Elective Preferences

Kent Middle School Music Program

Information for Parents of Students Entering 5th through 8th Grade

All fifth and sixth grade students at Kent Middle School participate in music, be it band or chorus. Seventh and eighth grade students may "elect" to participate in "Zero" period band and/or choir classes. Below you will find information about the Kent music program. If you have any questions about your child's participation in band, chorus or choir, please call Ms. Caywood at (415) 257-0733, ext. 13#.

Consider your choice carefully

Scheduling students into classes is a complicated process, and it is very important that you select a music class that is appropriate for your student. 5th and 6th grade students should choose carefully in making their band or chorus selection, as we are creating sections and staffing them according to your requests. Future changes will be difficult to make as they affect your child's full-day schedule, so please be sure to get you child's input before selecting!

Music enrollment is a full-year commitment; if you have difficulty is selecting a music program for your 5th or 6th grade student, please consult Ms. Caywood.

The 5th grade "Beginning" music program

All fifth graders will take either chorus or band. The first year of instrumental music is spent learning to read music and to become a "solid" beginner on the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or percussion. Students do not have to decide which instrument they want to play until after classes have started. Information about instrument choices will be sent home with students the first week of school. Band students are expected to practice at home a minimum of 60 minutes per week. Instruments may be rented or purchased through local music stores. Financial assistance is available.

Students choosing to participate in the chorus will learn vocal technique through unison and singing in harmony. Song selections will range from popular to classical. Chorus students also learn to play the recorder and read music. Both the chorus and band perform two to three concerts a year.

The 6th grade "Intermediate" music program

All sixth graders will take either chorus or band. The sixth grade music program meets during the school day and is a continuation of the fifth grade program. Students wishing to change from band to chorus may do so without the teacher's consent. New students or students wishing to change from chorus to band must be an intermediate beginner on their instrument at the beginning of the school year and must discuss this with Ms. Caywood.

The 7th and 8th grade "Advanced" music program

The seventh and eighth grade band and choir meet during "Zero" period which begins at 7:45 A.M. The Concert Band will rehearse on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings while the Concert Choir will rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Concert Band students must have had two to three years of previous playing experience. Emphasis is placed on gaining musical independence through scale studies, technical exercises and improvisation. Students work on music from a wide range of musical styles, including jazz and classical. They perform six to eight concerts a year.

Concert Choir will meet twice per week. This is an advanced choral group that works on challenging a cappella material (without accompaniment). Students wishing to join must be able to match a pitch, sing in parts, and have the interest and enthusiasm that is required to develop a high level choral ensemble. The group will work on music ranging from jazz to classical. Students with no previous choral experience, or who are new to the school, must audition for Ms. Caywood. The choir will perform four to six concerts a year.

Once again, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Caywood if you have any questions or concerns.

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Enrichment Preferences for Eighth Grade

In the 2007-08 school year, enrichment classes will be offered to 8th grade students in three trimesters. Within one of the three trimesters, every 8th grade student will take a half-trimester course in Technology and a half-trimester Writing Workshop course. These represent the "mandatory" enrichment classes.

In each of the other two semesters, every 8th grade student will take a different "elective" enrichment class, selected from the following list:

• Art
• Technology
• Video
• Wood Shop

This means that 8th graders will only be taking classes in two of these four elective enrichment subjects.

If you are filling out registration information for a student who will be in 8th grade next year, you will be asked to state your student's top three preferences for these classes. Because of the intricacies of scheduling, the school cannot guarantee every student their first choice of elective enrichment, but will try to make sure that your student will get at least one of his/her top three preferences.

If you have any questions about how the preference system will work, or need more information about the 8th grade enrichment classes, please email Ms. Osterman. Her email address is losterman@kentfieldschools.org

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