Performing Arts
Chorus
Imagine this: You get to sing a lot of songs (pop, rock, even movie tunes!) with a whole bunch of other kids who love music just like you. Sounds fun? That's exactly what chorus is all about!
But isn't just about singing, it's about learning, having fun, and making awesome memories. So, what are you waiting for? Use the Music Department Sign Up form, select Chorus as your #1 choice for an elective, and get ready to sing your heart out!
Here's why chorus is GOAT: (Greatest Of All Time)
- Be a Singing Star: Learn how to use your voice like a pro! Chorus helps you breathe better, hit all the notes, and maybe even get a solo to flex your skills!
- Travel the World (Musically): Sing tunes from different countries and discover all sorts of cool music styles. It's like a musical adventure without leaving school.
- Unlock Secret Codes: Learn basic music "codes" (we use a fancy term called music theory) that help you understand all kinds of music.
- Make New BFFs: Find a whole crew of friends who love to sing as much as you do. Chorus is like a built-in friend zone. Even when we work hard, it's fun!.
- Rock Out: Get ready for applause! Chorus lets you perform for others and feel like a real rockstar (without needing a guitar!).
- Chill Out and Have Fun!: Singing is a great way to blow off steam during a tough school day. It's like magic stress relief. With most of the learning happening there, you can enjoy music without the homework burden.
- Boost Your Brainpower: Singing is like a workout for your brain, helping you remember things and making you even smarter!
- Make the Most of It: Chorus goes on several trips during the school year to sing, including our end of the year Music Department trip to Busch Gardens.
BONUS: No one has to sing alone. That's why there's an US in Chor-US. Also ... No fees required. Your instrument is YOU!
Questions
Contact John Buford at bufordjo@daretolearn.org or 252-441-8888
Orchestra
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my child has never played an instrument, or doesn't know how to read music?
- That's ok! Most students begin orchestra with little experience. We will start by learning basic technique, posture and position, then on to reading notes.
- That's ok! Most students begin orchestra with little experience. We will start by learning basic technique, posture and position, then on to reading notes.
- What if my child played a string instrument in elementary school?
- Students who have already learned to play are good candidates for switching instruments. In middle school, the instruments offered are Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass, which makes it an orchestra class, not a strings class. Of course, students are more than welcome to continue learning violin in middle school if that is their choice.
- Students who have already learned to play are good candidates for switching instruments. In middle school, the instruments offered are Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass, which makes it an orchestra class, not a strings class. Of course, students are more than welcome to continue learning violin in middle school if that is their choice.
- How much homework is assigned?
- Orchestra is no different than any other curricular area.Your child should spend time practicing their instrument at home each and every week.Think of it as homework, but much more fun.
- Orchestra is no different than any other curricular area.Your child should spend time practicing their instrument at home each and every week.Think of it as homework, but much more fun.
- What if my child wants to do sports? Are there required after-school band activities?
- Orchestra is a class, not an after-school activity. The only required (and graded) after-school events we have are two or three concerts, which usually start at 6:00. We really try to schedule concerts around sports games. Many students do both school sports and orchestra.
- Orchestra is a class, not an after-school activity. The only required (and graded) after-school events we have are two or three concerts, which usually start at 6:00. We really try to schedule concerts around sports games. Many students do both school sports and orchestra.
- Can I sign up for choir or orchestra AND band class?
- Students only have space for two exploratory classes, and since PE is required, FFMS students have to choose between band, choir and orchestra.
- Students only have space for two exploratory classes, and since PE is required, FFMS students have to choose between band, choir and orchestra.
- How do I sign up for orchestra class?
- 1. Complete the Music Department Sign Up form with Orchestra as your #1 choice for an elective. You will then be matched with an instrument. 2. Complete a DCYO registration form and pay rental fees. DCYO forms are available at Instrument Petting Zoo night in May and at the beginning of the school year.
- 1. Complete the Music Department Sign Up form with Orchestra as your #1 choice for an elective. You will then be matched with an instrument. 2. Complete a DCYO registration form and pay rental fees. DCYO forms are available at Instrument Petting Zoo night in May and at the beginning of the school year.
- What is DCVO?
- The Dare County Youth Orchestra (DCVO) is a non-profit organization with the mission of supporting Orchestral instruction for students in all Dare County Schools (DCS). In partnership with DCS, and funded by grants from community organizations, the DCYO has supported String Orchestra classes in our secondary schools since 2008, and String Clubs in our elementary schools since 2015. There are currently over 175 students participating in DCS orchestra programs, from Kitty Hawk to Manteo to Hatteras.
- The Dare County Youth Orchestra (DCVO) is a non-profit organization with the mission of supporting Orchestral instruction for students in all Dare County Schools (DCS). In partnership with DCS, and funded by grants from community organizations, the DCYO has supported String Orchestra classes in our secondary schools since 2008, and String Clubs in our elementary schools since 2015. There are currently over 175 students participating in DCS orchestra programs, from Kitty Hawk to Manteo to Hatteras.
- What other supplies do I need?
- Once your child has been selected for a specific instrument, a supply list will be given to you, but most instruments will have a few supplies that need to be purchased periodically to keep the instrument in good playing condition.
- Once your child has been selected for a specific instrument, a supply list will be given to you, but most instruments will have a few supplies that need to be purchased periodically to keep the instrument in good playing condition.
- Where do I rent an instrument or buy these other supplies?
- When you complete the DCYO registration form, you will also need to pay rental fees. This pays for instrument usage and supplies.
- What if I have financial concerns?
- Buying or renting an instrument and maintaining it does require a financial commitment. However, Orchestra is available to all students, regardless of ability to pay. DCYO can offer scholarships. Please confidentially contact me if your family is in this situation.
- Buying or renting an instrument and maintaining it does require a financial commitment. However, Orchestra is available to all students, regardless of ability to pay. DCYO can offer scholarships. Please confidentially contact me if your family is in this situation.
- What if I already own an instrument?
- If you already have an instrument, please let me check it to make sure it is in good playing condition. It may need repairs in order to be ready for the first day of class. Some supply fees still apply.
Questions
Contact Leslie Erickson at ericksonle@daretolearn.org or 252-441-8888
Beginning Band
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my child has never played an instrument, or doesn't know how to read music?
- That's ok! Most students begin band with little or no previous experience. We start at the very beginning. We will start by learning how to make a good first sound on their chosen instrument, how to play their first few notes, and how to read notes and rhythms. No experience necessary.
- That's ok! Most students begin band with little or no previous experience. We start at the very beginning. We will start by learning how to make a good first sound on their chosen instrument, how to play their first few notes, and how to read notes and rhythms. No experience necessary.
- How much homework is assigned?
- Band is no different than any other curricular area.Your child should spend time practicing their instrument at home each and every week.Think of it as homework, but much more fun.
- Band is no different than any other curricular area.Your child should spend time practicing their instrument at home each and every week.Think of it as homework, but much more fun.
- What if my child wants to do sports? Are there required after-school band activities?
- Band is a class, not an after-school activity. The only required (and graded) after-school events we have are two or three concerts, which usually start at 6:00. We really try to schedule concerts around sports games. Many students do both school sports and band.
- Band is a class, not an after-school activity. The only required (and graded) after-school events we have are two or three concerts, which usually start at 6:00. We really try to schedule concerts around sports games. Many students do both school sports and band.
- Can I sign up for choir or orchestra AND band class?
- Students only have space for two exploratory classes, and since PE is required, FFMS students have to choose between band, choir and orchestra.
- Students only have space for two exploratory classes, and since PE is required, FFMS students have to choose between band, choir and orchestra.
- How do I sign up for band class?
- Complete the Music Department Sign Up form with band as your #1 choice for an elective. You will then be matched with an instrument and will be scheduled for band. You will also need to obtain an instrument (see below for details).
- Complete the Music Department Sign Up form with band as your #1 choice for an elective. You will then be matched with an instrument and will be scheduled for band. You will also need to obtain an instrument (see below for details).
- Which instruments can students choose to play in beginning band?
- Woodwind instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone; or brass instruments: trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. See below for information about percussion.
- Woodwind instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone; or brass instruments: trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. See below for information about percussion.
- What if my child wants to play drums / percussion?
- First, they must be tested· by the band director for a good sense of rhythm and coordination. It's also important to remember that percussion is more than just drums. Since percussion students learn more than one instrument, they must be ready to learn to read music, and should have good grades and behavior.
- First, they must be tested· by the band director for a good sense of rhythm and coordination. It's also important to remember that percussion is more than just drums. Since percussion students learn more than one instrument, they must be ready to learn to read music, and should have good grades and behavior.
- What other supplies do I need?
- Once your child has been selected for a specific instrument, a supply list will be given to you, but most instruments will have a few supplies that need to be purchased periodically to keep the instrument in good playing condition.
- Once your child has been selected for a specific instrument, a supply list will be given to you, but most instruments will have a few supplies that need to be purchased periodically to keep the instrument in good playing condition.
- Where do I rent an instrument or buy these other supplies?
- We partner with Fuller's Music in New Bern, NC for instruments, supplies, and repairs. Our Fuller's rep visits us weekly and can deliver instruments and supplies that are purchased online. Renting or buying from Fuller's ensures your child gets an instrument in excellent playing condition that can be repaired if damaged.
- We partner with Fuller's Music in New Bern, NC for instruments, supplies, and repairs. Our Fuller's rep visits us weekly and can deliver instruments and supplies that are purchased online. Renting or buying from Fuller's ensures your child gets an instrument in excellent playing condition that can be repaired if damaged.
- What if I have financial concerns?
- I understand completely. Buying or renting an instrument and maintaining it does require a financial commitment. However, band is available to all students, regardless of ability to pay. We have some school owned instruments for student use and can offer scholarships for certain activities. Please confidentially contact me if your family is in this situation.
- I understand completely. Buying or renting an instrument and maintaining it does require a financial commitment. However, band is available to all students, regardless of ability to pay. We have some school owned instruments for student use and can offer scholarships for certain activities. Please confidentially contact me if your family is in this situation.
- What if I want to just buy a used instrument at a pawn shop, or on Craigslist? What about Amazon?
- I do not recommend this, for many reasons, especially if you do not know how to check if the instrument is in playing condition. You also need to make sure it is a good brand that will hold up over time, or you will spend more money on repairs than you would have spent renting a good instrument from a reliable music store. Sometimes instruments purchased this way are unable to be repaired. If you find an instrument, it would be a good idea to have a reputable music store check it out.
- I do not recommend this, for many reasons, especially if you do not know how to check if the instrument is in playing condition. You also need to make sure it is a good brand that will hold up over time, or you will spend more money on repairs than you would have spent renting a good instrument from a reliable music store. Sometimes instruments purchased this way are unable to be repaired. If you find an instrument, it would be a good idea to have a reputable music store check it out.
- What if I already own an instrument?
- If you already have an instrument, please let me check it to make sure it is in good playing condition. It may need repairs in order to be ready for the first day of class.
Questions
Contact Abigail Carothers at carothersab@daretolearn.org or 252-441-8888