6th Grade

Sixth Grade Band is a year-round, every other day course, with a separate band tuition administered through Dr. Stanley Michalski, Coordinator of Instrumental Music for MACS. Although most students will have taken instruction for approximately 2 years prior, 1st year students may try-out for band if they have taken private instruction over the summer. The repertoire consists of a variety of styles of music, from a difficulty level of grades 1-2 (out of 6 levels), ranging from semi-classical to popular. At this grade level, students are taught the concepts of good musicianship, including dynamics, intonation and ensemble playing. The major scales and the Chromatic scale are taught and memorized. In addition to the regular band periods, a weekly “group” lesson is given to each student, on a rotating basis.

The Sixth Grade Band is traditionally invited to perform the National Anthem at a Charlotte Knights baseball game, and is featured as “special guests” at the Elementary Schools’ massed-bands Spring Concert. *Fee is $330 per year.

7th Grade

Seventh Grade Band is a year-round, every other day course, with a separate band tuition administered through Dr. Stanley Michalski, Coordinator of Instrumental Music for MACS. Pre-requisite for admittance is participation in 6th Grade Band, at least 2 years of experience, or past private instruction. The repertoire consists of a variety of styles of music, from a difficulty level of grades 2-3 (out of 6 levels), ranging from semi-classical to popular. At this grade level, students are taught further concepts of good musicianship, including dynamics, intonation and ensemble playing. Four major scales and the Chromatic scale are taught and memorized. There is also the introduction to a broader range of instrumentation, such as bass clarinet, double reed instruments and lower brass instruments. As in 6th Grade, a weekly “group” lesson is given to each student, on a rotating basis.

The Seventh Grade Band traditionally performs concert tours for some of the elementary schools in the MACS system, during the winter and spring, and plays for the 8th Grade Graduation ceremonies in June. Selected 7th Graders are also eligible for participation in inter-scholastic competition throughout the year. Fee is $330 per year.

8th Grade

Eighth Grade Band is a year-round, every other day course, with a separate band tuition administered through Dr. Stanley Michalski, Coordinator of Instrumental Music for MACS. Pre-requisite for admittance is participation in the 7th Grade Band, 2-3 years of experience, or past private instruction. The repertoire consists of a variety of styles of music, from a difficulty level of grades 3-4 (out of 6 levels), ranging from semi-classical to popular. At this grade level, students are taught advanced concepts of good musicianship, including dynamics, intonation and ensemble playing. Six major scales and the Chromatic scale are taught and memorized. As in the earlier grades, a weekly “group” lesson is given to each student, on a rotating basis.
The Eighth Grade Band traditionally competes for adjudication at the state-wide or national level at a music festival, such as the North American Music Festival.

The 8th grade band and selected band members play at school Masses and assemblies. In addition, selected 8th Graders are eligible for participation in inter-scholastic competition throughout the year. Fee is $330 per year.