Why Sing?
Because we all have an innate desire to lift up our voices! Why join a choir? Because it's one of the most joyfully unifying activities we can be a part of. Why participate in middle school? Because middle school students are the best choir members! They long to be seen and heard, they are eager and open to bonding with others, they enjoy expressing themselves, and they have the energy required to create spectacular performances!
What does music look like at the middle school level?
Choir classes are an elective part of a student's class schedule. Classes occur for one class period every day and are year-long with opportunities to continue through 8th grade. At SMS, we offer choir at each grade level. Vocal skills are built starting in 6th grade, and continue through their middle school experience. 8th graders have an opportunity to enter a variety of vocal contests.
What is an "elective" vs. an "exploratory" class?
Electives are classes students "elect" to be part of their class schedule. Music classes are the only electives at SMS. This is because of the year long commitment required for the class for students to be successful. All other classes outside the core contents are exploratory which means students are randomly placed in these classes to "explore" new things. Doing music guarantees a class with your friends!
Can I do both instrumental music and vocal music at the same time?
Though it is possible, it may potentially limit your ability to participate in other exploratory class offerings. This also increases a student's workload. This is an option only at the 7th and 8th grade levels to encourage 6th graders to explore all the exploratories SMS has to offer.
Can I do music and still participate in other school clubs and sports?
YES!!!! A very large percentage of our students also participate in several sports every year as well as many of the other extra-curricular programs offered, including speech-debate, the musical, robotics clubs, dance etc. We encourage our students to participate in and explore all that middle school has to offer.
What are the time commitments outside school?
Our performing ensembles put on four evening concerts per year.