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Music

In Middle School, students begin to specialize in elective choral and instrumental music ensembles and perform in two major concerts each year.

The 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade choirs are open to anyone who loves to sing and is interested in improving his/her singing. Students focus on basic vocal techniques, singing in harmony, music reading, and artistic expression through singing. The chorus repertoire includes both classical and popular music. They perform two or three times per year in evening concerts and occasionally at special events, such as singing the national anthem at Citi Field each spring.

The 6th-grade band builds upon individual and ensemble skills developed in 5th-grade music. Students have the opportunity to learn a wind instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, or baritone horn), as well as percussion and stringed instruments. The 7th- and 8th-grade bands build upon individual and ensemble skills developed in 6th grade.

In addition to the curricular ensembles, chorus clubs are available for all interested students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. These single-gender groups meet several times each week and allow students to strengthen the skills they learn in the chorus, or introduce skills for the students new to singing. Repertoire ranges from popular and classical music to folks songs and global music. These clubs perform in the winter and spring concerts and at various times during the school year for student assemblies.

Band students in all three Middle School grades study classical, jazz, popular, and world music, and other age-appropriate repertoire. Emphasis is placed on developing musicianship through the study of instrument-specific technique such as proper sound production, articulation, and intonation, as well as general studies in music theory, comprehension, and appreciation. Concert preparation is an integral part of the curriculum, with performances in December and May demonstrating the cumulative nature of the band program.

The Middle School Lab Band is a course offered to advanced 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students via audition or invitation. This ensemble is for students who are already participating in grade-level bands and who welcome an added musical challenge. The Lab Band provides an avenue for greater self-expression through improvisation, while continuing to strengthen skills developed in grade-level ensembles and private lessons. With input and suggestions from students, the repertoire is challenging and varied. There is also an emphasis on collaboration in creating song arrangements and original compositions. Any and all instruments are welcome.

Grade 6 Music

All 6th-grade students participate in either band or chorus. All classes perform twice per year (in the winter and spring) at evening on-campus concerts for the Trevor community.
Grade 6 Chorus

Using Zoltán Kodály’s dictum—that “children should be led to musical masterpieces by means of musical masterpieces”—as a guiding principle, choristers are introduced to repertoire that celebrates music of different genres—including art song, classical, folk, gospel, patriotic, popular music, and spirituals. In Chorus, students focus on basic vocal techniques, singing in unison and two-part harmony, music reading, and artistic expression through singing.
Grade 6 Band

In Band, students have the opportunity to learn a wind instrument (baritone horn, clarinet, flute, French horn, saxophone, trombone, or trumpet), percussion instrument, or string instrument. Beginners are welcome to sign up for Band in the 6th grade. Students develop musicianship through the study of proper sound production, articulation, and intonation. The ensemble studies classical, jazz, popular, and world music.
Grades 7 & 8 Music

Seventh- and 8th-grade students may choose to continue their study of either instrumental or vocal music, or both. Music literacy is a component of all music courses.
Grades 7 & 8 Band

Students develop individual and ensemble skills, including music-reading skills and technical proficiency around sound production, articulation, and intonation. The repertoire is varied and may include classical, jazz, pop, rock, and world music. Instruments offered are baritone horn, bass, clarinet, drums, flute, French horn, guitar, piano, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. String players are welcome, provided they have their own instrument. Students interested in playing bass, drums, guitar, or piano should have prior experience and be able to read music.
Lab Band

The Middle School Lab Band is a course offered during the lunch period to advanced 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students via audition or invitation. This ensemble is for students who are already participating in grade-level bands and who welcome an additional challenge. The Lab Band provides an avenue for greater self-expression through improvisation, while continuing to strengthen skills developed in grade-level ensembles and private lessons. With input and suggestions from students, the repertoire is challenging and varied. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate in creating song arrangements and original compositions.
Grades 7 & 8 Chorus

Singing is an innate human activity, shared by people across the world since the beginning of time. In this class, students enter the world of creative, expressive, and collaborative vocal exploration. Bring the voice you have and learn to maximize its beauty and versatility by using it efficiently and effectively. Build your musicianship—including vocal technique and music literacy—while learning a wide variety of music representing different styles, eras, cultures, languages, and places. Breathe. Sing. Share. The 7th- and 8th-grade chorus is open to 7th- and 8thgrade students of all skill levels and experience. Performance options may include collaborations with the Upper School choruses, and domestic musical travel experiences. Each spring, singers are invited to audition for the opportunity to to sing the national anthem at a Mets game at Citi Field.

Nathan Birkey

Middle and Upper School Music Teacher and Advisor, Music Department Chair

nbirkey@trevor.org
Carlin Lee

Middle School Band Teacher and Advisor

clee@trevor.org
Jameelah Taylor

Middle and Upper School Chorus Director and Advisor

jtaylor@trevor.org
Bio
Jameelah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jameelah came to Trevor from Basis Independent Brooklyn where she was the Subject Expert Teacher for Choir to grades 5–12. In addition to teaching, Jameelah has performed in venues across New York City which include The Stone, Joe's Pub, Carnegie Hall, Webster Hall, and Kings Theatre during New York Fashion Week. Most recently, she played a student named Amaya Lawrence in the Habeebi & It Is Entertainments short film, America Again. In making the decision to join Trevor, Jameelah was attracted to its mission to foster a learning environment that celebrates and encourages a passion for learning, self-confidence, and willingness to take risks and remain open to new ideas and experiences. “Trevor aligns with my mission as a choir director to not only teach healthy singing habits, music literacy, how to perform on stage and collaborate with others, but also to create a classroom environment in which students are curious and feel comfortable and confident in taking risks and being leaders.”