Music

Clifton Music Department 

The Clifton music program has over 40 years of award-winning history. All beginning and advanced ensembles perform regularly throughout the year, participating in community concerts and adjudicated festivals. The Clifton marching band rehearses after school twice a week and performs in local parades. Our advanced groups travel during the year to participate in local and regional music workshops.  

The Clifton music program is dedicated to encouraging all students, through music, to be the best they can be. We set high musical goals and, using a positive approach, motivate the students to reach those goals.

If you have questions about our program, please send me an e-mail and I will get back to you promptly.

Tim Weed, M.A. Ed.

Music Director Clifton Middle School

 

Music Classes at Clifton Middle School

·      Beginning Orchestra 

·      Beginning Band  

·      Advanced Orchestra 

·      Advanced Band/Marching Band

·      Choir 

 

How to join   

  • All students, including incoming 6th graders, have the option to select a music elective   
  • No prior musical experience is needed to enroll in beginning classes  
  • Instruments are loaned to students free of charge (Renting or owning your own instrument will guarantee that you play the instrument of your choice) 

 

Band Instrument options:

  • flute, clarinet, saxophone
  • trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba
  • percussion (snare/bass drum, bells, cymbals, etc.)

 

Orchestra instrument options:

  • violin
  • viola
  • cello, bass  

 

Why should I join the music program?

Besides the simple fact that you will learn to sing or play a musical instrument and to read music, there are many other strong reasons for anyone to be involved in a music program.  Being in music…

  • Encourages cooperation and teamwork.
  • Adds to self-worth, self-confidence, and pride.
  • Fosters discipline and commitment.
  • Encourages diligence, hard work and a growth mindset!
  • Requires and teaches patience, a rare commodity in our society!
  • May increases students’ academic capability (proven by recent university studies).
  • Contributes to school and community development.

…and being in a music class is fun!

 

Something to consider: This may be the only opportunity that your child will have to learn an instrument, as beginning instrument classes are generally not taught at the high school and college levels. One of the main emphases of our program is to give each student a fundamental knowledge of music. Once this knowledge is attained, students will go on to better appreciate and to understand the music that they hear.

 

FAQs

Do I have to know how to play an instrument already?

  • ABSOLUTELY NOT!  In beginning band and beginning strings, we start from square one. Our students have the opportunity to choose an instrument, learn how to play that instrument, and learn how to read music.

What instrument will I be playing?

  • In the first week, I will demonstrate the various instruments. Students, with guidance, will be able to select from a number of choices. Careful consideration is taken at this point to ensure that students are matched with instruments that they want to play and which are appropriate for them physically.

What if I already play an instrument?

  • Great! Parents, please contact us so that we can arrange a time to hear your child play. If your child is far enough along, he/she may be placed in one of our more advanced groups. You may contact Mr. Weed by email at [email protected].  

Is it true that being involved in music has helped students get into college?

  • ABSOLUTELY!  In fact, many students receive scholarships because of their music. Many overcrowded universities give students who were actively involved in their school’s music program a noticeable edge over other students. They have found that students who have participated in music programs tend to be more creative, harder working, dependable, and add more to their school.