with Mr. Conner
Class Tailor Made for All Needs
The Southwest Middle School Chorus is open to any student in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The classes are non-auditioned and do not require previous experience. Chorus is a year long Encore class. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to sing with proper vocal technique by singing a wide variety of music.
Students also learn music reading skills using Kodaly syllables and hand signals. Because reading music is a skill, it is practiced in class everyday. Students also have the opportunity to perform together in concerts at school and throughout the community. In addition to the class and concerts, students have the opportunity to participate in cultural field trips to see musical productions throughout the state.
This music appreciation course is a primarily a survey of the history of Western music from the end of the Roman Empire to the present. The course focuses on a select group of great compositions and composers and is designed to be an enjoyable introduction to the world of music. No musical background or training is assumed or required.
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This course provides opportunities to become familiar with the basic elements of music as well. Emphasis is on learning to listen to music and on the role it plays within the wider contexts of history and society. Listening materials are drawn from a variety of sources: classical music, non-Western music, American popular music (particularly jazz, country, and rock), and the American folk tradition.
Handbells
Handbells at Southwest Middle School is open to any student in the 7th, and 8thgrade. The classes are non-auditioned and do not require previous experience. Handbells are a semester long Encore class. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to read music and play handbells with proper techniques while playing a variety.
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Students also learn music reading skills using basic counting and music reading strategies. Because reading music is a skill, it will be practiced in class everyday. Students also have the opportunity to perform together in concerts at school and throughout the community. In addition to the class and concerts, students have the opportunity to participate in cultural field trips to see musical productions throughout the state.