Monroe County Community School Corporation JACKSON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME OF THE JAGUARS 3980 South Sare Road Bloomington, IN 47401 Telephone (812) 330-2451 Fax (812)330-2457 Mr. David Pillar, Principal Mr. Greg Weimer, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kristin Poage, Assistant Principal Mr. David A. Terwilliger, Guidance Counselor Mr. Matthew Stanley, Guidance Counselor Ms. Deidra Larche, Social Worker 2016-2017 Grade 8 Course Selection Information Informational Letter to Parents/Guardians (Please keep.) Course Descriptions (Please keep.) Course Selection Sheet (This sheet must be detached from the back of the packet and returned to Jackson Creek Middle School.) Music Information Sheet (This sheet must be detached from the packet and returned with the course selection sheet for all students requesting Band, Mixed Choir, or Orchestra.) Monroe County Community School Corporation Jackson Creek Middle School 3980 South Sare Road Bloomington, IN 47401 Telephone (812) 330-2451 Fax (812)330-2457 Mr. David Pillar, Principal Mr. Greg Weimer, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kristin Poage, Assistant Principal Mr. David A. Terwilliger, Guidance Counselor Mr. Matthew Stanley, Guidance Counselor Ms. Deidra Larche, Social Worker January 4, 2016 Dear Parents/Guardians, Welcome to Jackson Creek Middle School! It is the purpose of this letter and the packet that follows to help you understand important information concerning academic planning for your child at JCMS. Your child has received this packet to help you decide what courses to enroll him/her in next year. Your child will be enrolling in seven (7) courses. Five (5) of the courses are required by the State of Indiana, and two of the courses are elective courses. Students may not skip levels of World Languages. Students must begin with Level 1 for any World Language. The five (5) required courses are as follows: (See Course Descriptions for more information.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Language Arts Science Social Studies Mathematics Grade 8 Exploratory Grade 8 – 1 semester PE and Health, one semester Technology or Project Lead the Way Every attempt will be made to place your child in their first elective choice. However, scheduling conflicts, lack of space and teacher changes may prevent a 1st choice from being fulfilled. Placement in a mathematics course is determined by middle school teachers based on test results and prior teacher recommendation. All advanced middle school math placements must be coordinated and approved through the MCCSC High Ability Office. Online courses for credit or placement cannot be accepted. Mathematics courses are sequential. Students will not be permitted to skip Algebra and move directly into Geometry Honors. Your child will be taking a placement test in the late spring of 2016. The levels of mathematics are as follows: Standard Mathematics Grade 8 Advanced Math Grade 8 Accelerated Learning Program - Algebra 1-2 Grades 7/8 Accelerated Learning Program - Geometry Grades 7/8 There are multiple sections of Standard Mathematics Grade 8, Advanced Math Grade 8 offered because of the number of students enrolled in those courses. The MCCSC’s automated scheduling program will try to place your child in a section that does not conflict with the elective choice. OVER>> Courses in Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies are teamed in a block and offered at two levels of placement. The levels are as follows: Accelerated Learning Program – Grade 8 Humanities (Language Arts & Social Studies) & Advanced Science All Accelerated Learning Program placements are determined by acceptance into the ALPs program through the formal application program. Please direct all questions regarding ALPs placement to Mrs. Kim Williams at (812) 330-7700. Standard Grade 8 Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies The automated computer program randomly places all of the students in a team that is composed of Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies classes. The only students who are hand-scheduled to teams are as follows: Special Education & ELL (English Language Learners) students who are following an Individualized Education Plan as per federal and state law. Qualified ALPs students who are accepted in the district’s gifted and talented program. Most 8th graders eat lunch with their peers every day. They will have time to be with their friends during this time. The size of the 2016-2017 Grade 8 class is going to be approximately 280 students. Please keep in mind that there are so many sections of courses that it makes it impossible to hand-schedule students with their friends and/or specific teachers. Thank you in advance for your understanding of this situation. The JCMS staff is looking forward to a successful year with your child as part of Team JCMS. Please contact a JCMS Guidance Counselor at 330-2451 with any questions and/or concerns you might have. Thank you! Sincerely, David Pillar Mr. David Pillar Principal Jackson Creek Middle School Courses PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Physical Education / Health Grade 7 - 8 One semester This is a required course which will continue to involve students in activities which emphasize the importance of physical conditioning, physical fitness, and lifelong leisure skills. Students will learn the rules, basic skills, game strategies, sportsmanship, proper etiquette, and teamwork while participating in each unit of study. No matter what the student ability level is at the beginning of a unit, the students are encouraged to do their best to achieve continuous improvement. The health component will include units such as wellness and the body systems; alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse; communicable and noncommunicable diseases; and safety and first aid. PERSONAL FITNESS Grade 8 One semester This elective course is designed to provide students with the tools and support needed to make positive, life-long changes for an active lifestyle. The focus will be in the areas of nutrition, basic fitness, body toning, and cardiovascular fitness. Individual programs will be set up to meet each student’s specific needs, and every student will track their own progress. All fitness levels are welcome. NOTE: This is strictly a personal fitness course…not a game or sports class. BUSINESS AND PRACTICAL ARTS TECHNOLOGY- GRADE 8 REQUIRED-To fulfill the grade 8 Technology requirement students must choose either Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Engineering *or Business and Information Technology* *Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Engineering Grade 8 One semester In this rigorous semester long course students will experience the foundation units of automation and robotics and design and modeling. In the Design and Modeling unit students will apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions. In the Automation and Robotics unit students will trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics platform to design, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. The Students will use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs. *Business and Information Technology: Technology Grade 8 One semester This semester-long technology course focuses on digital citizenship, keyboarding, and computer applications. Digital citizenship includes cyber safety and making good online decisions. In keyboarding, students learn the proper touch typing method to enhance their speed and accuracy using a web-based program. For computer applications, students gain knowledge of the World Wide Web and application software including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation/multimedia. This class is hands-on and includes practice and projects! Technology is everywhere and this course gives students a glimpse of its real world use. Family and Consumer Science Grade 8 One semester This elective course is a project-based class that offers students learning experiences in the areas of nutrition and wellness, textiles & fashion, child development, and relationships. This course is designed to help students develop life skills for managing everyday life. Eighth grade FACS students will learn proper cooking and preparation techniques related to foods, explore healthy diets, have the opportunity to explore sewing construction techniques, and understand how children develop and proper techniques for caring for a young child. There will be hands-on projects in each area of study and students will have the opportunity to work individually and explore teamwork while working on cooperative group activities. LANGUAGE ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Language Arts Grade 8 Two semesters This required course will expose students to the various components of language arts. The primary focus will be on major skills such as speech, composition, spelling, vocabulary, and the various genres of literature. Major emphasis will be placed on grammar with respect to usage and mechanics, and developing compositions utilizing the writing process. Humanities Accelerated Learning Program (ALPS) Grade 8 Two Semesters Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program. This interdisciplinary course replaces the standard required Language Arts course. The Language Arts Humanities students will be enrolled in the Social Studies Humanities course also. This course will continue to expose students to the various components of language arts. Points of major emphasis in this course include a survey of American literature, speech and presentation skills, drama, and interdisciplinary activities in association with the social studies component of Humanities. SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Social Studies Grade 8 Two semesters This required course is a survey course which focuses on United States history, with emphasis on the period from discovery and exploration through Reconstruction. In addition to the standard specific social studies skills, students will be extensively exposed to research, presentation, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in the context of United States history. Humanities (ALPS) Grade 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program. This interdisciplinary course replaces the standard required social studies course The Social Studies Humanities students will be enrolled in the Language Arts Humanities course also. This course is a topical course which includes several seminars on United States history. In addition to a survey of United States history, the topics covered are government and ethics, immigration, protest and dissent, and popular culture. This course emphasizes student directed learning, participatory activities, critical and creative thinking skills, independent reading, and creative writing. SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Science Grade 8 Two semesters This required course covers Physical Science (Studying Materials, Chemistry), Life Science (Genetics, Evolution) and Earth Science (Weather & Atmosphere). Hands-on activities help students learn to be good citizens through understanding the impact of science in their lives and the impact of their choices on the environment. 5 Science Accelerated (ALPS) Grade 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program. This required course covers Physical Science (Studying Materials, Chemistry), Life Science (Genetics, Evolution) and Earth Science (Weather & Atmosphere). Hands-on activities help students learn to be good citizens through understanding the impact of science in their lives and the impact of their choices on the environment. Additional units of study selected by students (Ex: astronomy and inherited diseases) will be incorporated into this course. MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS All advanced middle school math placements must be coordinated and approved through the MCCSC High Ability Office. Online courses for credit or placement cannot be accepted. Mathematics courses are sequential. Students will not be permitted to skip Algebra and move directly into Geometry Honors. Standard Mathematics 8 Grade 8 Two semesters In this required course students use rational numbers, irrational numbers, exponents, powers, roots, ratios, proportions, and percentages. They solve simple linear equations and inequalities; graph functions and understand the concepts of slope and rate; construct shapes that meet given conditions and apply geometric concepts to solve problems; convert between units of measure and use rates and scale factors to solve problems; collect, organize, represent, and interpret relationships in data sets that have one or more variables; make decisions about how to solve problems and communicate their ideas. Advanced Math 8 Grade 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Prognostic test scores, teacher recommendation, or a combination of both. This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. This course emphasizes exponents, square-roots, irrational numbers, and applications for simple equations and inequalities with rational numbers. Students will also be introduced to factoring, notations, manipulations, and problem-solving techniques necessary for success in Algebra at the high school level. Algebra I Grade 7 - 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Prognostic test scores, teacher recommendation, or a combination of both. This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. Topics in this course include operations with exponents, radicals, and variable expressions; solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities; relations and functions; pairs of linear equations and inequalities; factoring polynomials; algebraic fractions; quadratic, cubic, and radical equations; and mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Students taking this course may choose to obtain high school credit for it. This course may be organized in a 6th/7th/8th grade combination format. Geometry Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program. This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. This rigorous course is for students who successfully completed Algebra I in the 7th grade. This course consists of a study of the undefined terms, the axioms, and the theorems of Euclidean geometry. Emphasis is placed on understanding the deductive processes involved in proofs, numerical and algebraic exercises and geometric constructions. The topics covered include inductive and deductive reasoning, triangles, perpendicular and parallel lines, constructions, area, the Pythagorean Theorem, circles and area, loci, and similar and regular polygons. Students taking this course have the option of choosing to obtain high school credit for it. This course is organized in a 7th/8th grade combination format. FINE ARTS DESCRIPTIONS Exploring Music Grade 7 – 8 One semester This elective course helps to fulfill the State of Indiana’s fine arts curriculum requirement. This course explores the connection between music and video technology including MIDI basics, computers and digital sampling, synthesis, the physics of sound, multi-track recording, sound system basics, and piano keyboard skills. A major outcome of this course will be each student’s creation of a 60 minute CD using music technology. Exploring Music II Grade 7-8 One semester (repeatable) This elective course helps to fulfill the State of Indiana fine arts curriculum requirement. This course expands the knowledge of music technology learned in Exploring Music I. Multi-track music recording software is used to record live instruments and voice. Students learn to use electronic music software extensively. Students repeating the course will learn live and studio music production more extensively and will produce and record live music events at school. Video Production/Jackson Creek TV Grade 8 One Semester (Repeatable) In this elective class students in the Video Production/ Jackson Creek TV class will learn to plan, film, edit and publish video. Students will create newscasts, as well as public service announcements and short creative films. A variety of video, music and digital art software will be learned and utilized to create videos. Band Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Placement determined by instructor. Elective Band is explored through the study of performance fundamentals on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument as a soloist, in small ensembles, and with the full band. Placement in a specific band class will be determined by a student’s musical background and ability. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome. Regular at-home practice is encouraged. Each class performs 2-4 concerts per year with the possibility of performing at annual ISSMA Festivals. Instruments, books, and supplies may be obtained through local music stores. Instruments, not available through the local music stores, may be rented through the school’s music department. Full or partial scholarships for instrument rental are available on a limited basis. Students are required to enroll in band, choir or Orchestra to participate in the extra-curricular Jazz Band or Rock Band. Band – designed for students who want to start playing a band instrument and for those with some experience. No experience necessary. Concert Band – designed for students who excel in playing their band instruments, read music well and have significant experience playing in ensembles, large and small. Choir – Beginning / Advanced Grades 7-8 Two Semesters Prerequisite: Placement determined by instructor. In this elective students develop musicianship and specific performance skills through ensemble and solo singing in a mixed choir. Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to integrate music study into other subject areas. Classes provide instruction in creating, performing, conducting, listening to, and analyzing, in addition to focusing on the specific subject matter. Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer’s intent in order to connect the performer with the audience. A limited amount of time, outside the school day, may be scheduled for dress rehearsal and viewing of performances by 6 professionals. Students must participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom. A fee of $20.00 will be collected for purchase of part of a costume and shoes. Part of the costume will be provided. We do a fundraiser to purchase music, props, pay for outfits, choreography, and computer software/hardware. As a part of the curriculum assignments will be written every semester. Orchestra Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters Elective Orchestra is explored through the study of the fundamentals of performance on an orchestral stringed instrument - the violin, the viola, the cello, or the bass - as a soloist, in small ensembles and with the full string orchestra. Regular at-home practice is encouraged. Each class performs at least 4-6 concerts per year with the possibility of performing at the annual ISSMA Festivals. Instruments and supplies may be obtained through local music stores. Cellos and basses may be rented through the school’s music department. Arts and Artists Grade 7 – 8 One semester (repeatable) In this elective course students will be assessed by a rubric measuring: Elements & Principles of Art, Content Connection, Tool Competency, Care & Craftsmanship, and Class Citizenship. In any project, I look to see your “personal voice”—I want to see your personality shine in your artwork. You will be responsible for one independent sketchbook entry every other week. These sketchbooks build technical skill and creative thinking throughout the semester. By the end of each semester, you will have technical art skills, know artists names and their contributions to societies, and begin to develop a personal artistic style. Art and Artist I This elective course will focus on giving experience with a variety of materials and processes. We will look at art movements and genres throughout the world, past and present. By doing so, the class will learn about historical eras, cultures, careers, and even ourselves! Projects will alternate between short (1-3 day) projects and long (8-10 day) projects. Art & Artists II Prerequisite: Art and Artist I This elective course will focus on giving experience with a variety of materials and processes, with opportunities to use media of choice to fulfill assignments. The class will continue to look at art movements and genres throughout the world, past and present. By doing so, we will draw inspiration for personal artwork from historical eras and cultures. Projects will focus more on artistic rigor and will alternate between short (4-7 day) projects and long (8-15 day) projects. Digital Design Grade 7-8 One semester (repeatable) This elective course will look at art movements and art genres to evaluate the impact fine arts have on digital design and marketing. By doing so, we will learn about eras, cultures, careers, and even ourselves. You will be assessed by a rubric measuring: Elements and Principles of Art, Content Connection, Tool Competency, Effort/Craftsmanship and Class Citizenship. The class will alternate between short projects and long projects. The short projects are to build skill and familiarity with computer tools; the long projects are to show off your innovation and creativity. In any project, I look to see your “personal voice”—I want to see your personality shine in your artwork! Digital Design I This elective course is held in the JCMS Digital Arts & Design Computer Lab. This course will focus on giving students experience largely with GIMP, an image creation and photo editing program. Digital Design 1 is designed with beginners in mind but projects will challenge students of all skills. By the end of this semester, students will have technical art and design skills, know artists names and marketing strategies, and developed your personal artistic style. Digital Design II Prerequisite: Digital Design I This elective course is held in the JCMS Digital Arts & Design Computer Lab. This course will focus on giving students more experience GIMP and will introduce programs FOTOR, Blender and Synfig. Digital Design 2 is designed with intermediate and advanced students in mind. By the end of this semester, students will have technical art and design skills, know designers and animators’ names as well as marketing strategies. The class will further develop students’ personal artistic style and push the concept of originality in image generation. WORLD LANGUAGE – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Students will have the option to receive one year (2 credits) of high school World Language credits upon earning a B or better for each of the two semesters. If the student opts to receive high school credits, the level of course and grade that is completed will be recorded on the high school transcript. French I Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program. Successful completion in this particular middle school world language course is the equivalent of completing Level I in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school French language student. This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the French language. French II Grade 8 Prerequisite: French I Two semesters This elective world language course is the second year of study in a rigorous middle school program. Successful completion in this particular middle school world language course is the equivalent of completing Level II in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school French language student This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a foreign language. Spanish I Grade 7 - 8 Two semesters This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program designed to prepare students to enter Level II of the Spanish language program. Successful completion in this particular middle school foreign language course is the equivalent of completing Level I in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school Spanish student. This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. in the Spanish language. Students will be required to interact in the target language, using dialogues, skits, and presentations. This is a course that will require daily practice and study. Spanish II Prerequisite: Spanish I Grade 8 Two semesters This elective Spanish language course is the second year of study in a rigorous middle school program. Successful completion in this particular middle school foreign language course is the equivalent of completing Level II in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school foreign language student. This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a foreign language. Students will be required to interact in the target language, using dialogues, skits, and presentations. This is a course that will require daily practice and study. 7 Chinese I Grade 7-8 Two semesters This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program designed to prepare students to enter the Chinese Language program at Level II. This course will introduce students to effective strategies for beginning Chinese language learning. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking, writing, to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address. Students will participate in brief guided conversations, write simple sentences using characters and develop reading and listening comprehension skills. Students will examine the practices, products and perspectives of Chinese-speaking culture. This course further emphasizes making connections across content areas. Chinese II Grade 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Chinese I This elective world language course is the second year of study in a rigorous middle school program designed to prepare students to enter the Chinese Language program at Level III. This course will continue to introduce students to effective strategies for beginning Chinese language learning and encourages interpersonal communication through speaking, writing, to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address. Students will participate in brief guided conversations, write simple sentences using characters and develop reading and listening comprehension skills. Students will examine the practices, products and perspectives of Chinese-speaking culture. SPECIAL PROGRAMS – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS English as a New Language Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Students attending schools in the United States for less than 3 years or referral by counselor. This course provides students with instructions in English that will improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on helping students learn to independently function in an English speaking school. Peer Tutoring Grade 8 One semester (repeatable) Prerequisite: Approval of the Community Based teacher. This semester long elective is designed to provide opportunities to work with students with significant disabilities. Peer tutors will work with students on such skills as: using money, vocabulary building, social interaction (such as turn taking and playing games), common household skills, and basic job skills. This will allow peer tutors to have an opportunity to develop acquaintances and friendships with students in our Community Based program. Peer tutors should be positive and dependable role models of typical middle school behaviors. Depending on scheduling, you may accompany students to other classes, such as Adapted P.E., art, choir, etc. This course is limited to a maximum of two peer tutors per period. Skill Development I/II (Academic Lab) Grade 7 – 8 One semester This semester long elective is intended to provide students an opportunity to accomplish assignments during the school day. Students in good standing may be offered the opportunity to become Office or Library Aids. No grades are recorded. Skill Development (Academic Lab Leap) Grade 7 – 8 Two semesters Prerequisite: Students placed on student need, ISTEP results or Annual Case Review recommendations. This year long required course is intended to provide the opportunity for JCMS Academic Interventionists to work with individuals and small groups on academic areas of weakness identified utilizing standardized tests, classroom work or Individual Education Plans (IEP) as determined by the Annual Case Review. No grades are recorded. 8 JACKSON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE COURSE ENROLLMENT SHEET (2016-17) 1. Using the course descriptions (page 5) circle the Technology course you prefer to take Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Engineering Business and Information Technology: Technology 2. Using the course descriptions as your guide: a. Please circle 4 elective choices from the list below b. If you have a strong course preference please rate them #1 - #4 to the right of your circle. c. Preferences cannot be guaranteed. Band Art and Artist I Choir Art and Artist II Orchestra Digital Design I Spanish I Digital Design II Spanish II Exploring Music I French I Exploring Music II French II Video Production/JC TV Chinese I Chinese II Academic Lab* II English as a New Language Peer Tutoring I Personal Fitness Peer Tutoring II EXAMPLE 3. Academic Lab * I Family Consumer Science #1 Please provide us with 2 additional classes for alternates. 1. 2. *Some students may be required to take an Academic Lab to receive academic assistance or remediation if they failed sections of the ISTEP or if determined by special education case conference committee.* Note: Students may not enroll in two performance based music courses (Band, Choir, or Orchestra) or two World Language courses (Spanish, French, Chinese) Note: Students will be placed in the appropriate level of band (beginning or concert) depending upon experience and ability. Student Name (Print): Student Signature: Parent Name (Print): Parent’s Signature: Home Phone: Home Address: Cell Phone: Work Phone: Current School: Please sign this sheet and return it to your teacher by Friday, January 15, 2016. Your teachers will return the sheets to JCMS Guidance office. After this deadline, this sheet is due as soon as possible to the JCMS Guidance Office. Elective requests not returned will be completed by the JCMS Guidance Department. For clarification contact David Terwilliger (8th) or Matt Stanley (7th) at 330-2451. 9 10 JACKSON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL “2016-16” MUSIC INFORMATION SHEET BAND…MIXED CHOIR…ORCHESTRA Music at Jackson Creek Middle School is a great way to develop that hidden talent, express your creativity, make new friends, and have fun doing it! Band, Mixed Choir, and Orchestra meet five days a week during the school day for the entire year. Can I join Band, Mixed Choir, or Orchestra if I have never played an instrument or sung in a choir before? Yes! The instructors will teach you everything you need to know. Can I participate in sports, cheerleading, etc., and still be in band, mixed choir, or orchestra? Yes! The schedules for these activities do not conflict. Please return this sheet with your 2016-17 Course Enrollment Sheet. Student’s Name (Birth Name): (last name) (first name) Present School: Parent’s Name: (last name) Home Phone: (first name/s) Work Phone: Please indicate the student’s music choice from the “Course Enrollment Sheet” below. See the Course Description Guide for help in choosing the appropriate course. Band Choir Orchestra Below, neatly list all formal, organized musical experiences you have had, indicating the length of time for each. Be sure to include private lessons and ensembles, in and out of school, both vocal and instrumental. 11 12