Here is a tentative list of the music courses offered at Dwyer Middle School:

Beginning Music

6,7,8; Semester; Donation Requested

Beginning students will learn about the elements of music, such as rhythm, pitch, and reading musical notation. Then, choose an instrument to play or to sing in an ensemble.  Beginning instrument choices are flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, mallet percussion, violin, or viola and cello. Students will perform in several concerts throughout the year.

Prerequisites: None

Pathway Courses: Intermediate Music (may go to Concert Band or String Orchestra by audition), Glee/Choir

Intermediate Music

6,7,8; Semester; Donation Requested

Students will continue instruction of reading music and playing an instrument.  Students should already be able to read music at a basic level and have familiarity with playing an instrument, but may also choose to switch other, including viola, string bass, oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor sax, baritone sax, horn, tuba, or electric bass. Students will perform with the ensemble several times throughout the year.

Prerequisites: Beginning Music or at least 6 months of prior music instruction on an instrument

Pathway Courses: Repeatable, Concert Band or String Orchestra

Concert Band (Advanced)

6,7,8; Full Year; Donation Requested

This course is for 7th and 8th grade students who have had at least one year of music instruction on a wind or percussion instrument.  Students should already be able to read music at a basic level and have familiarity with playing their instrument, but may choose to switch to another one.  Concert Band is a full-year elective, and includes several performances and possible field trips during the year. Students will perform with the ensemble several times throughout the year.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Music, by audition or more than 1 full year of wind or percussion instruction

Pathway Courses: Repeatable

String Orchestra (Advanced)

6,7,8; Full Year; Donation Requested

String orchestra is comprised of violins, violas, cellos and string bass. Students should already be able to read music and playing proficiency at an intermediate level on a stringed instrument. However, some may also choose to switch to another one.  Students will perform with the ensemble several times throughout the year.

Prerequisites: Teacher Permission by audition, suggested 2+ years of instruction on stringed instrument

Pathway Courses: Repeatable