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    August 2019

    Music Department

         

    Dear Parents and Students: 

     

    The Carlisle School’s Music Department offers students a choice of performance-based music activities beginning in Grade 4.  At the end of 3rd grade, current Carlisle students selected their instruments for 4th grade after trying them out with Mr. Maier. If your child was not present for these tryouts, please contact Mr. Maier directly to set up a time to meet with him to try out the instruments. Fourth graders begin group instrumental music lessons on standard band instruments shortly after the school year begins. Older students wishing to begin an instrument should plan to meet with the band director personally as soon as possible after school opens to discuss their particular situation and needs.   Additionally, all students are required to be in the 4th grade chorus. 

     

    After 4th grade, students are required to continue band or chorus.  They are able and encouraged to do both ensembles. Below is a chart outlining how the middle school ensembles are structured from 5th-8th grade.

     

    Curricular Ensembles

     

    Grade

    Band

    Chorus

    Band and Chorus

    5th Grade 

    5th and 6th Grade Band

    (Twice a week during the day)

    5th and 6th Grade Chorus 

    (Twice a week during the day)

    Students attend one band rehearsal and one chorus rehearsal per week.

    6th Grade

    5th and 6th Grade Band

    (Twice a week during the day)

    5th and 6th Grade Chorus 

    (Twice a week during the day)

    Students attend one band rehearsal and one chorus rehearsal per week.

    7th Grade

    7th and 8th Grade Band

    (Twice a week during the day)

    7th and 8th Grade Chorus 

    (Twice a week during the day)

    Students attend one band rehearsal and one chorus rehearsal per week.

    8th Grade

    7th and 8th Grade Band

    (Twice a week during the day)

    7th and 8th Grade Chorus 

    (Twice a week during the day)

    Students attend one band rehearsal and one chorus rehearsal per week.


    After School Elective Ensembles

     

    Students are able to take the elementary bus home at 3:05 to attend these rehearsals.  Sports practices begin at 3:15 so participating in sports does not limit your ability to participate in these ensembles. 

     

    Ensemble

    Requirements

    Grade Levels

    Days of the week

    Concert Band

    Auditioned

    5-8

    Monday and Wednesday

    Advanced Choir*

    Auditioned

    5-8

    Tuesday and Thursday

    Jazz Band*

    Auditioned

    5-8

    Tuesday and Thursday

    Folk Dance Club

    none

    5-8

    Monday

    Ukulele Club (new!)

    none

    6-8

    Friday

     

    * If your child participates in Advanced Choir and Jazz Band, they would attend one rehearsal of each per week. 

     

    5th-8th grade students are also encouraged to begin or continue their lessons privately with a qualified music specialist outside the Carlisle Schools. Naturally, students and parents are free to pursue this instruction on their own. However, it is recommended that parents consider participation in the Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord (IMSCC). This tuition-based program offers quality instruction on all band instruments as well as guitar, piano, and voice. The program is run on an after-school basis at mutually agreeable times between student and teacher. All details regarding registration and student participation will be distributed in a comprehensive letter in the fall. If you wish to contact IMSCC before then, the number is 978-341-2490 ext. 7653 and their website is https://ace.colonial.net/imscc/.

     

    Should you have any questions regarding the band or choral programs, please feel free to contact the Music Department by e-mail at kmaier@carlisle.k12.ma.us or vthomforde@carlisle.k12.ma.us.  We look forward to an exciting year in music!

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Kevin Maier and Valerie Thomforde

    Directors of Bands and Choirs at CPS
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