Music students at Mt. Baker Middle School have the unique opportunity to participate in some exciting programs beyond their normal, daily classroom instruction. 

EXTRA CREDIT

Students will always have the opportunity to gain Extra Credit by: Taking private lessons on their instrument, tutoring younger students, taking Piano lessons, attending community concerts (No Rock concerts, please!), writing short musical reports, participating in the high school pep band, being a section leader, participating in Youth Symphony, completing extra credit worksheets, playing “mini concerts” for mom and dad, completing more than the minimum 2 hours a week of practice, and many other activities!  Students are encouraged to build up their “Extra Credit” bank each quarter!

PRIVATE LESSONS

We STRONGLY encourage all students to take private lessons on their instrument.  Not only is this a great way to maintain your musical skills, but it also provides invaluable one-on-one instruction from a highly trained professional musician on that instrument.  Please refer to the Appendix at the end of this Handbook for a listing of Private Instructors in our area or give us a call for further information: 253-804-4555.

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

There are many fine summer music camps in the Pacific Northwest and we strongly encourage students to find a camp of their ability.  Most camps are held during the months of June, July, and August.  Please write or call for information from the following organizations:

Burton Music Camp    9326 SW Bayview Drive   Vashon Island, WA 98070  206-622-3935         www.burtonmusiccamp.com	Evergreen Music Festival  Tacoma Youth Symphony 901 Broadway Plaza, Suite 500  Tacoma, WA  98402-4415  253-627-2792
Marrowstone Music Festival      c/o Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra  11065 Fifth Ave. NE  Suite E Seattle, WA 98125  206-362-2300 http://www.syso.org/summ.htm	Icicle Creek Music Center PO Box 2071 Leavenworth, WA 98826 509-664-0412 www.icicle.org

    YOUTH SYMPHONY

As students become more skilled in their musical abilities, we encourage them to audition for one of the many Youth Symphonies in our area.  The auditions are held each spring and fall, and are quite competitive.  It is assumed that students who wish to participate in such an organization attend summer music camp and take private lessons.  Please see your director for information on the Seattle Youth Symphony, and the Tacoma Youth Symphony (Mrs. Wharton’s alma mater)!

MUSIC TUTORING

The care and guidance we give our younger, beginning band and orchestra students often makes all the difference in the world when learning to play an instrument.  At Mt. Baker we teach Beginning 5^th Grade Band and Orchestra from 7:30am to 8:15am every day - we invite any 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade student to come in and assist these younger musicians.  We have a formal letter and list of student expectations that we give out in October - if you are interested in becoming a student mentor or music teacher assistant, please ask for an application letter.  We’d love to have your assistance!

MT. BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

Mt. Baker is proud to have many new and exciting musical opportunities for our students.  We are pleased to offer Jazz Band again this year for any Mt. Baker student who plays saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drum set, guitar, piano, or bass.  Jazz Band will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school from 7:00am to 7:30am.  Students will need to provide their own transportation to school on these mornings. Attendance is an important part of a performing ensemble - no more than one absence a month will be allowed; Students will need to bring a note from home if they have been ill.   

 SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST

Solo and Ensemble Contest is a musical opportunity for our more advanced music students.  Solo & Ensemble Contest is not required for our students, rather it is an enrichment activity that takes many additional hours of practice and preparation.  Students wishing to perform a solo must be taking private lessons.  The Auburn School District will arrange  to provide a professional piano accompanist for our soloists.  Soloists will be required to come in for some after school or lunch time coaching.  Students wishing to perform in a small group (duets, trios, quartets) must have the permission of their band or orchestra teacher and will be assisted in the appropriate selection of their music. Although private lessons are not required  for ensemble students, THEY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!  Ensemble students will be required to come in before or after school for a specific number of coaching sessions and free lessons from their music director.  Students will need to follow strict practicing guidelines - our students earn Superior marks at Solo & Ensemble Contest because of the professional instruction we give them - success feels great at any age and we are setting high musical performance standards at Mt. Baker.

 

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