Are music classes extra-curricular or part of school?
Band, Chorus, and Orchestra are academic classes that take place during the school day. Each 6th grade student has two connections classes (during 6th and 7th period), and music classes are part of those. Your other connections class will be art, PE, or technology. (All music students will have the chance to take art, PE, and technology at some point)
Can I still participate in other activities such as sports, dance, martial arts, scouts, etc?
Absolutely! Many of our students are athletes or participate in organizations throughout our community. We love when our members can bring so much variety of experiences to the groups. Our concerts typically take place in the evenings (when we are learning face to face), but all other music class activities occur during school hours.
Do boys join chorus? Can a girl play the tuba or double bass?
ANYONE can be in ANY music class and play ANY instrument. Chorus always needs boys (and girls)! There is not a single instrument meant for a girl or a boy. It's all about choosing the sound that you love the most, whether that is an instrument in band, orchestra, or your voice. Some of the largest instruments may be more physically challenging for our smaller students, but if you want to play it there is always a way to make it work. We even have smaller versions of some of the huge instruments like tuba or double bass!
Do the different music classes do things together?
Yes! Although we are three separate classes and performing ensembles, the Simpson Music Department is one large family. Typically, we take students on field trips each year to places such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and our 8th Grade Spring Trip. In previous years our 8th grade music students had the opportunity to travel to Orlando and perform in a music workshop at Universal Studios or Disney World.
How many music classes can I choose?
All students are encouraged to select the class that they think they would enjoy the most. If you believe that you would enjoy playing a string instrument the most, choose orchestra. If you are most drawn to woodwind, brass, or percussion, choose band. If you love to sing, choose chorus.
You may select an instrumental class (band or orchestra) along with chorus if you truly love music, but this would take both of your connections slots. Please understand that this means you would not have any other connections classes (art, PE, or technology).
You may select an instrumental class (band or orchestra) along with chorus if you truly love music, but this would take both of your connections slots. Please understand that this means you would not have any other connections classes (art, PE, or technology).
Do I have to audition?
No. All students are welcome, we're here to teach you how to do it! No prior experience is necessary.
Does it cost anything to sign up?
Depending on the class or instrument that you choose, there are some associated costs. Most students typically rent or purchase their instrument, however the school does provide the largest/most expensive ones and we can work with individuals on a case by case basis. There are also some other supplies (music book, reeds, etc.) that go along with being in a music class. Please do not worry about purchasing ANYTHING until after you are in a music class and your directors give you more information.
The most important thing to remember is that we do not want financial constraints to stop you from signing up for a music class. We will figure it out!
The most important thing to remember is that we do not want financial constraints to stop you from signing up for a music class. We will figure it out!
How do I sign up?
You will rotate through all of the music classes during the first week of 6th grade in August. In those classes you will hear more about each group (Band, Chorus, and Orchestra) and meet the teachers.
We also host an Instrument Test Drive after the first week of school for those who are interested in Band and Orchestra where you will have the opportunity to try out all the instruments at one time. Students and parents will also be able to speak with the directors to ask any questions you may have before making your final choice. Students who only wish to join chorus do not need to attend this event.
Once you have joined, there will be a parent informational meeting for all students who join a music class in August.
We also host an Instrument Test Drive after the first week of school for those who are interested in Band and Orchestra where you will have the opportunity to try out all the instruments at one time. Students and parents will also be able to speak with the directors to ask any questions you may have before making your final choice. Students who only wish to join chorus do not need to attend this event.
Once you have joined, there will be a parent informational meeting for all students who join a music class in August.