Fifth Grade Chorus
     In the 5th grade chorus we are learning to play our instruments for the very first time (in most cases). We start with the basics such as how to hold your instrument properly and how to produce a sound correctly. Some basic exercises to work on our diction.....both vowel and consonant production are introduced. Tongue twisters, simple songs and rounds are among the tools we use. Rounds are also an excellent way to get chorus members used to singing something while another group sings something else at the same time.
     Music literacy (both melodic and rhythmic) and ear training are explored as our 5th graders become more complete musicians. When the time is right we begin to explore some concert repertoire. Ultimately the children will perform in a winter and spring concert not just singing songs, but playing their instruments to the best of their ability. They will use good diction, perform with expression and provide an enjoyable experience for their audience as well as themselves!

Sixth Grade Chorus/Select Chorus
     In the  sixth grade, chorus members build upon the skills they were introduced to in the fifth grade. Of course we always have some new members and spend a good deal of time at the beginning of the year reviewing so nobody feels lost or confused! Reading and ear training skills are augmented with chorus members able to perform simple melodies and more complex rhythm exercises independently by the end of the year. Music selections are more challenging with the group performing such classics as "Hallellujah" the famous chorus from Handel's Messiah!
     The sixth grade chorus has additional performances outside of our school winter and spring concerts. In the past we have performed at the CT Post Mall, Westfarms Mall, Mohegan Sun Arena (national anthem beore a CT Sun game) and performed special concerts for the Guilford senior citizens group.
     For those sixth grade chorus members who wish more of a challenge, there is the Select Chorus. This is a group of 20-25 children selected from our large sixth grade chorus by audition. They meet a minimum of twice a week from 7:05-7:55 before school and perform at a variety of  out of school venues. Past performance venues have included Woolsey Hall, Battell Chapel, Meriden Square Mall and CT Hospice. The year culminates with a performance at a music adjudication festival. The group has consistently received "superior" ratings (the highest awarded) at these festivals! 
      

For more information on Baldwin choral music click on the link below for a brief PowerPoint presentation.

http://www.guilford.k12.ct.us/sites/shamesj/powerpointchorus.pdf

Spring Concert Dates:
5/20: 6th Grade Chorus to Mohegan Sun Arena-National Anthem performance before 5:00 game
5/31: Select Chorus to CT Hospice-10:00
6/1: Select Chorus to music adjudication festival-all day
6/7: 5th grade chorus and Select Chorus-7:00 in the gym
         6th grade chorus and Select Chorus-8:oo in the gym
                                                                           6/12: 6th grade and Select Chorus-Guilford Seniors concert-1:30 chorus room
*****Special Performance*****- On May 8th "Something Extra" one of Yale's accapella singing groups will be performing for and doing a workshop with our 6th grade chorus!

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General Music Grades 5 and 6

     The general music program at Baldwin Middle School strives to broaden the scope of musical knowledge and experiences of our fifth and sixth graders. All fifth grade students participate in a music class once a cycle with their homeroom. Sixth grade students who choose not to participate in either band, chorus or orchestra have a music class once a cycle.
     Fifth graders will explore many different facets of the world of music. Among the areas we touch upon are: music literacy, improvisation, styles of music, composition, periods in music history, composers and listening lessons involving "classics" by the "masters." The class is an active and participatory one with students involved and engaged in reading, playing instruments, active listening experiences, group projects and individual performances.
     In the sixth grade we take a more in depth look at the elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, form and tone color. The class is technology based and very hands on. Students are exploring these different elements and then creating with them each class. Starting with small simple compositions and working up to larger more complex ones.
     All of our music classes implement the national music education standards set forth by the NAfME (National Association for Music Education).

If you have any questions concerning either the choral music or general music programs at Baldwin, please contact me at:
shamesj@guilford.k12.ct.us
                      or
203-457-0222 ext.420
I hope your child has a wonderful musical experience at Baldwin!
Sincerely,
Jan Shames    Choral Director/Music Teacher