Middle School Music Courses
All Ann Arbor middle schools offer instruction in singing, and wind, percussion & string instruments. Several middle schools have other specialized classes including music technology, world drumming, exploratory music, jazz band, etc. The band, choir and orchestra classes are open to all students without audition. Some smaller special ensembles are open to advanced musicians by audition. The majority of middle school students in Ann Arbor are enrolled in a music class in 6th through 8th grade.
6th Grade Music
Students in the 6th grade in most middle schools take a music class. In some schools a 6th grade music class is a requirement for all students. Band, Choir and Orchestra in the comprehensive middle schools generally meet every other day alternating with Physical Education. With this alternating or "M&T" schedule 6th grade music class sizes remain small enough to provide students with more individualized instruction and support. Alternating with Physical Education also ensures that all 6th graders remain physically active throughout the entire school year. There are exceptions to this schedule, particularly at the K-8 schools.
7th & 8th Grade Music
While each middle school's music offerings vary a little bit, the comprehensive middle schools all offer Orchestra, Choir and Band classes that meet daily all year long. In our K-8 schools these classes may be scheduled a bit differently. As the students gain more advanced skills, additional performance opportunities become available including Solo & Ensemble Festivals and Band/Orchestra/Choir Festivals where the students receive evaluations and feedback from outside adjudicators, district-wide performances such as Choral Cavalcade, Orchestra Night, Bands In Review and Picnic Pops, and Regional or All-State band, orchestra or choir auditions.
For more information about the music offerings and schedule at a particular middle school, check the school website or contact one of the music teachers at that school.