• MUSIC

    FIFTH GRADE BAND

    Instrumental music lessons are offered to fifth grade students on all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.  Students are combined in instrumental groups and lessons are given one mod per week with the time rotating throughout the school day.  Musicianship, ensemble skills, teamwork, commitment and performance are all major components of the band experience.

    SIXTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH GRADE BAND

    This program of study offers instrumental music ensembles for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.  In the fall semester, students perform at a high school football game where they get to live the high school marching band experience. The group also rehearses and performs as a Symphonic Band at the annual Winter Concert.  During the spring semester students are selected to participate in Schuylkill Valley Honors Band and Jazz Band.  They will also prepare to perform as a Symphonic Band at the annual Spring Concert and at a music festival held at a major amusement park. Multiple extracurricular ensembles are available for students to join such as Jazz Band, Holiday Brass, Winter Winds, and Pep Band at various points through the year.

    BLUE CHORUS

    Blue Chorus meets once a week during the school day.  Rehearsals are generally held on Thursdays during mod seven.  Extra after school rehearsals are announced closer to concert dates.  The groups perform two concerts during the school year and as needed for special events.  The chorus has performed the National Anthem for a Phantoms game and participated in the “Music in the Parks” festival at Hershey Park.

    GOLD CHORUS

    Any seventh or eighth grade student may participate in Gold Chorus.  Students rehearse weekly on a rotating basis and perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.  Along with performing in vocal competitions, the students perform throughout the community.  During rehearsals students learn the proper group vocal techniques as they sing in unison and two-three part harmony.  Students frequently perform Show Choir numbers where they dance to interpret and enhance their songs.

    HANDCHIME ENSEMBLE

    This ensemble meets on a rotating schedule before and during the school day.  The group is open to all students regardless of musical experience.  The group performs in at least one music department concert and as needed for special events.

    ORCHESTRA

    Students interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass have one small group and one large group lesson every week.  They present both a Winter and Spring Concert.  Upper House Orchestra performs in the community at the King of Prussia Mall and Township Library as well as in the Trills and Thrills Music competition held annually at a major amusement park.

    VOCAL ENSEMBLE

    The Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned choral group.  They experience the same elements of music as the Gold Chorus but on a more advanced level.  The students rehearse several times a week.  The group of fifteen singers participates in vocal competitions and community events.  In addition to their music work, the students deliver singing birthday telegrams to students and staff in the middle school.

    FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE JAZZ BAND

    5th and 6th Grade Jazz Band is an extracurricular program that instructs students on basic principles of jazz, including Rhythms, soloing skills, and small ensemble playing. This group is also open to experienced guitar, bass, piano, and drum set players who may not be involved in the concert band program. These instruments will require an audition to join the group. Wind players do not require an audition.
     
    SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE JAZZ BAND
     
    7th and 8th Grade Jazz Band is an advanced extracurricular ensemble that performs throughout the Upper Merion Community. This group performs more advanced musical literature and rehearses weekly beginning in January and running through the end of the year. Much like the 5th and 6th grade jazz band, this group is open to experienced guitar, bass, piano, and drum set players who may not be involved in the concert band program. These instruments require an audition to join the group. Wind instruments are not auditioned.