Music
The Middle School Music program at Crescent is a band instrumental music program. All grade 6, 7 and 8 students learn a band instrument from one of the woodwind, brass or percussion families. These instruments are either rented from the school, 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. As they progress through the Middle School, students 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 students are encouraged to join one of the Middle School Bands. In grade 7, the Grade 7 Honour Band starts in September and is open to all grade 7 band students with at least one year experience. 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 Concert Band, a large band that performs at numerous school and community functions and festivals. The Middle School Concert Band also plans an semi-annual international Concert Tour during the March Break. The band's last tour included five concerts in Italy with visits to Rome, Florence, Venice and Pompeii.
Two other co-curricular ensembles that the students can join are the Grade 7 Woodwind Quartet and the Grade 8 Brass Quintet. In addition, the Middle School co-curricular program also includes a Middle School Choir.