Music Programs
Algonquin Middle School offers various music programs throughout the school year as well as a Mariachi club.
AMS Orchestra Program
WEEKLY LESSONS:
Every orchestra student will receive a once-per-week pull out lesson for small group instruction. This is on a rotational 5-6 period schedule and students are responsible for signing out of class and making up missed work.
6th Grade:
6th grade orchestra is comprised of mostly 6th graders, but is a starting point for older beginners as well. We meet for rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday during the 6th grade WIN period.
7th / 8th Grade:
7th and 8th grade rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15AM in the music room. Advanced 6th graders have the opportunity to join this group (at the director's discretion). A further extension of 7th and 8th grade orchestra is the Honors Orchestra, which is an auditioned group that meets once per week as part of the lesson rotation. Auditions are twice per year in the fall and winter.
Assignments:
6th Grade: Most assignments will be during lesson with Quarters 1 & 2 focused on Orchestra Karate skills and any concert music.
These include:
- Playing checkpoints
- Note-reading checks
- Posture/playing position checks
- Small writing assignments, like bell ringers or knowledge checks
7th & 8th Grade: Most assignments will be during lessons with the focus on concert music and skill-building.
These include:
- Playing checkpoints
- Note-reading checks
- Posture/playing position checks
- Small writing assignments, like bell ringers or knowledge checks
How Students are Graded:
Standards-Based Grading Scale:
- 4 (EX): exceeds the standard/above grade level (rare)
- 3 (ME): meets the standard (goal for every student)
- 2 (AP): approaching the standard
- 1 (BL): needs improvement
In the gradebook, here are the current categories and how they apply to orchestra:
- Performance: playing assessments
- (I do not usually assign anything for other standards - Creating, Responding, and connecting)
- Self-directed Learner: attendance for lessons, instrument take-home checks, preparedness for class (i.e. having materials), behaviors during class
- Collaborative Contributor: attendance to rehearsals/concerts, interactions with peers during lessons/performances
AMS Band Program
Welcome to Band!
6th Grade Student Information:
We have full band rehearsal on M,W,F during 10th period
- The schedule can be confusing – do not hesitate to ask for help!
- Students may not choose to stay in WIN on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. It is important for students to attend every band rehearsal. If there is an issue, talk to Mrs. Legutki - there is usually a solution that works for everyone!
6th Grade Band Supplies
- Instrument with appropriate accessories
- reeds, valve oil, slide oil, slide grease, swab, etc.
- Band Book used in 5th grade - Cost is around $10.00 for most instruments if you have lost your book from 5th grade.
Small Group Lessons – 1 time per week
- Lessons are usually scheduled on the same day each week and rotate between four or five class periods.
- You will have a digital schedule for lessons. You will have to show your teacher your digital schedule, and they will approve before you leave to come for your lesson.
- YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for making sure you know what is going on in your class while you are at your band lesson.
- As always ---- Mrs. Legutki is very open and reasonable. If you are having difficulty in any way, please communicate. Communicating is an important skill and your teachers will do many things to help you. YOU are in charge of YOUR OWN SUCCESS.
7th / 8th Grade Student Information:
- Small Group Lessons will begin in these next few weeks (after Fall MAP testing is completed). Please have your student find their instrument and band binder/folder. Maybe even ask them to play a few notes to make sure it is in working condition.
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Full Band rehearsals for 7th and 8th graders are held before school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning at 7:15am. Rehearsals are required. The exact start date for rehearsals will be announced as soon as possible. Bus transportation has returned for this school year. Information about signing up for bus transportation will be made available as soon as possible.
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Parents and students should join the Remind Group - the code is: COMING SOON
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Our first performance is scheduled on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. This will be a performance with the Maine West Marching Warriors.
24-25 Concert Dates:
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - D62/Maine West Marching Band Night
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 7th/8th Grade Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert
Thursday, January, 9, 2025 - 7th/8th Band to MW for Concert Band Festival at 7am - *no evening concert - this is from about 7am - 11am*
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 7th/8th Grade Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert
AMS choir
Welcome to Choir (aka Chorus) at Algonquin Middle School
Chorus is a class for which you receive a grade. It is a commitment, but certainly not a very time-demanding one. We are a team; and just like a sports team, every member needs to be present at every practice so we can work towards our common goal of creating great music together.
Every voice matters!
Choir is a class for which students receive a grade quarterly, and rosters cannot be changed until the end of a quarter.
6th - 8th Grade Schedule:
Monday: Karaoke (Open to all singers and students)
Tuesday: All Singers
Wednesday: Sectionals *not every week*
Thursday: All Singers
Concert Attendance:
A concert is for a choir what a game is for a sports team. Concerts are the culmination of several weeks of hard work. Students depend on each other for success, like they do in a team sport. All singers must do what they need to be at our concerts.
We have lots of time before a concert to plan ahead or make arrangements if needed. Sometimes students' families give rides to friends/neighbors when needed. IF you are unable to attend due to a family emergency or illness, it is expected that a parent/guardian will contact Ms. Hoerner.
Students who do not attend a performance will be required to make up this important experience with an alternative solo performance. Ms. Hoerner will give more details about this as needed.
Chorus FAQs
- I'm in Band/Orchestra, too! I can't do both!
- I missed the first rehearsal so now I can't join
- I'm in a sport or other club. I won't have time. I'll be too busy.
- I have homework
I'm in Band/Orchestra, too! I can't do both!
I missed the first rehearsal so now I can't join
I'm in a sport or other club. I won't have time. I'll be too busy.
I have homework
AMS Mariachi Club
Available to all 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students
AMS mariachi club info
Anyone, from the experienced to the brand new, can join Mariachi Club.
Brand new students can start with the ukulele, guitar, or voice. Experienced violinists, violists, bassists, and trumpets are needed and welcome!
Students will collectively learn to play various Mariachi tunes - no musical instrument experience needed! Students can strengthen Spanish-speaking skills through song, learn to collaborate through musical experience, strengthen or develop musical skill, contribute ideas to develop the club further, and celebrate the music of Mariachi culture!
We meet every Wednesday from 3-4PM in the music room (room 300). We have performed for various events including the D62 art show, Día del Niño, spring concert, and the cultural fair.