. Performance groups give two formal concerts a year, demonstrating skills and techniques developed during the course of the semester. In grades, six through eight, students in performance classes perform increasingly complex compositions for the school community at formal concerts, and assemblies.
The literature selected for our band/chorus to rehearse and perform is at the heart of the curriculum for that ensemble. We use Essential Elements for instrumental lessons. Chosen literature needs to be from diverse styles, historical periods, and genres. Music performed must be of such a level as to be challenging of the ensemble members both technically and musically. This supports the Maine Learning Results as a well-rounded experience that is demanding part of band/chorus literature.
The Big Bang - Percussion Ensemble
Basic four part playing using basic rudiments
Beginning Band:
Students are introduced to basic music techniques. Instrumental musical activities are practiced, good habits are instilled when playing and caring for instruments. Students will learn to sight read instrumental music independently and in-group ensemble.
Intermediate Band:
For students with advanced or intermediate musical skills. Intermediate to advanced sight-reading is practiced. Students will be learn to perform independently, and in-group ensemble, and by observing all critical markings of interpretation (6-8th grade depending upon experience). Maine's music festivals for advanced students - District III music festivals.
Chorus:
For students 6th thru 8th grade: Solfeggio, Armstrong, Contemporary music, Rounds, Catches, Solos and three-part harmony, Jazz Scatting, and Beat-boxing. Maine's music festivals for advanced students - District III music festivals.
