Music Opportunities

Exploring Music (grade 7 & 8 returning students):

World Music: Students study and play music from different parts of the world and learn about the cultures and history that created that music. We use xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments to create our own version of music from different parts of the world. Each year we study different countries and cultures.

Computer Music: Much of modern music is created with computers. We use different programs to create our own music and, in the process, develop an understanding of form, melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, and modern technology.

Projects: Each year, a different major project is assigned to students. This year, students created a computer presentation of the musical influences that have shaped who they are. Students interviewed family members to discover what music they listened to and presented with computer links and descriptions to their classmates.

Band and Orchestra

There are two bands and two orchestras at Crosswinds. Intermediate Band is for students who have a basic understanding of their instrument and can play music from beginner books. Experienced Band is for students who have been playing for several years and who can play at a high level. Beginning Orchestra is for both complete beginners and students who have been playing at the beginner level. Advanced Orchestra is for students who have been playing for several years at a high level. Advanced Orchestra is by audition only.

Band and orchestra meet every other day for 82 minutes during the 2nd block and small group or individual lessons are offered whenever possible. A concert is held in the evenings at the end of each quarter for parents and the community.

Songwriting

This class is offered to our 9th and 10th graders. The goal of the class is to give musically inclined students a chance to write, perform and record their own music. We use computer technology for recording, editing and mixing. The class meets every other day in a block of 81 minutes and lasts for one semester.

20th Century Music

This class is also offered only to 9th and 10th grade students and is basically a music history class. We study different styles of 20th Century popular American music such as Blues, Jazz, Rock, Rap, Reggae, and Country. We also play examples of these styles using classroom instruments. The class meets every other day in a block of 81 minutes and lasts for one semester.