Vocal Music
We believe that music is basic to the human experience and an integral part of a complete education. All students, regardless of ability, should have an opportunity to participate in music and develop their individual talents. By balancing skill acquisition with artistic expression, we strive to help each student maximize his or her musical potential. Students' involvement in music making fosters life skills such as leadership ability, self-discipline, problem solving, cooperation and community building. The ultimate goal of the Mounds Park Academy Music Department is to cultivate within our students a lifelong appreciation and commitment to music.
Course Offered
Course offerings are contingent on MPA policies regarding student enrollment numbers for each class.
| 5th Grade General Music |
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| In 5th Grade General Music, we bridge the gap between the creative play of lower school and the ensemble music of middle and upper school. Our goal is to give students the functional skills to pursue a life of music-making. Students will learn to read music, sing with appropriate vocal technique, play instruments like the ukulele, and compose music using the digital platform GarageBand. Throughout the year, students will participate in three formal performances: two daytime shows and one formal evening concert. These performances represent the important divisional transition students make this year. |
| 6th Grade General Music |
| In 6th Grade General Music, we continue to build on the foundation established in 5th grade general music. From reading music and developing age-appropriate singing techniques to playing guitar and creating digital music, this course provides students with the tools to pursue a lifelong love of music, while preparing them for the choral classroom they will encounter in seventh grade. Student learning culminates in two public performances: the Middle School Winter Concert and the Spring Middle School Vocal Concert. |
| 7th Grade Choir |
| In 7th Grade Choir, students are first introduced to ensemble rehearsing and singing. Taking the foundational skills established in fifth and sixth grade, students now learn how their voice works with others to create beautiful music. Singing in two to three parts, students work to develop foundational singing techniques, music literacy skills, musicianship, and emotional engagement. Students demonstrate their learning through two public performances: the Middle School Winter Concert and the Spring Middle School Vocal Concert. |
| 8th Grade Choir |
| 8th Grade Choir serves as the culmination of a student's middle school vocal music journey. Students refine singing technique, and expand their knowledge of unifying sung vowels, finessing their musical phrasing, and deeply connecting to the emotional work required for stellar performance. Students demonstrate their learning through two public performances: the Middle School Winter Concert and the Spring Middle School Vocal Concert. |
| Music Explorations (7/8 Only) |
| Music Explorations is a non-performance-based music class designed to give you practical skills for a lifetime of music-making. This progressive course starts with learning how to read music and master basic music theory concepts. These skills are reinforced through the introduction of playing ukulele, guitar, and piano. Students take these skills and continue to grow through songwriting and composition. |
