Incoming 6th Grade
Instrumental Music Information
East Lansing Instrumental Music Program
Tradition of Excellence
About Us:
The Band and Orchestra programs have been in existence for over sixty years and have a long history of excellence in performance.
Currently there are around 300 students involved in the orchestra program and 450 in the band program. Our programs begin in sixth grade and continue through high school. Middle School and High School ensembles meet five times a week and perform in concerts throughout the year. We also have extra curricular music ensembles that meet before and after school at the middle and high school levels.
Currently there are around 300 students involved in the orchestra program and 450 in the band program. Our programs begin in sixth grade and continue through high school. Middle School and High School ensembles meet five times a week and perform in concerts throughout the year. We also have extra curricular music ensembles that meet before and after school at the middle and high school levels.
Offerings
The Orchestra Program offers instruction in violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
The Band Program offers instruction in woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Students will study the techniques involved in playing these instruments while learning about music history, theory, composition, and improvisation. The students will perform quality and exciting literature appropriate for each ensemble. This will include: classical, folk, pop, jazz, and other genres of music.
The Band Program offers instruction in woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Students will study the techniques involved in playing these instruments while learning about music history, theory, composition, and improvisation. The students will perform quality and exciting literature appropriate for each ensemble. This will include: classical, folk, pop, jazz, and other genres of music.
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Music Teachers:
Mrs. Patti Kroth 6th-8th grade bands Mrs. Mikaela Vanator 6th-7th grade orchestras 6th/8th grade bands Mr. David Larzelere High School bands 6th grade band Mr. David Rosin 7th-12th grade orchestras |
Macdonald MS Ensembles:
6th Grade Band 6th Grade Orchestra 7th Grade Band 7th Grade Orchestra 8th Grade Band 8th Grade Orchestra 7th Grade Jazz Band 8th Grade Jazz Band Ovation Strings (7th-8th) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I want to sign up for band or orchestra, but I don’t know how to play an instrument. Can I join?
Ninety nine percent of all beginners have never played an instrument in their lifetime. Beginning band or orchestra is designed to teach you everything you need to know to play an instrument
I don't have an instrument and my family is not able to rent one. Can I still join?
Absolutely! While most students rent/buy an instrument, East Lansing does have a limited supply of instruments that students are able to borrow if renting poses a barrier to learning an instrument .
There are many things I want to do in middle school. How can I be in music and all those other activities?
We encourage our students to do a variety of activities. We have many students who go out school sports, as well as participating in one or more clubs. Being well rounded and experiencing many different activities is part of the middle school experience and we encourage it. Since the majority of learning in band or orchestra occurs during the school day, conflicts rarely arise. And when they do, we can work them out!
Ninety nine percent of all beginners have never played an instrument in their lifetime. Beginning band or orchestra is designed to teach you everything you need to know to play an instrument
I don't have an instrument and my family is not able to rent one. Can I still join?
Absolutely! While most students rent/buy an instrument, East Lansing does have a limited supply of instruments that students are able to borrow if renting poses a barrier to learning an instrument .
There are many things I want to do in middle school. How can I be in music and all those other activities?
We encourage our students to do a variety of activities. We have many students who go out school sports, as well as participating in one or more clubs. Being well rounded and experiencing many different activities is part of the middle school experience and we encourage it. Since the majority of learning in band or orchestra occurs during the school day, conflicts rarely arise. And when they do, we can work them out!
Facilities
We are fortunate in East Lansing to have one of the best Performing Art s Facilities in the State of Michigan. Students in the program will get the opportunity to perform and rehearse in these state-of-the-art facilities on a regular basis .
Concert Schedule
The Middle School ensembles give between three and five performances each year. The High School ensembles give between six and twelve concerts a year. These performances are for family and friends to attend.
Students in the program will also have the opportunity to participate in MSBOA District Festival, MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival, All- State Festival, Chamber Ensembles, Pit Orchestra, Honor Band, Marching Band, Encore Strings, Ovation Strings, Middle and High School Jazz Bands, Collage, Battle of the Bands, Talent Shows, Senior Solo Recital, and many other fun musical activities.
Furthermore, as students progress though the program, they will have the opportunity to travel with the ensembles. Recent trips include: Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Washington D.C., and Florida.
Students in the program will also have the opportunity to participate in MSBOA District Festival, MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival, All- State Festival, Chamber Ensembles, Pit Orchestra, Honor Band, Marching Band, Encore Strings, Ovation Strings, Middle and High School Jazz Bands, Collage, Battle of the Bands, Talent Shows, Senior Solo Recital, and many other fun musical activities.
Furthermore, as students progress though the program, they will have the opportunity to travel with the ensembles. Recent trips include: Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Washington D.C., and Florida.
For questions about 6th grade music please email:
patricia.kroth@elps.us (6th grade band questions)
mikaela.vanator@elps.us (6th grade orchestra questions)
Program Websites
MS and HS Orchestras
HS Band
MS Bands
Check out this video to meet the teachers, learn about the different instrument choices, and hear about the wonderful performance opportunities we have for you!
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70%
OF ADMISSIONS OFFICERS FROM THE NATION'S MAJOR UNIVERSITIES SAY HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT AND ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS ARE SIGNIFICANT CONSIDERATION FOR ADMISSION |
107
POINTS SCORED HIGHER ON THE SAT FOR STUDENTS INVOLVED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS ACCORDING TO THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD |
66%
LEWIS TOMAS, PHYSICIAN AN DBIOLOGIST, FOUND THAT MUSIC MAJORS COMPRISE THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF ACCEPTED MEDICAL STUDENTS |
