Grades K - 3:  General Music

All children in grades K-3 participate in weekly general music.  It is a program that includes units in choral music, dance, keyboard and percussion instruments, music history, music appreciation and music theory. The students may have optional performance opportunities.

General Music: Melanie Relyea

Grades 4 & 5: Band, Chorus, General Music, or Orchestra

Students will learn about instrument choices at the end of 3^rd grade and make a decision about their 4^th & 5^th grade ensemble.  We will do our best to honor all first choices for the music course.  Students may choose specific instruments to participate in either the band or orchestra, or sing and play social instruments in General Music and Chorus.  MES has some instruments to loan, but most students will need to rent or purchase an instrument.  Detailed information regarding renting and purchasing an instrument is provided during the start of year informational meetings.  Each music teacher will coordinate student performances.

Special Note for New 5th Grade Students   Students entering 5th grade as a new student can take Band or Orchestra, but only with previous instrument experience.  If there is no previous instrument experience, a new MES 5th grader can join Chorus or General Music. However, any child can elect to take a Beginning Band or Beginning Orchestra course in 6th grade at Howard Middle School.  

Orchestra, Band, & Chorus: Hudson Gillot