The Middle School Music programme at Crescent is a Band instrumental music programme. All grade 7 students learn a Band instrument from one of the woodwind, brass or percussion families. These instruments are either rented from the school, from one of the Instrument rental companies in the GTA, or are already owned by the student and his family. The students work out of progressively challenging texts and repertoire in all styles of music. In addition to learning the basics of music notation all students learn how to work together to create exciting performances in assemblies, school and community performances. As well, Middle School students learn the responsibility of taking care of these expensive instruments and also of practicing regularly at home and at school. In grade 8, Middle School students continue their development on their Band instrument. They develop their tone, range, technique, reading skills, articulation, phrasing and dynamics and are introduced to midi computer software in one of our computer labs. All Middle School students are encouraged to join one of the Middle School Bands. In grade 7, the Grade 7 Honour Band starts in January and is open to all grade 7 band instrumentalists eager to join a large Concert Band. Grade 8 students can join the Middle School Jazz Band, a 20 piece Jazz orchestra comprised of saxophones, trumpets, trombones/baritones and rhythm section members. Grade 8 students can also join the Middle School Band, a large Concert Band that performs at numerous school and community functions and festivals. The Middle School Band also plans an annual Concert Tour during the March break. The bands last tour was of Vienna and Prague. In addition, the Middle School co-curricular programme also includes a Middle School Choir.