Music
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
- Victor Hugo
Music at Falcon Bluffs Middle School
In the music program at Falcon Bluffs Middle School, we have a lot of fun, but we work VERY hard. From day one, I stress that we all start the year at different places in our journey, but every day, we all strive to try, reflect, try again, and share! We can learn from everyone and in this classroom, we are all learners and teachers. We are a team.
Here are Falcon, we offer Band, Choir, and Orchestra. At the 6th grade level students focus on establishing a solid foundation of technique to develop their craft. We focus on learning how to practice and become self-sufficient learners and musicians. At the 7th/8th grade levels, we are in a combined class, which enables us to create a mentorship model.
Students continue to build on their technical abilities and grow in their musicianship abilities. We tour the Chatfield area and attend adjudicated performances all over the state. Our older students learn how to be community members and share their skills with people around the community.
We are excited another magical, musical year here at Falcon Bluffs!
These courses are part of the Falcon Bluffs electives program.
Beginning Band
Beginning Band courses develop students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature.
Symphonic Band
Courses in Symphonic Band are designed to further advance students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of more complex band literature styles.
Concert Band
Courses in Concert Band are designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances.
Orchestra
Orchestra courses are designed to develop student’s abilities to play string instruments, covering a variety of string and orchestral literature styles.
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra courses are designed to continue the development of students’ abilities to play string instruments, covering a more complex repertoire of string and orchestral literature styles.
Choir
Choir is a course to develop vocal music skills and basic muscianship.
Required Materials - All Classes
Coming to class prepared and with these required materials is reflected in students' work habits and grades.
- Instrument (mallets for percussion- see below) - Students are responsible for supplying their instruments. My supply is limited so reach out soon if you would like to rent an instrument from the school.
- Students are allowed one "Oops! I forgot". A parent note must accompany the student to class on days in which their instrument is in the shop with an estimated return date.
- Black 1/2 inch 3-ring binder with sheet protectors (10) - Every student must have their music every day.
- Method Book- Students will be provided (through student fees) with a method book at the beginning of the year. If it is misplaced, it is up to the student to purchase a new one promptly.
- Tradition of Excellence- Book 1
- Pencils (3)- one for their stand, one for their case, one for their locker. "Musicians write it down! Amateurs 'remember'"
- I also recommend a water bottle.
Other requirements
- Metronome/ Tuner
- I recommend Korg tuners (found at any reliable music store) or there are some phenomenal apps for smartphones: Tonal Energy ($3.99) and Soundcorset (free)
Brass
- Valve Oil, Rotor Oil, or Slide-o-mix (trombone)
- Cleaning snakes
- Polishing cloth
- Mouthpiece
Woodwinds
- A minimum of three reeds to rotate through
- Cork grease
- Swab
Percussion
- Middle school/ intermediate pack at Music and Arts (Stick bag with SD1 Snare sticks, Timpani mallets (soft or medium), Medium yarn mallets, bell mallets)
- Bell set with stand (for home)
- snare drum (for home)
Violins and violas
- Shoulder rest (shoulder rests are not made equal!! See Hann for suggestions)
- rosin
- Polishing cloth
- One set of extra strings- I can change a broken string in class quickly; do not take it to the shop!
Cellos and bass
- Rock stop (I have some that can be checked out for the year for free!)
- Rosin
- Polishing cloth
- One set of strings (for cellos; bass strings on school instruments are taken care of by Hann)
Classroom Resources
Music in Jeffco
Music education rooted in the Colorado Academic Standards is an integral part of Jeffco's core curriculum and provides students with unique experiences and skills essential for success in school and beyond. Students are provided instruction in all aspects of music: singing, playing, moving, reading, listening, analyzing, creating and performing.