Gilmore Fine Arts

Music

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Gilmore School of Fine Arts has three high quality programs in the musical arts.

Elementary and Middle School Band

The band program starts in 4th and 5th grade where each student gets a weekly lesson to start learning an instrument. You can choose between flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone and percussion. 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands are where you continue to master your instrument and grow as an ensemble with your friends. This is also the introduction of additional instruments like tenor saxophone and bass clarinet. We also offer an after school jazz band for musicians who want a challenge. Please click here for more info on the band program. Come play an instrument!

Elementary Strings and Middle School Orchestra

Students have the opportunity to sign up for strings at GFA starting in the 2nd grade. Those students who do sign up for violin or cello in 2nd or 3rd grade are considered part of the “Suzuki Strings” program. This involves required parental observation of weekly lessons and learning repertoire, initially by ear, using the Suzuki Philosophy. Students who begin strings in 4th or 5th grade can sign up for violin, viola, cello, or bass and are ready to begin reading music while learning their instrument. By the time students enter middle school they play in an orchestra, which meets as a scheduled elective, and by the middle school level, students will fine tune their music reading and ensemble playing skills.

Middle School Choir

The middle school choir program involves 6th, 7th and 8th grade choir students. Your Choir class will be during the school day. You can choose to take choir every day or every other day. In choir you will learn the fundamentals of singing as well as music theory. Each grade level increases in the difficulty level of music. Gilmore Fine Arts also offers an Enrichment Choir which meets 1st hour everyday. This choir is made up of 6-8 grade students and the level of music is more difficult. We also offer an after school Swing Choir and Madrigal Choir for students who love singing and performing. Both of these groups are auditioned groups. Swing Choir is a choir that sings pop, Broadway and standard music while dancing. Madrigal Choir is a group that sings music from the Renaissance Era (1400-1650). They also sing A Cappella.