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Instrumental Music » Music

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Magnet

Winds 

Staff Member(s)

Mr. Chiarello

Description

The Music Magnet program is a 3-year sequential program that prepares students for specialized high school auditions. No prior musical experience is necessary. Each student is provided his or her own instrument to use while attending IS 228. The magnet classes meet one period per day.

  • Beginners are welcome!
  • Students are given an extra instrument to leave at home for practicing, no need to carry them back and forth. 

Grade 6 Topics

Through the development of fine motor skills and systematic thinking, students will learn basic instrumental technique in age-appropriate repertoire and self expression. Students will develop instrumental technique through group and individual lessons utilizing method books, warm ups and exercises with special attention to:

  • Breath control
  • Embouchure development / pitch / intonation
  • Posture
  • Articulation
  • How to interpret basic rhythms 
  • Dynamics
  • Sight-reading development
  • Balance / ensemble skills

Grade 7 Topics

Continue reinforcing and building upon previous skills and knowledge from the 6th grade. 

Students will learn:

  • New notes, fingerings, techniques and scales.
  • More challenging repertoire.
  • Basic improvisation concepts and skills.
  • Interpret and perform more advanced rhythms.
  • Further development of sight reading skills.
  • Perform a wide range of music including classical, rock/pop and multicultural.

Grade 8 Topics

Continue reinforcing and building upon previous skills and knowledge from the 7th grade. 

Students will :

  • Prepare / perform their high school music auditions guided by Mr.C
  • Learn new / more advanced repertoire. 
  • Continue to improve sight-reading skills.
  • Expand upon basic improvisation concepts and skills.
  • Perform a wide range of music including classical, rock/pop and multicultural.

 

Partnerships or Shows
  • Annual concerts and festivals at David A. Boody
  • Carnegie Hall - May 2008, June 2008, and June 2010
  • Annual performances at Brooklyn Borough Hall  
  • Channel 25 "Arts Mondays"
  • Performances at Gracie Mansion  
  • Selected as a model music department by the NYC Department of Education.

 

Magnet

String Orchestra

Staff Member(s)

Ms. Garcia

Description

In String Orchestra students will pursue one of the following 4 instruments: violin, viola, cello or double bass. No prior experience on an instrument is needed. 


In this 3 year sequential program students will perform in 2-3 school concerts each year and receive after school support to prepare for specialized high school applications. In addition to an instrument students use in school, every student is loaned an instrument to practice at home. 


Advanced students will have the opportunity to participate in other grade level orchestras, chamber music and extracurricular orchestra festivals.

Grade 6 Topics

Beginner Orchestra 

  • New Directions Method book 1
  • Level 1-2 NYSSMA repertoire
  • June Festival of the Arts Concert

Grade 7 Topics

Junior Orchestra 

  • Level 2-3 NYSSMA repertoire
  • June Festival of the Arts Concert
  • Spring Concert

Grade 8 Topics

Senior Orchestra 

  • Level 3-4 NYSSMA repertoire
  • High school preparation
  • Spring Concert

Partnerships or Shows

Partnerships: Salute to Music Citywide Orchestra, Music Educators Association of NYC, New York State School Music Association.  


Student Events: STEAM Night, STOMP Career Day


Performances: Spring Concert, Festival of the Arts, MEANYC Middle School Orchestra Festival, Brooklyn Orchestra Festival

Winds Talent Application Instructions

Prepare and submit BOTH videos specified below. 

 

Video 1

Perform ONE scale. Choose a scale that shows off your range, technique, and intonation. For drummers/percussionists: Please submit a video of TWO drum rudiments, instead of a scale.  

Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information: 

  • Your name (first and last)
  • Your student ID number (OSIS) 
  • Title of the piece you will be playing 
  • Why do you want to be in Winds Talent? (30 seconds or less) 

Video 2: 

Perform ONE prepared solo selection without accompaniment. (Performing without accompaniment means playing by yourself without a track or additional instruments.) 

 

Select a piece you feel confident performing that shows your skill level and musicality.  

Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information: 

  • Your name (first and last) 
  • Your student ID number (OSIS) 
  • Why do you want to be in Winds Talent? (30 seconds or less) 
  • The following instruments are permitted for a Winds Talent audition: Woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.) brass (trumpet, trombone etc.), percussion (snare drum, drum set, xylophone, etc.) or piano. Recorder is NOT permitted. 
Music Shows:
2023 Spring Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhddPy6Pvy0
 
6th Grade Concert 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bs7W6cljKU
 
Symphony Orchestra 2019: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_HJK8A1gIk
 
Winter Concert 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaoI0tXBRGQ
 
Photos of String Orchestra Magnet: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KVWSFt2WIv9aCfduP13PGAn4uajn9ix-?usp=sharing