Music at River Bluff
Music at River Bluff
At River Bluff Middle School, band, choir, and orchestra electives are available to all 6-8th grade students. Ensembles meet every other day for large group instruction to work on music of various genres. Additionally, students have a small group lesson every other week to focus on instrument/voice specific skills. All instruction occurs during the school day. To showcase learning, each ensemble gives two to three evening concerts a year. In addition to in-class learning, each ensemble participates in at least one field trip per year which may include performing at local nursing homes, and attending a professional concert or music clinic.
Use the menu to the left to explore each of the three music ensembles available at River Bluff Middle School. Students are able to and encouraged to take multiple ensembles.
Please reach out to a River Bluff music teacher if you have additional questions.
Instrumental Music
In Band, students may choose to play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion.
In Orchestra, instrument options include violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
School instrument rentals are available and every student will have access to an instrument. Please visit the specific band and orchestra pages for more information on obtaining an instrument and needed supplies.
Double Music, Double the Fun!
River Bluff students are welcome to participate in multiple music courses. In 6th grade, you can join Orchestra, Choir, or Band. You can take one, two, or all three of these ensembles.
In 7th and 8th grade, students are able to choose to participate in Band, Orchestra, Choir and Exploring Songwriting.
If you have any questions about enrolling in multiple music courses, please reach out to the music staff.
Erika Meyer, Orchestra
Chris Powers, Choir
Bailey Dean, Band
Extracurricular Ensembles
In addition to curricular course offerings, there are many extracurricular music activities students can be involved in at River Bluff:
- Valhalla Singers (auditioned 6-8th grade choir ensemble)
- River Bluff Musical (Open to all middle school students. Opportunities to be in the cast or on tech crew.)
- Victorian Holiday Orchestra
- Fiddle/Folk Orchestra
- Syttende Mai Orchestra and Marching Band Performances
- Honor Music Ensembles/Music Clinics
- Chamber Ensembles
- Jazz Band
General Music
Besides ensemble course offerings, several general music classes are run each year. All 6th grade students participate in a 6 week music class as part of the related arts rotation. In this class, students focus on basic musical elements including rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and melody to perform music and create compositions. Units of study include bucket drumming, keyboard, guitar, and music history. 7th and 8th grade students may elect to take a keyboard/guitar class. This course dives into the basics of playing each instrument and allows students to explore various songs while gaining technical playing skills.