MCMS Music Department

5/6 Orchestra, 7/8 Orchestra, & String Ensemble

MCHS Orchestra Director

Email: bartletta@manheimcentral.org
Phone: 717.664.8506

7th & 8th Grade General Music

5/6 Chorus, 7/8 Chorus, & Meistersingers

MCHS Choir Director

Email: magaros@manheimcentral.org
Phone: 717.664.1785

8th Grade General Music

5/6 Band, 7/8 Band, & MS Jazz Band

Email: schweizera@manheimcentral.org
Phone: 717.664.1744

5th & 6th Grade General Music

MCOA Middle School & High School Music

5/6 Band, 7/8 Band, & MS Jazz Band

Email: segletesk@manheimcentral.org

Phone: 717.664.1786
Website: karlsegletes.com

Learners in Manheim Central receive general music instruction in grades K-8. At the middle school these classes meet every other cycle day, for the duration of a marking period as part of the Encore rotation. Course description is subject to change.

Fifth Grade General Music will focus on reviewing the basic elements of music with an emphasis on learning how to apply these concepts through performance and creation. Learners will perform and engage in active music-making both through singing and playing instruments. An introduction to music technology and MIDI controllers will set the stage for advanced study in future grades.

Sixth grade general music is taught in the MS Music Technology Mac Lab. Learners will focus on applying their musical skills through composition and learning how to use Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) like GarageBand. We will work on fundamental skills including how to edit existing music, create our own music with MIDI controllers, and how to improvise. Through these music technology applications learners will explore what it means to perform using technology and how it impacts our experience as music creators, performers, and consumers.

In 7th grade music class, learners will continue to navigate musical notation and literacy and will begin a basic keyboard piano unit using the brand new music tech lab. Learners will study piano as a class, then work individually or with a partner through a method book to learn simple melodies and skills, along with basic recording and mixing skills. Alongside our piano and technology focus, we will complete daily listening journals which give the students a picture of how music has evolved over the course of history, encompassing a wide variety of genres. Musical elements that define these genres will be discussed.

In 8th grade music, students continue to develop listening and reading skills in music through learning to play the guitar! Main goals include performing alone and with others in a variety of styles on guitar including chords, plucking and guitar ensembles. One other focus is mastering musical vocabulary, by learning to define and describe each element of music in detail. We will complete daily listening journals which focus on studying the connections between music, history, culture, and human expression in American culture.

The Manheim Central Middle School Band program seeks to ignite passion and purpose in our band instrumental learners. We focus on expanding the fundamentals learned in Elementary Band and expanding our knowledge of theory and practice. We believe band is the most fun when we can perform exciting music at a high level on our instruments.

Learners in the MCMS Band program are eligible to participate in the MCMS Jazz Band which is open to learner by audition. This ensemble performs on both concerts and at various Jazz festivals and community events throughout the year. Learners may also be invited to participate in fests including PMEA District 7 Youth Honors Band and LLMEA MS County Band North. 7th and 8th graders are also able to audition for District Band with director recommendation.

The Manheim Central Middle School Choral Program focuses on enhacing and shaping the budding growth of musicality in young musicians. Learners have the oppertunity to rehearse in the chorus room several times a week along with various performance oppertunities both in and ouside of school. Learners are expected to learn, understand, and memorize concert music which will be displayed two times a year during our Winter and Spring concerts. Other performing oppertunities include music festivals such as Sweet Soundsations, PMEA Song Fest, and Octavators. Not to mention, learners have the ability and oppertunitiy to join the MCMS Meistersingers, the advanced Middle School Choir Ensemble in which they will to perform at both the Choir Concerts and at Music in the Parks held in Hershey Park.

The middle school orchestra is made up of learners dedicated to growing in their string instrument studies. In orchestra, we focus on...

1. Technique: How to play our instruments well.
2. Theory: How to understand and execute our music.
3. Concert Preparation: How to exhibit our learning!

Not only do we strive to grow musically (which is a big part of what we do), but we also commit to grow in character, responsibility, and integrity. Learners in orchestra have the opportunity not only to participate in weekly rehearsals and lessons, but exciting opportunities like String Ensemble, LLMEA MS County Orchestra, and PMEA District 7 Youth String Fest.

Our school and community is invited to attend our MCMS Music Concerts which are held in December and May. In addition, we will present our programs as assemblies to students during the day.

Winter Concerts

• MS Band - December 19, 2023 @ 7pm
• MS Chorus - December 12, 2023 @ 7pm
• MS Orchestra - December 14, 2023 @ 7pm
• Winter Concert Assembly - December 22, 2023

Spring Concerts

• MS Band - May 16, 2024 @ 7pm
• MS Chorus - May 9, 2024 @ 7pm
• MS Orchestra - May 14, 2024 @ 7pm
• Spring Concert Assembly - May 17, 2024

All music students in any ensemble at the middle school should be on the look-out for an opportunity to purchase “Manheim Central Music” t-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, blankets, and bags. It is a great chance to support the music program, and represent our groups in the community! The fundraiser will start in November, and gear will arrive in time for Holiday break.