IMPORTANT DATES

Oct. 21–23	Cazadero Jump Start Retreat (8th & 7th grade, by lottery)
Dec. 8, 7:00	Winter Concert
March 15, 7:00	Chamber Music Concert
March 17	Performing Arts Showcase rehearsal
March 18	Performing Arts Showcase Concert
March 29	Open House
April 20	CMEA Choral Festival
May 5	CMEA Festival of Bands and Orchestras
June 5, 7:00	Spring Concert

 

 

ZERO PERIOD MUSIC

Band, orchestra, and chorus are offered before school, during zero period, 7:45 to 8:30 a.m.

BANDS

Cadet Band

instructor:      Michael Hammond

 

Concert Band

instructor:      Judy Fendell

 

Symphonic Band

Instructor:      Nancy Boyles

time:                Mon.–Fri., 7:45–8:30

description:      Bands are level-based and afford music students the opportunity to make music in an environment most suited to their music development. Instruction is focused on proper playing and practice habits, fundamentals of music, detailed rehearsal of music for performance for the purpose of providing each student with a workable knowledge of music so that he or she might enjoy, understand, and participate in the aesthetic experience of music individually, in a group, and at special events.

practice:          Students are expected to practice at home a minimum of 20 minutes three times a week and complete a monthly practice record. The practice record, on which a student records daily practice outside of class, is an important communication between home and school. It reflects the student's work outside of the classroom and represents practice time, not performance level.  Practice records must be signed by a parent and turned in on the first class following the end of each month. To receive full credit, students are expected to practice at home a minimum of 60 minutes per week. Late practice records will not receive full credit.

 

ORCHESTRAS

6th Grade Orchestra

instructor:      Mabel Dong

 

7th/8th Grade Orchestra

instructor:      Madeline Prager

time:                Mon.–Fri., 7:45–8:30. Students should be in their seats with the instruments unpacked by 7:40

description:      Orchestra is an elective open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who have had at least one year of strings instruction. The function of both classes is to provide a sound musical education in a string orchestra setting. Orchestra playing develops ensemble skills, music theory and history, discipline, and group spirit. Music will be carefully balanced to challenge the wide range of playing levels in orchestra.

sectionals:       During some weeks, portions of the orchestra will meet for sectional rehearsals to allow students to work more specifically on individual parts. The schedule for sectionals will be announced weekly. If a sectional in which a student is not included is scheduled, the student does not attend zero period that day. At the beginning of the year and close to concert time, the full orchestras will rehearse five days a week

practice:          Students are expected to practice at home a minimum of 60 minutes per week and complete a practice record. The practice record, on which a student records daily practice outside of class, is an important communication between home and school. It reflects the student's work outside of the classroom and represents practice time, not performance level.  Practice records must be signed by a parent.

 

CHORUS

instructor:      Steffanie Schaeffer

time:                Mon.–Fri., 7:45–8:30

See the King Middle School Chorus Facebook page for updates and news.

AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC

The following music classes are offered as part of the After School program.

 

Jazz Band

instructor:      Nancy Boyles

time:                Mon., Tues., and Thurs., 3:00–4:00.

description:      Students learn to play jazz music and perfect their instrumental skills while having a great time. These will also be an opportunity to work on improvisation.

participation:   Students may also be participating in other activities such as sports or drama during this time. To participate in Jazz Band, they are required to attend rehearsals at least two times per week. Students must also be enrolled in a zero period band class to participate.

 

Modern Music

instructor:      Michael Hammond

time:                Fri. 3:00–3:50

description:      Modern Music is a performance-based class that accommodates all instrumentation and all levels of musicianship (non-music readers welcome).  Students will learn how to manage their own ensemble, set musical goals, and pick songs that they really want to play. The modern music ensembles will have the opportunity to collaborate with the drama department and more. We are always looking for musically inclined volunteers to help with rehearsals and master classes.

 

INSTRUMENTS

The BUSD own band and orchestra instruments that students may borrow for the school year. Parent must complete and sign a Loan Agreement Form and pay a $10.00 nonrefundable loan fee (cash only). Strings, rosin, reeds, and valve oil are provided. Simple repairs are also provided, but families are responsible for the replacement of instruments broken, stolen, or lost when not at school.

Most students who have their own or a privately rented instrument use a school instrument for music class. There is not a secure place for students to store their own instruments during the day.

If you have an instrument in playable shape you would like to donate to the program, contact the BUSD music office at 644-8831. You will receive a letter from the BUSD Board for your income tax files.

 

CONCERTS

Participation in performances is required. Students must report to all concerts 30 minutes prior to the starting time.

Concert dress:

• black on bottom
• white on top
  
• dress shoes preferred—absolutely no flip flops

 

MUSIC CONNECTION

The Music Connection is offering free after-school music tutoring at King Middle School!

The Music Connection is a  UC Berkeley student organization working with the BUSD to give free music tutoring  to BUSD students. Students will get one-on-one private tutoring from a qualified UC Berkeley tutor, as well as performance experience in large ensembles and chamber groups.

All string and string instruments welcome. Private piano and voice is also available.

location:         King band room

time:                Thurs. 4:00–5:00

dates:              Sept. 29 to Dec. 1

For more information, visit http://www.MusicConnectUCB.com.

You can contact Music Connection at:    MusicConnectUCB@gmail.com

                                                        Dylan Moore, 949-436-2499