Each sixth grade student receives general music instruction for 10 weeks. All seventh and eighth graders who are not taking band, orchestra or chorus must take general music for 20 weeks of their eighth grade year. The intent of the course is to provide a worthwhile musical experience for these students regardless of skill/talent level. Students study world drumming, ukulele performance and music production, as well as music appreciation.

The Choral Program in the Middle School is part of the curriculum and is a continuation of the music skills and experiences taught at the elementary level. There are two sixth grade choruses, two seventh/eighth grade choruses, and a Middle School Chamber Chorus, which is a select ensemble. Music performed is chosen from various styles and periods at an appropriate level of difficulty for young adolescents.
Sixth grade choruses rehearse once every four days. The seventh/eighth grade chorus group meets on alternate days. All student ensembles perform at least twice yearly.

All music performing groups are elective and build upon elementary school experiences in band, orchestra and chorus.
Though elective, our performing groups are curricular and substantive in nature. Lessons, rehearsals and concert participation are viewed similarly to academics and are evaluated through an appropriate grading system. The music department strives for individual growth and fulfillment through educational commitment to the students’ music studies. Full participation is an expectation since it is in partial fulfillment for the course requirements.
The 6th Grade Ensembles rehearse once every four days.
The 7/8 Ensembles rehearse on alternate days.
All of the ensembles perform at least twice yearly.
Instrumental and many choral students receive a small group lesson once a week. Instrumental lessons take place on a rotating basis, which means that under normal circumstances, students miss the same classroom subject only once every 4-5 weeks.

Monroe-Woodbury Middle School provides a tiered band system. Our band program also includes the possibility of solo/large ensemble participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), as well as Elementary and Junior High All County Festivals.

6th Grade Concert Bands perform at a NYSSMA Level I – II
7/8 Grade Concert Bands performs at a NYSSMA Level II.

The literature studied and performed is more difficult than that of the Concert Bands, performing at NYSSMA Level III. Student selection is based on individual playing skills, required instrumentation, and appropriate attitude and ensemble behaviors. The ensemble meets at 7:20 a.m. Students may ride the HS bus to the High School and are shuttled to the Middle School.

This group is our most accelerated Middle School band performing at a NYSSMA Level IV. Student selection is based on individual playing skills, required instrumentation, and appropriate attitude and ensemble behaviors. The ensemble meets at 7:20 a.m. Students may ride the HS bus to the High School and are shuttled to the Middle School.

This group is an extra curricular activity. Any interested student may audition for this ensemble.

Monroe-Woodbury Middle School provides a tiered orchestra system. The orchestra program operates on a nearly identical system as the bands. Our orchestra program also includes the possibility of solo/large ensemble participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).
6th Grade Orchestras perform at a NYSSMA Level I – II
7th & 8th Grade Orchestras perform at a NYSSSMA Level II+

The literature studied and performed is more difficult than that of the grade level Orchestras, performing at NYSSMA Level III. Student selection is based on individual playing skills, required instrumentation, and appropriate attitude and ensemble behaviors. The ensemble meets at 7:20 a.m. Students may ride the H.S. bus to the High School and are shuttled to the Middle School.

This is the most accelerated orchestra ensemble performing at a NYSSMA Level IV. Student selection is based on individual playing skills, required instrumentation, and appropriate attitude and ensemble behaviors. The ensemble meets at 7:20 a.m. Students may ride the HS bus to the High School and are shuttled to the Middle School.

Christopher Taborsky
ctaborsky@mw.k12.ny.us

Music Department