Urbana Middle School's music experience develops self-expression and aesthetic awareness while preparing students for a lifetime of continued learning and apreciation. Music workshop focuses on the role of the student as listener and creator in a musical environment. The performing music curriculum facilitates students' maximum involvement in music, offering students the opportunity to enrich their lives through participation in a variety of performing groups.
In sixth grade, students may choose to participate in a performing group (band, orchestra, or chorus) for a full year or music workshop. In seventh and eighth grade, students may elect to continue performing in band, orchestra or chorus. All performance groups have required evening and weekend performances for concerts, contests, and rehearsals.
Music instruction and extracurricular opportunities at Urbana MIddle School meet the needs of all pupils, from beginning students to those with a high level of ability.

Sixth Grade Music Workshop: Six-Week Rotation

This class is designed for students interested in learning the different aspects of music. A variety of music will be explored and most work is completed in class.

Sixth Grade Orchestra and Band: Full Year

These performance groups meet every day for the full year. Students who have never played an instrument may take beginning band or orchestra. Beginning band students may start on clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. Beginning orchestra students may start on violin, viola, or cello. All instrumental students are responsible for providing their own instruments. Those who began an instrument in elementary school will be placed in intermediate band or orchestra. Students who select these classes must be able to work well in a large group setting. Student attendance is expected at the scheduled performances outside the school day.

Sixth Grade Chorus: Full Year

This class is designed for students interested in singing a wide variety of music and who want to be part of a performance oriented group. Several programs are given in the community and school each year. Emphasis is placed on choral blend, music reading, understanding the voice and music fundamentals. Learning to work together as a group and gaining poise and confidence in social skills are choir goals. Students are required to sing to the best of their ability as singing and participating is a major part of the grade for the class. There are required after school, evening and weekend performances.

Seventh/Eighth Grade Orchestra and Band: Full Year Elective

(Participation in band and orchestra is divided by grade level: 7th and 8th grade students meet at different times.)
These classes offer group instruction for students who have received previous training on a band or string instrument. Emphasis is placed on playing standard literature, how to practice and rehearse, improvement of performance skills, and music reading. Some small ensembles and soloists work independently and perform in a contest. There are required after-school, evening, and weekend performances and rehearsals. Students who select these classes must be able to work well in large group settings.

Seventh/Eighth Grade Chorus: Full Year Elective

(Participation in chorus is divided by grade level: 7th and 8th grade students meet at different times.)
These classes are designed for students who are interested in singing a wide variety of music and who want to be a part of a performance-oriented group. Several programs are given in the community and school each year. Emphasis is placed on choral blend, solo and ensemble singing, and music reading. Learning to work together and gaining poise and confidence in social skills are choir goals. There are required after-school, evening, and weekend performances.

Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Concert Band and Concert Orchestra: Full Year Co-Curricular Activity

These are performing groups for advanced music students. Members of the two groups are chosen by audition in the early fall. Students must be enrolled in band or string class to audition and participate. Both groups meet before school on alternating days. Parents are responsible for transportation to rehearsal. Acceptance into the concert level group automatically commits students to rehearsals and performances outside the school day, evening and weekend concerts, contests, and festivals.