• Class and Activity Descriptions

    Mr. Lambert's Full Year Core Music Classes:
     
    Band Class: This class is for 6th to 8th grade students who are interested in instrumental music.  The class works on developing skills on the student’s instrument while learning about many aspects of music (notation reading, history, playing in different styles, etc...).  The class meets 3 days a week.  Please note that is class is a year long.  Students who sign up for Band will have the choice of Physical Education or Exploratory Classes and enrichment classes.
     
    Choir Class: This class is for 6th to 8th grade students who are interested in vocal music.  Students will be working on Hand Bells to learn to read basic notation.  The class works on developing skills of singing while learning about many aspects of music (notation reading, history, singing in different styles, etc...).  This class also has hand bells as part of the instruction (working on reading music).   The class meets 3 days a week.  Please note that is class is a  year long.  Students who sign up for Choir will have the choice of Physical Education or Exploratory Classes and enrichment classes.
     
    String Orchestra Class:  This class is for 6th to 8th grade students who are interested in string instruments (Violin, Viola and Cello, Upright Bass).  The class works on developing skills on the student’s instrument while learning about many aspects of music (notation reading, history, playing in different styles, etc...).  Beginning and Advanced students are in the same class, but we do a lot of small group work to address individual needs.   The class meets 3 days a week and is year long.  Students who sign up for Orchestra will have the choice of Physical Education or Exploratory Classes and enrichment classes.

     

    For the 2023-2024 School Year.  Band/Choir/Orchestra students will be able to choose PE or 2 Exploratory classes (Art, Consumer Science (Home Ec with coding), STEM/Tech Ed, Spainish, and possibly Leadership)

    Mr. Lambert’s one semester long classes.

    Guitar Class: This 1st semester music class is for students who play guitar (electric or acoustic).  The class will be divided by ability levels and students will be working in groups to work on pieces of music to perform.  Students will be working on proper technique, learn to read traditional music notation and TAB notation (chord symbols) and work in a team setting.  Performances will be in class and possibly for other classes in our school. 
     
    Drama/Musical Theater Class: This 2nd semester music class is for any student interested in learning the in’s and out’s of one of  America’s original art forms (musical theater).   1st half of the class will be focusing on acting skill development.  Students will learn the history of musicals, work  on singing in a Broadway style and and work on basic acting skills.  Students need to be comfortable singing, dancing and acting in front of public as they will be doing this.  Final project will be performing a scene from a show with acting, staging, choreographing, singing and costumes from a show.
     

    Extra Music activities for Band, Orchestra and Choir Students:

              Tri-M Music Honor Society:  This is a community service organization for music students that
                             want to become more active in their home communities by using their musical talents for
                             others.  This is open to all 6th-8th grade band and choir students (with some GPA    
                             requirement and an application that must be filled out)
                Jazz Band: For 7th-8th grade band, choir, orchestra students only.  This group learns about how to play jazz and
                          more modern music.     
                Jazz Choir: For 7th-8th grade choir, band, orchestra students only.  This group learns about how to sing in jazz
                           and modern music.
                Steel Drums: 8th grade only class (already pre-selected from last year).  This group learns how to play the music from
                           the Islands. Students must be in either band, choir or orchestra.
                Pep Band:  (Not sure if we are going to be doing this) For 7th-8th grade band students.  It is a group that plays for Varsity
                           Boys and Girls Basketball games.  No requirements for playing.  Fun, fast and exciting music to cheer on our teams. 
                Solo and Ensemble Contest: For 6th-8th grade band and choir students who wish to expand their
                                performance abilities by learning a solo or small ensemble piece and performing it for a
                                judge during the contest. 
                Small Ensembles :  (This has not bee totally been brought back)  For 6th-8th grade music students.  Throughout the year, there are
                            many activities and opportunities to perform in school and in the community.  This includes  
                           hand bell ensemble and singing the National anthem at events.
                Honor Band, Orchestra and Choir:  For 6th-8th grade band, orchestra and choir students.  This is an auditioned group  
                           made up of member from all the Valley Schools. 
                Drama/Musicals: This activity is with the CMS drama department. Fall musical starts at the very beginning of the school year.
                           The musical shows are normally at the end of October and early November.   There is singing/dancing/acting together.
                           Spring play auditions in early March with the show in May.  This is normally more acting. 
                Talent Show: CMS is offering its first talent show.  It will be mid Dec. (with auditions before performance), with the winners
                            performing for a possible assembly.  There will be auditions due to limited space for the event.
     
    If you have any questions about these classes, please call me at 761-1517.