Alexander Graham Middle School :

Band and Orchestra

arts-sheetmusic2:

AG Band, Orchestra & Chorus Fundraiser

The AGMS Band, Orchestra, and Chorus will be selling Citipass Coupon Books for the next two weeks. Proceeds from this sale will benefit the each group by providing for the purchase of new instruments, repairs and updates to existing inventory, purchase of new music, and fund guests teachers and artists to come in to perform for the students as well as simply providing for general operating costs. The books are $25 each and include over $5000 worth of coupons for local retailers, restaurants and family fun. Citipass books can be purchased through any Band, Orchestra or Chorus student or in the office. For more information, contact Steven Dockery at steven.dockery@cms.k12.nc.us

Band

Steven Dockery, Director of Bands at Alexander Graham Middle School, maintains a band site that details all the opportunties available to students via various ensembles. Mr. Dockery's band site

Orchestra

Orchestra at AG is an elective class that begins in 6th grade and is offered throughout Middle and High School in any CMS school. Students meet every other day for the entire school year. Teamwork as well as individual development is stressed in addition to the Orchestra curriculum. Classes perform three times a year for parents and friends.

6th grade Orchestra students learn how to properly hold, care for and play their instrument. Basic note and rhythm reading skills are taught and applied to beginning level music. Students begin to understand that they are part of the Orchestra "team" and each part is as important as any other. By the end of the year, they perform Grade 1 level music in combined parts.

7th grade Orchestra takes students farther along in the spiral curriculum by adding new notes to read, keys to play, and more difficult rhythms. The class moves from Grade 1 to Grade 2 level music and stresses more divided parts that must then blend into the whole for optimum intonation and balance.

8th grade Orchestra challenges the students even further. They tune their own instruments at the beginning of class, and move from Grade 2 to Grade 2 ½ or 3 music with even more challenging rhythms, keys, and some beginning shifting. The 8th graders travel to feeder elementary schools to perform and help recruit future Orchestra students.

Interested orchestra students can audition in mid-November each year for the annual CMS Middle School Honors Orchestra. AG has always been well represented at this event, which is an optional opportunity outside of class.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How are parents involved? AG Music Boosters!

Parents of Band and Orchestra students are encouraged to join the AG Music Boosters. The Music Boosters are the financial and logistical support network for all of A.G.'s music students. To join, there is a $10 per-family membership fee, and we ask that you volunteer your time in a way that suits you 1 or 2 times per year.

Last update: Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 12:11:52 PM