Philosophy

Music is an art, a discipline, a subject area with its own field of knowledge. It is unique and complete within itself, yet it supports and enriches other learning. As people engage in music performances, they draw upon the sum total of all the experiences they have ever undergone.
A complete music program should include experiences in consuming and performing music. It should allow students to value and appreciate the contributions of other students and other cultures. The music program of the Fulton County Schools is designed to provide the experiences necessary to develop and prepare students in each of these stated aspects, working together with the other disciplines of the curriculum towards the development of the total child through a comprehensive educational experience.

General Music

General music is offered to all students except those enrolled in band, orchestra or chorus. Certified music specialists teach all music classes. Elective courses are offered at the eighth grade level in general music, piano, guitar and electronic music. These classes are curricular subjects for which students receive grades.

Textbook:
Making Music, Silver Burdett (Scott Foresman), 2005

Choral Music

Middle school students may elect chorus in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. These classes are taught by music specialists daily. The individual schools set membership criteria. These are curricular courses for which grades are given.
Middle school choral students are offered numerous performance opportunities throughout the year, including assemblies and PTA meetings. They may perform as members of select vocal assemble, honor chorus, or school musicals.

Textbook:
Experiencing Choral Music, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, 2005

Instrumental Music

Band and orchestra are offered in all middle schools. Instruction is given on all instruments commonly found in these ensembles. Students are placed in classes according to their grade and achievement levels.
Beginning instruction is offered for sixth and seventh grade students in most of the middle schools. Sixth and seventh grade students are taught band or string classes during connections time. Eighth grade students may take band or strings as an elective.

Middle school students may study only one music subject or instrument per term. They may change music subjects, instruments or leave the program only at term changes (as allowed by the school).
Students are given additional opportunities to perform in school in school bands and orchestras, jazz ensembles and a variety of chamber groups. These groups often rehearse after regular school hours.
Performance opportunities in the middle schools include PTA meetings, school assemblies, field trips, and district large-group and solo ensemble festivals.
Band and orchestra are curricular subjects for which students receive grades.

Band Textbooks:
Standard of Excellence (Books 1 & 2), Kjos, 2004
Foundation for Superior Performance, Kjos, 1997
Standard of Excellence Jazz Method, Kjos, 1998
Chop Monsters, Alfred, 2002

Orchestra Textbooks:
Essential Elements for Strings 2000, (Books 1 & 2), Hal Leonard, 2002