Upper Middle School Music Program

  • UMS music  
     
    Welcome to the UMS music program!  The UMS Music Program consists of a comprehensive performance program as well as classroom music opportunities.  We are proud that well over 50% of UMS students elect to participate in our music program!  One of the keys to success in our program is the team teaching model that exists in all of our ensemble classes.  This allows us to differentiate our instruction for students through lessons, master classes, and small group instruction that takes place during their music class.  
     
    All music classes meet as a regular part of the schedule and are given the same amount of instructional time as all other academic classes (82 minutes every other day).  Please note that 7th grade students who elect a band, choir, or orchestra class will still have a 2nd period of related arts through our cycle-electives program in which they will study visual arts, computer technology, active citizenship, and college/career readiness.  In other words, selecting music does not mean that music will be your only electives experience.  Additionally, thanks to the block schedule, in 8th grade, students who select band, choir, or orchestra as an elective will still have the opportunity to select 2 other semester long elective classes.  UMS believes in the middle school student having the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines and thanks to our schedule, students are able to do that while making band, choir, or orchestra an important part of their UMS experience.
    UMS Band
     
    The UMS Band Program consists of approximately 200 students.  Students are divided into band classes by grade level and instrumentation.  All band classes are team-taught by two teachers so students will have the opportunity for us to differentiate our instruction to their needs and the various instrumental pedagogies in the class.  Students will have their band class every other day for 82 minutes.  In 7th grade, students will also have a cycle electives component to their schedule where they will study art, computer applications, active citizenship, and career/college readiness.  In 8th grade, students will also be able to select 2 additional semester long electives.  The Co-curricular component of the band program includes multiple chamber ensemble, a jazz band, and the theatre orchestra for the spring musical.  
     
    Mr. Michael Brennan                                             
    lead teacher, 7th grade bands                              
     
    lead teacher, 8th grade bands
     
    The UMS Orchestra program consists of approximately 75 students.  Students are divided into orchestra classes by grade level and instrumentation.  All orchestra classes are team taught by two teachers so students will have the opportunity for us to differentiate our instruction to their needs and the various instrumental pedagogies in the class.  Students will have their orchestra class every other day for 82 minutes.  In 7th grade, students will also have a cycle electives component to their schedule where they will study art, computer applications, active citizenship, and career/college readiness.  In 8th grade, students will be able to also select 2 additional semester long electives. 
     
    Ms. Jamie Yavorsky                                                 
    UMS Orchestra, lead teacher 
     
    UMS Orchestra, co-teacher
     
    The UMS Choir program consists of approximately 150 students.  Students are divided into choir classes by grade level and voicing. All choir classes are team taught by two teachers so students will have the opportunity for us to differentiate our instruction to their needs. Students will have their choir class every other day for 82 minutes.  In 7th grade, students will also have a cycle electives component to their schedule where they will study art, computer applications, active citizenship, and career/college readiness.  In 8th grade, students will be able to also select 2 additional semester long electives. 
     
    Ms. Neelam Makvana                                          
    UMS choirs, lead teacher                                        
    nmakvana@mtsd.us                                                 
     
    UMS choirs, co-teacher