WORTHINGTON — The ISD 518 Music Department is excited that this year has allowed us to be back in the classroom making music with our students and returning to a live performance calendar. As we approach end of the year performances beginning with high school solo and ensemble contest on March 18, and WMS/WHS Jazz Night on March 25, we would like to share with you some of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make our music department successful.
ISD 518 music is a collective effort of 11 instructors who work collaboratively across grades K-12 to foster music literacy and performance skills in all ISD 518 students while meeting the requirements of state and national standards in music education.
As soon as our students enter the doors of Prairie Elementary, their music education begins. Throughout elementary school, students learn to recognize and read music symbols and terms, play a variety of instruments, and explore music from around the world. Additionally, they learn to develop confidence as performers through live performances. We are incredibly proud that all of our ISD 518 students leave Prairie Elementary literate in music!
As students enter fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, they are able to join performance ensembles through our orchestra, band, and choir programs. Students in these ensembles receive small group and individual instruction on their instruments while also developing their ability to perform in large ensembles. Students in middle school band actually attend their first solo and ensemble contests during their fifth grade year.
Additionally, all fifth through seventh grade students continue their music education in middle school general music where they explore new genres of music, expand upon their music literacy skills, and explore guitar and world drumming.
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By the time students enter the ninth grade, they have had nine years of quality music education in ISD 518. It is this foundation that allows our students to successfully transition into a more public performance arena during their high school years.
As our students prepare for contest performances, clinics with guest conductors, or to take the stage in spring performances, they carry with them the collective efforts of the ISD 518 music department. We are proud of our students and the experiences we have had together. We are thankful for the dedication of our ISD 518 music families and our community that continue to make ISD 518 music a great place to call home.
Finally, our team is supported by the Worthington Area Music Booster Organization (WAMBO), who help make large-scale music events possible through fundraising, chaperoning and financial support.
We would love to have you join us at one of our spring events!
March 2: WMS select Band and Choir students at Brandon Festival of Music
March 2: WHS Choirs at STMA workshop with The Aeolians of Oakwood University
March 14: WHS Music Department Solo & Ensemble Recital Night
March 18: WHS Region 2AA South Solo & Ensemble Contest at MSU
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March 24: WMS 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Solo & Ensemble Festival at WMS
March 25: 6:30 p.m., WMS/WHS Jazz Night, WMS
Month of April: Classroom Music programs for all 1st and 2nd grade students
April 11: WHS Trojan Jazz at Region 2AA Jazz Festival in Waconia
April 11: 7 p.m., WMS Bands, Memorial Auditorium
April 22: 7 p.m., WHS Spring Band Bash!, WHS Gym
April 28: 2:30 to 8 p.m., Band Instrument Display, PES GYM for incoming Prairie Elementary fifth graders
May 5 & 6: 7 p.m., WMS Spring Choir Concert, Memorial Auditorium
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May 9: 7:30 p.m., WHS Spring Choir Concert, Memorial Auditorium
May 13: 7 p.m., WMS Orchestras, Memorial Auditorium
May 20: 7:30 p.m., WHS Orchestras, WHS Gym
