MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Middle School
Orchestra

Course Name:

Middle School Orchestra

1

MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Grade Level:
Course Length:

6-8
1-3 yrs

Course Description: This course builds on the introductory experiences provided in 5th grade instrumental
music, developing fundamentals in tone production, articulation, music reading and scales. Middle School
Orchestras provide all interested students who play string orchestral instruments an opportunity to study
and perform a variety of music. Performances are an integral part of the music curriculum, which may
include concerts, festivals, solos, ensembles, recitals and appearances within the community when
appropriate. Performances outside the school day are required.
COMPONENT GOALS
Technical Skills
Rhythmic Skills
Listening Skills
Music Literacy Skills
Historical, Multi-Cultural
Performance Skills/Ensemble Skills
COMPONENT GOAL: TECHINICAL SKILLS
1. Instrument care and maintenance
2.

Refine and enhance proper playing position and posture

3.

Refine and enhance tone production, bow control, and articulation as it applies to appropriate
styles.

4.

Introduce more advanced bowing techniques

5.

Introduce mechanics and methods for tuning the instrument

6.

Awareness of intonation and techniques for adjusting pitch

7.

Introduce and develop performance skills

8.

Introduce and develop shifting, positions, vibrato and chromatic variations for all fingers

9.

Strategies for mastering technical problems

10. Proper concert etiquette, stage deportment, teamwork, and confident execution
11. Mastery of scale exercises appropriate for his/her level
COMPONENT GOAL: Rhythmic Skill
1.

Develop and refine a sense of internal pulse

2.

Develop an understanding of rhythm, meter and tempi

3.

Use oral counting system(s) as it relates to rhythmic notation

4.

Recognize and perform written rhythmic patterns of increasing complexity

5.

Apply rhythmic understanding to ensemble repertoire

MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION
COMPONENT GOAL: Listening Skills
1. Continue, develop, and refine goals from K-5
2. Introduce listening skills in the context of a performing ensemble
3. Develop and refine listening skills for critical evaluation of the individual and ensemble
4. Understand and respond to musical terms and instructions
5. Introduce diatonic intervals
6. Identify musical elements (i.e. melody, harmony, tonality, sequence, counter-melody, accompaniment,
and balance)
7. Identify various musical styles
8. Evaluate tone quality, intonation, rhythm, phrasing, form, expression, and dynamics
COMPONENT GOAL: MUSIC LITERACY SKILLS
1. Continue, develop, and refine goals from K-5
2. Read musical notation: pitches, rhythms, articulation, and other terms/symbols
3. Introduce and develop sight reading skills appropriate to grade level
COMPONENT GOAL: HISTORICAL/MULTI-CULTURAL
1.

Introduce historical, cultural, aesthetic and social contexts of the music studied.

2.

The learner should be aware that:

Music is a part of our everyday lives and lifetime experiences.

Music conveys messages and communicates ideas.

COMPONENT GOAL: PERFORMANCE SKILLS

1. Continue, develop, and refine goals from K-5
2. Provide increasing opportunities for a variety of ensemble experiences
3. Student demonstration of appropriate musical stylistic characteristics, through performance
4. Demonstrate ability to interpret conductors gestures