RAJMS Band and Choir Handbooks
All RAJMS Band and Choir students are expected to uphold the values of our program and commitment to excellence. In the files below, you'll find outlines of all of our curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular policies and procedures.
band_handbook.docx | |
File Size: | 582 kb |
File Type: | docx |
choir_handbook.docx | |
File Size: | 341 kb |
File Type: | docx |
6th Grade Beginning Band
The 6th Grade Band is open to any and all students who are interested in learning how to play an instrument and performing in an ensemble. Students may choose from a variety of instruments including flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. A wide range of topics will be covered in this class including how to properly assemble and care for instruments, correct posture and playing position, proper breathing and air support when playing, how to read and interpret basic music symbols and notation, and the listening skills necessary to produce a quality sound and play within a group. We work hard, but we have a lot of fun in band. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved at school and to meet new people. Playing in a band also teaches students important life skills such as responsibility, initiative, and the ability to work and function as a team.
*If you would like information about joining band in 6th grade, please visit the "JOIN BAND AND CHOIR" link at the top of the page.
*If you would like information about joining band in 6th grade, please visit the "JOIN BAND AND CHOIR" link at the top of the page.
6th Grade Choir
The 6th Grade Choir is open to any and all students who love to sing and who are interested in developing their singing abilities within an ensemble. Students will build their musical literacy skills and vocal technique through the study of a wide variety of repertoire including folk songs, rounds, partner songs, holiday songs, pops tunes, and standard middle school choral repertoire. We will perform 2-3 concerts throughout the school year. Like band, this is a great opportunity for students to get involved at school and to meet new people. Students will also develop valuable life skills including responsibility, initiative, and the ability to work and function as a team.
*If you would like information about joining choir in 6th grade, please visit the "JOINING BAND AND CHOIR" link at the top of the page.
*If you would like information about joining choir in 6th grade, please visit the "JOINING BAND AND CHOIR" link at the top of the page.
7th Grade Concert Band
In 7th Grade Concert Band, we build upon the skills and foundation established in beginning band. Students will learn new techniques, pitches, time signatures, and rhythms as they study music of increasing difficulty. Students in this ensemble will attend concert festival in the spring to be assessed in addition to performing at our various school events/concerts. 6th grade beginning band is a prerequisite for this course. Students in this course will also have the opportunity to audition for extracurricular performance opportunities including the Jones Jazz Band, the Morehead State Middle School Honors Band Clinic, the Northern Kentucky Select Band, and Solo and Ensemble. Students wishing to expand their musical horizons and try something new are highly encouraged to participate in these activities - they will make you a better and more well-rounded musician, not to mention the fact that it is an honor to be selected to participate in any of these groups.
8th Grade Symphonic Band
8th Grade Symphonic Band is the culmination of your child's middle school music career. Students will continue to extend their musical technique and performance skills so that they are prepared for the transition into high school band. This course will focus on the technical skills (scales and a rhythms/time signatures) that students should know moving forward. Students in this ensemble will attend concert festival in the spring in addition to performing at various school events and concerts. In addition to that students will also have some unique performance opportunities throughout the year with the Boone County Rebel Brigade and high school band program. Just as they did in 7th grade band, these students will have the opportunity to audition for extracurricular performance opportunities including the Jones Jazz Band, the Morehead State Middle School Honors Band Clinic, the Northern Kentucky Select Band, and Solo and Ensemble. Students wishing to expand their musical horizons and try something new are highly encouraged to participate in these activities - they will make you a better and more well-rounded musician, not to mention the fact that it is an honor to be selected to participate in any of these groups.
7th/8th Grade Choir
7th/8th Grade Choir builds upon the skills and fundamentals taught in 6th grade choir. Students will continue to build their musical literacy skills, vocal technique, and sight singing through the study of a wide variety of repertoire including folk songs, rounds, partner songs, holiday songs, pops tunes, and standard middle school choral repertoire. We will perform 2-3 concerts throughout the school year. Students wishing to expand their vocal horizons will have the opportunity to participate in honor choir and other extracurricular opportunities.
Jones Jazz Band
The Jones Jazz Band is an extracurricular ensemble in which students will study and perform music from the jazz genre, while exploring the instrumental techniques associated with type of music (swing, improvisation, etc.). Students interested in joining will need to audition to be a part of the group. Auditions will be held in October with rehearsals beginning shortly thereafter. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 3-4pm in the band room. Parents will need to provide transportation for their child if they are selected to participate in the group. All instruments are welcome.