Emerson Middle School

Department of Music
Princeton, NJ, 08540
Ms. Dunn, Choir Director
Mr. Smith, Band Director
Mrs. White, Strings Director

EMERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC ENSEMBLES

Department Mission: To provide a dynamic, challenging, and supportive environment where

students are actively engaged and encouraged to develop creativity and excellence in the study
and performance of diverse musical styles.

- The Emerson High School Music Department consists of several choirs, bands, and strings
ensembles
NOTE: On the days where students do NOT rehearse, students will take what we refer to as an "Activity Period". This
is required, as it will help them develop their written and applied music theory skills, and they will be able to be better
musicians in and out of rehearsal. Activity periods involve all three department teachers, and all the ensembles get to
interact with one another, therefore broadening their musical horizons.

Non-auditioned ensembles:

-Concert Choir: Open to all students. Directed by Ms. Dunn in the choir room. Meets
Mondays and Wednesdays during 2nd Period to rehearse. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Activity
Periods.
-Concert Band: Open to all students. Directed by Mr. Smith in the band room. Meets Mondays
and Wednesdays during 2nd Period to rehearse. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Activity Periods.
-Concert Strings: Open to all students. Directed by Mrs. White in the auditorium. Meets
Mondays and Wednesdays during 2nd Period to rehearse. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Activity
Periods.

**If interested in performing in more than one non-auditioned ensemble, students may discuss
that with the directors of each ensemble they are interested in playing in. We want to
encourage musical growth and if students want to take the extra challenge of being in more
than one ensemble, we will try our hardest to make it work and support them.
Auditioned Ensembles:

-Madrigals Choir: Open to students who have taken at least one year of Concert Choir and are
currently enrolled in Concert Choir. Madrigals Choir rehearses Monday evenings from
7:00-8:30 PM with Ms. Dunn in the choir room.
-Jazz Band: Open to students who have taken at least one year of Concert Band and are
currently enrolled in Concert Band. Jazz Band rehearses monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM
with Mr. Smith in the band room.
-Orchestral Strings: Open to students who have taken at least one year of Concert Strings and
are currently enrolled in Concert Strings. Orchestral Strings rehearses monday evenings from
7:00-8:30 PM with Mrs. White in the auditorium.

Audition Process: Auditions will take place at the beginning of every school year. Students will be scored on
musicianship and attitude.
**Students may only participate in one auditioned ensemble.

In addition to our ensembles

-General Music Classes are offered 5th period to students who desire education in music theory
and history, but do not want to participate in an ensemble.

Major Units:
-The pacing of the year is largely determined by our concert season. The department typically
performs a Fall Concert in November, a Winter Concert in December, and Spring Concert in
March, and End of the Year Concert in June.
-We try to create an eclectic repertoire list, so by the end of the year students have experienced a
plethora of music styles, from different genres and time periods.
-During activity periods, students will be taught music theory. The class will go at a pace that is
accessible to all students. If students show advanced levels of knowledge in the class beyond the
knowledge of the majority of the group, they may be pulled aside for music theory instruction
that is more appropriate for them.
-During activity periods, students will be taught about the different time periods. They will learn
about different composers from each period, and how to distinguish music from each time
period by their stylistic choices.
Annual Festival Trips:
-Every year the ensembles compete in a festival in the spring. Students receive several choices
for locations and festivals, and vote on their preferred choice.
-The department and students hold fundraisers to help lessen the cost of the trip for families.
We want as many students to be able to go as possible.
-All students involved in ensembles are allowed and encouraged to go on the trip.

Students are expected to

-Show up on time for class, and show up regularly.
-Be prepared with course materials.
-Complete homework on time.
-Practice on their own time as much as needed in order to be prepared for rehearsal.
-Be respectful to their peers and directors.
-Be open to trying new things.
-Have fun! :)

Attendance policy:
-Students must not have more than the maximum number of absences as stated by the school
district (17 Absences) in a non-auditioned ensemble class.
-Failure to show up more than 17 times will result in an F, and removal from the group.

-Students must not miss more than three (3) rehearsals for any auditioned ensemble rehearsal.
-Failure to show up more than three times will result in immediate removal from the group.

-If an absence cannot be avoided, students should discuss it with their director in advance. This
may count as an excused absence. If a student is extremely ill and presents a doctor's note, the
absence will be excused. Excused absences do not count towards your absence limit.

-Tardies count as half an absence.***

Performance eligibility:
-As long as students show up to their rehearsals and complete required tasks (learning new
music, memorization deadlines, ect.) they will be allowed to perform.
-Performance attire is all black. This includes dress pants, dresses, skirts, shirts, shoes, ect.
Students must be dressed appropriately for their concert, or they will not be allowed to perform.
-Failure to prepare music for concert will result in removal from the concert.
----Failure to perform in any concert will result in the letter grade of an "F" for the
term. Concerts are an extremely part of the course, and all students are expected
to participate.
Grading System:
Grades range from A-F as in all other classes, and are determined by several factors:
-40%: Prompt attendance at and participation, attitude and support during rehearsals, events
and performances. Misbehavior or unexcused lateness or absence will affect the participation
grade for the day.
-40%: Participation, attitude, behavior and effort during class.
-20%: Demonstration of progress in individual musical and personal skills through exams. The
music staff recognizes that students in chorus begin the year with varying levels of musical
training, experience and confidence. Students are not compared to one another but rather
graded on how much they progress.

Responsibilities:
-Students are responsible for learning their music. Whether this means just paying attention in
class and understanding the material, or needing extra practice time/extra help from a director.
Our directors are always here for our students, and want them to succeed. Students should
always feel free to ask for help.
-Students are responsible for bringing material to class, showing up for rehearsals, completing
any assigned tasks, and knowing the assigned music.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Department Chair, Kathleen
Dunn, at [email protected] or (201)-527-7789.