The Islander Middle School Performing Arts Program seeks to bring out the best possible musicianship in every student by offering top-caliber music education and differentiated, proven instruction designed to optimize each student’s path and love for music.
Our program strives to deliver:
Music literature that both excites and challenges at every age and technique level
Performance and competition opportunities in school, in the community and regionally
Enrichment via professional musician experiences including master classes, coaching, artist-in residence programs and workshops
Esprit de corps among the through non-hierarchical seating and shared group performance and tours
At the middle school, choir meets every day. A course guide providing information, lists of supplies and materials, and details about the choir uniform will be provided to students at the beginning of school and to parents at curriculum night. Grades are based on singing and written assessments, ensemble skills, and overall musicianship. Required student performances are communicated throughout the year. Choir emphasizes structured skill development in a fun and collaborative environment through an exploration of a variety of musical genres and styles. Singers experience a wide selection of cultures and languages through song.
Band emphasizes structured skill development in a fun and non-threatening environment.
The instruments of the band are woodwinds (flute and clarinet), brass (trumpet and trombone), and percussion. At the middle school, band meets every day. A course guide providing information, lists of supplies and materials, and details about the band uniform will be provided to students at the beginning of school and to parents at curriculum night. Grades are based on playing and written assessments, ensemble skills, and overall musicianship. Required student performances are communicated throughout the year.
Orchestra seeks to bring out the best possible musicianship in every student by offering top-caliber music education and differentiated, proven instruction designed to optimize each student's path and love for music. The program seeks to deliver:
Repertoire that excites and challenges at every age and technique level.
Performance and competition opportunities at school, in the community, and regionally/nationally.
Enrichment via experiences including concerts, field trips, coaching, Artist-in-Residence programs, festivals, auditions, adjudication, workshops, and community-building events
The instruments of the orchestra are the string family: Violin, viola, cello, and bass. At the middle school, orchestra meets every day. A course guide providing information, lists of supplies and materials, and details about the orchestra uniform will be provided to students at the beginning of school and to parents at curriculum night. Grades are based on playing and written assessments, ensemble skills, and overall musicianship. Required student performances are communicated throughout the year.
Jazz Band is available to all interested 7th and 8th grade band students and bass- or piano-playing 7th and 8th grade orchestra students. The fee for this club is $250 per school year. The class will rehearse 2 days a week before school and have several performances throughout the year. We will participate in at least one jazz festival, and perhaps as many as three. The course will focus on big band literature including swing, Latin, and rock styles, with the heaviest emphasis being on traditional big band jazz. Student will also be introduced to jazz improvisation and are encouraged to experiment with their own musical ideas. This should prove to be a fun and enriching experience for the motivated student!
MISD students may choose to participate in orchestra, band, and/or choir before school beginning in the 5th grade. Buses transport these students from home to IMS or MIHS for their orchestra, band, or choir rehearsal twice per week and then back to their elementary school. All interested students are welcome and encouraged to join! We will teach them everything they need to know; no prior musical training is needed.
Information will be sent home with all 4th grade students via email and paper flyer inviting everyone to sign up for the 5th Grade Music Program.
All 4th grade students will attend a concert during the school day to see all three middle school ensembles perform.
The week after this performance, the music directors will visit all elementary schools for Ensemble Selection Days in which every 4th grader will have the opportunity to sample the sound and feel of each instrument, and meet with the choir director. (Note: These are not competitive auditions - only quick, stress-free, "try it and see" events.)
After these Ensemble Selection Days, a flyer will come home with information about how to enroll your student in the 5th grade music program through an online form.
June
Once you have enrolled your student online, you will receive information via email about an information night for parents.
At this info night, information about supplies, materials, books, and renting (not purchasing) an instrument will be provided.
Families will have the summer to make rental arrangements and gather everything students will need.
September
There will be two evening lessons which will kick off the program (parents must attend with their students).
After these two lessons, the twice-per-week morning rehearsals will begin.
Please watch your email beginning in May to learn more about these opportunities to enroll your child!
