The focus of music study at the middle school level is to build on the fundamental skills learned at the elementary level and work to develop increased technical and musical proficiency.

Performing ensemble students participate in grade-level class that meets two days per 6-day cycle.  Group lessons are offered to all middle school band and orchestra students.  Instruction on additional instruments such as piccolo, oboe, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, bassoon, tuba, and mallet percussion are also offered.

Jazz Band studies are offered for the first time at the middle school level.  Fugett Chorale, a variety of small vocal and instrumental ensembles, adjudicated festivals, and participation in the Select Strings, Middle School Honors Concert Band and Middle School Honors Chorus are special opportunities available for middle school music students.

The General Music curriculum is equally divided between classroom music studies and MIE keyboard lab instruction.  Highlights of the General Music curriculum include hands-on percussion instrument activities, basic guitar instruction and musical composition using the Garage Band software in our MAC lab.

The 8th-grade music elective offering is “Popular Music “, which includes reading, research, listening and other small-group activities related to all forms of popular music.