Marshwood Choral Music and General Music
Welcome back for another awesome year!
Students, I am pleased to be back and serving you and our district. I hope you
have had plenty of rest over the summer and found yourselves on many
adventures to share with me along the way. As of right now there are slightly
over 100 students in the chorus this year and with any luck we will see an
incress in that number as we go. This year I will make a better effort to
communicate all pertinent information here. As always, should you or your
parents have any questions, please contact me at ascarpone@msad35.net or you
may reach me at school 1-(207) 439-1399.
Chorus
Chorus is a unique allied art where students are encouraged to continue for
three trimesters and three years. With that much time what we can accomplish
is astounding.
As students begin in 6th grade we primarily focus on tone and balance in
tradition as well as contemporary two-part harmony. In 7th and 8th grade we
continue to develop these techniques and begin exploring technology. Students
write original compositions using finale notepad as well as Garage Band. This
year we will try using Garage Band to record students singing their vocal line
for practice outside of class. We use other software to continue to define,
explore and demonstrate head and chest voice.
General Music
6th Grade
Students explore basic music notation learning to communicate their musical
ideas. This is utilized throughout the trimester by playing melodies on
boom-whackers, percussive displays like Stomp and analyze different musical
forms.
7th Grade
Students explore the piano! We go deep into the history, construction, and
technique behind this amazing instrument. Students are asked to practice
weekly and performance in weekly recitals are mandatory. Upon completion of
the class students will be able to read and perform level II piano methods
pieces.
8th Grade
Students explore the guitar. Similar to grade 7, grade 8 also get in depth in
the history, construction, and technique behind the guitar. Students are asked
to practice weekly and performance in weekly recitals are mandatory. Upon
completion of the class students will be able to read tablature and chords at
an advanced to intermediate level.
Calendar
September
Annual Fundraising Drive (begins Sept. 24th and ends October 1st)
November
Veterans Day Ceremony. The grade 7/8 chorus will be performing at this
ceremony at M.M.S.
Nominations for York County Junior H.S. Honors Chorus Festival. Interested
grade 7 and 8 grade students should sign up for an audition time with Mr.
Scarpone. The festival will be held in February.
December
Annual Holiday Concert (12/08/09 at 7:00 p.m.) Grades 6, 7, and 8 chorus
perform at Marshwood High School Kennedy Performing Arts Center.
February
York County Junior H.S. Music Festival (nominated grade 7+8 students only) to
be held 02/05/10 and 02/06/10 at Old Orchard Beach. Concert on Saturday at
4:30 p.m.
March
Music in our schools month District Chorus Festival taking place at the end of
March and will involve Grade 6, 7, and 8 bands as well as the elementary
school and high school at Marshwood High School.
May
Grade 8 Band/Chorus Trip to Blue Man Group in Boston (date to be determined)
Annual Spring Concert (06/17/09 at 7:00 p.m.) Grade 6, 7, and 8 chorus at
Marshwood High School.
June
Performance at Great Works Elementary (date to be determined)