Madison District Public Schools

Ensembles

 

Concert Band

            This course is comprised mostly of incoming 6th grade students, but 7th and 8th grade students who have not previously been in band may also join.  This yearlong course is an introduction to instrumental music and offers instruction on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success.

 

            Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. This class is ideal for those who were unable or only partially able to participate in an instrumental music class during previous school experiences. The Concert Band may also be ideal for those already with experience but who may need a review and reinforcement of music reading, playing fundamentals and technique that are vital for lasting musical development. These groups will perform in the Winter, Pre-Festival and Spring Band Concerts.

 

No audition is required for placement in the Concert Band.
 

                        Students should have a copy of "Essential Elements 2000: Book 1" specific to their instrument.  Books can be purchased from A&G Central Music on 11 mile road in Madison Heights (next to Madison High School) or from Hal Leonard Online. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symphonic Band

                        The Symphonic Band is a yearlong course comprised of mostly 7th and 8th grade students.  This band is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and tone production. Instruction offers continued focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Similarly, select students may have the opportunity to transition to instruments that may not have been offered in previous school experiences. These include many of the larger and/or more expensive instruments, including oboe, bassoon, french horn, euphonium and tuba. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Band Concerts, as well as a pre-festival concert and MSBOA Jr. High Band Festival.  This group will also participate with the Madison High School Marching Eagles during homecoming performances.

 

Placement in the Symphony Band is by audition including following requirements:   

·      At least one year of experience (or discretion of the director)

·      Concert F, Bb & Eb Major Scales

·      Chromatic Scale

·      Understanding of whole, half, quarter, eighth and dotted half rhythms

·      Understanding of 4/4, 2/4, and 3/4 time signatures   

·      A short excerpt or solo piece

 

                     Students should have a copy of "Essential Elements 2000: Book 2" specific to their instrument.   Books can be purchased from A&G Central Music on 11 mile road in Madison Heights (next to Madison High School) or from Hal Leonard Online. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select Ensemble

               Chamer ensembles have hte opportunity to dramatically affec the artistic and musical knowledge of our sudents.  Our Chamber Ensemble program will focus on developing discipline, independence, in the practice room and on stage, and planning exra performance opportunties for sensembles in our community throughout the semester.  The semester will culminate with students participating in a statewide MSBOA Solo & Ensemble festival on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at Rochester High School.  Students will also regularly meet one-on-one with Ms. Pagels for private lessons on their instrument to address specific instrument technique and solo literature.  This course is available to 7th and 8th grade students are who are simultaneously enrolled in "Symphonic Band". 

 

Course Objectives

   To introduce students to chamber music, its history and real-life application in music careers today

   To introduce students to a variety of music repertoire outside of band literature

   To Orient students in how to efficiently and effectively practice as an individual or small group

   To provide students with the skills to organize and plan musical perofrmances in the school and the community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concert Choir

            This course is available to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and provides a variety of singing opportunities for students with limited formal choral experience.  This semester long course is an introduction to vocal music at the middle school level.

 

            Vocal techniques and music reading are emphasized, and students are given the opportunity to explore various musical sources and styles.  Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and singing position, development of characteristic vocal technique and training in music literacy. This class is ideal for those who were unable or only partially able to participate in a vocal music class during previous school experiences.  Much emphasis is placed on providing a positive musical experience to students through class activities and performances.  

 

No audition is required for placement in the Concert Choir.

 

The Wilkinson Concert Choir performs at the Winter Concert, Fine Arts Festival, Spring Concert, and many other events.  This group also hosts the end-of-the-year talent show at Wilkinson Middle School.