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Music
All students at McCall study music.
The choices are band, percussion/band, chorus, orchestra, and general music. In addition, students may audition for our after-school groups, Jazz Band, Jubilation or join the Heritage Chorus. There are no fees for any of the music courses, including band and orchestra.
Band, Percussion/Band, Chorus, and Orchestra
In-school performing groups generally meet every other day and build on the training in singing, playing and musical literacy begun in elementary school. Concert performance is part of our curriculum, so band, chorus and orchestra students should expect to participate and wear concert attire. Occasional before- or after-school rehearsals may be necessary when several classes or groups prepare to perform together. Learning and performing music in a group is an enriching experience that many students will continue throughout their lives.
Band and Orchestra students need intermediate skills to participate, ideally with at least a year of lessons prior to 6th grade. During the middle school years students’ skills, expression and understanding of performance on their instrument expands quickly as they perform a varied repertoire of classical, folk and popular music.
Percussion/Band meets all year in alignment with the 6th Grade Band. Open to students who would like to learn to play concert percussion in an ensemble. Students with piano experience are encouraged to consider this option. If the number of interested students in this class exceeds the number of available seats, students will be chosen randomly for assignment.
If a student is interested in joining the band or orchestra but does not currently play a woodwind, brass or string instrument, please contact the Music Director for more information.
General Music
Students in general music sing, move, play instruments, learn the basics of music notation, and study music from a variety of cultures and musical styles. Unlike Band, Chorus, and Orchestra which are year-long courses, General Music is a semester long course. Students who are enrolled in General Music will take Drama during the opposite semester.
After School Groups
After school groups available to McCall students include Jazz Band, Jubilation, and Heritage Singers. Jazz Band students who play band or orchestra instruments are expected to participate in McCall’s day-time instrumental ensembles. Jubilation is by audition and is open to students who are also enrolled in a McCall band, chorus or orchestra. Heritage Singers is open to any student wanting to have an after school choral experience – no audition is required.
Festival Participation
Only those students enrolled in band, orchestra, and/or chorus ensembles are eligible to audition for their corresponding Northeast Junior District Festival ensembles.