WMS Music Program Launches New Approach
While online learning is a challenge for educators and kids, the WMS Music Directors Hannah Gorham and Mike Sundt have created an exciting way to increase collaboration and creative expression for our children. They are committed to including non-Eurocentric music that represents our diverse student body and their interests. Using a project-based-learning approach, Ms. Gorham and Mr. Sundt will create opportunities for kids to collaborate virtually together in small and larger groups to record and make music. They will also check in with students individually and provide periodic assessments to ensure support for individual progress.
There are no in-person concerts currently scheduled.
For Students New to Band or Orchestra
The Ms. Gorham and Mr. Sundt will provide an overview and virtual demo of each instrument during class. They will then send out a digital form to students to fill out, detailing your instrument choice. Band students may choose from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. Orchestra students may choose from violin, viola, cello, and double base.
Instruments
On the digital form, families will be asked if they would like to use a school owned instrument (no fee) or if they will privately rent an instrument from a music store. If your family is financially able to rent an instrument, please do so, so that school-owned instruments can be made available on loan to students who would otherwise not have access. These instruments will be made available for pick-up at a date TBD and will require a guardian’s signature when picking up.
Music Store Rentals
Local music stores have rental programs for students, often with repair packages, as well as rent-to-own programs. A list of local stores can be found on our Resources page under the Rentals and Repairs section.
For Returning Band and Orchestra Students
Students who already have a loaned instrument do not need to bring it back to school to check it out again for this year. However, if you need to use exchange your instrument because you are switching instruments or need a larger instrument, you can swap during pick-up times. If you need a new school instrument because yours needs repairs, you can either swap during instrument pickup times or contact Mr. Sundt to arrange repairs.
For All Choir Students
While singing together in-person remains one of the riskier activities in our current public health crisis, the online format presents opportunities for creativity and new types of music. Initial class meetings after Strong Start will focus on continued discussion of the various technology tools that will support a successful year and provide more details about upcoming choir projects.