7th/8th Grade Music Ensembles

Each ensemble rehearses separately two times per week, one on a designated morning before school and the other during the school day on Thursdays. The students in all three ensembles prepare for several performances throughout the school year: Winter and Spring Concerts as well as an adjudicated festival at a school in central New Jersey followed by an afternoon at Six Flags Great Adventure. All ensembles are graded courses.

Band - Mrs. Lauren Chen, Director, lchen@cwcboe.org

(Winds, brass and percussion)

The 7th/8th Grade Band meets Tuesday mornings from 7:50am to 8:30am and Thursdays during the student’s PE class in the band room. Students also receive one lesson per week on a rotating schedule. Students prepare for several performances throughout the school year, as described above. The band program is designed to reinforce and build on skills learned in 6th grade, but beginners are always welcome as well (see below)! The higher skill level of the 7th and 8th graders enable the band to play repertoire from an expanded variety of styles.

Chorus - Mrs. Deana Larsen, Director, dlarsen@cwcboe.org

The 7th/8th grade chorus meets in Room 103 on Monday mornings from 7:50am to 8:30am and on Thursdays during the student’s PE/Health class. Students prepare for several performances throughout the school year, as described above. The course is designed to build on skills learned in the 6th grade choral ensemble but participation in the 6th grade chorus is not a requirement for this class. This is not an auditioned group; all are welcome!

Orchestra - Mr. William Downey, Director, wdowney@cwcboe.org

(Violin, viola, cello and bass)

The 7th/8th Grade Orchestra meets on Wednesday mornings from 7:50am to 8:30am and Thursdays during the student’s PE/Health class. Students prepare for various performances throughout the year, as described above. The orchestra program is designed to reinforce and build on skills learned in 6th grade, but beginners are always welcome as well (see below)! The higher skill level of the 7th and 8th graders enable the orchestra to play repertoire from an expanded variety of styles.

Instrumental Music Lessons

Band and Orchestra students are required to study their instrument in a small group setting of like instruments once per week throughout the school year. These instrumental music lessons are critical to the development and musical welfare of the student. They focus on the finer details of the physical components of playing their instrument, with instruction delivered by a music teacher who specializes on that particular instrument.

The lesson schedule rotates. Lesson groups meet on the same day, but at a different period each week. Students receive a grade for instrumental lessons in addition to the grade they receive in band and/or orchestra.

Lesson Instructors

**Please check your child’s schedule in Genesis to view your child’s lesson instructor**

Band Instrumental Music Lessons:

(Winds, brass and percussion)

Mr. Andrew Burrows, aburrows@cwcboe.org

Mrs. Lauren Chen, lchen@cwcboe.org

Mr. Matteo Varano, mvarano@cwcboe.org

Orchestra Instrumental Music Lessons:

(Violin, viola, cello and bass)

Mr. William Downey, wdowney@cwcboe.org

Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools

GCMS Music Program

Required Coursework

6th Grade Elective Coursework (Ensembles/Lessons)

7th/8th Grade Elective Coursework (Ensembles/Lessons)

Extra Curricular Ensembles

Interested in Starting YOUR Musical Journey (How to Join Band, Chorus, Orchestra)