Music
Music is a key part of the culture class offerings at ICS. Along with students' appreciation for music enriched by our music instruction come valuable performance opportunities. Below you'll find an overview of the ICS musical programming throughout the school year.
ICS Band
The Irvington Community School has two bands: a 5th/6th grade band and a 7th/8th grade band. The 5th/6th grade band consists of students that are learning how to play their instruments. At the beginning of the year, these students will learn the building blocks of ensemble music as well as learn their specific instruments. The 7th/8th grade band builds on their previous band experience in both rehearsal and performance etiquette fundamentals. More time is spent on individual parts in order to gain an ensemble sound.
The bands demonstrate their understanding of playing instruments through concerts. This year, the bands will have two concerts, occurring in December and later in the spring. Concerts are held in the ICS gym. Families and friends are encouraged to attend, as this is a great learning opportunity for both the performers and audience.
As well, there is an opportunity for the 7th/8th grade band members to participate in the District Solo/Ensemble Festival held on Jan. 26, 2008. Band members from across our district (District 6, which is comprised of Hancock, Henry, Randolph, Wayne, Fayette, and Union counties) participate in a variety of ways: singing or playing instruments – piano, strings, winds, and percussion – as a solo or an ensemble. (Parents: Please note that this performance requires practice time outside of band class.) And in March 2008, our bands travel to a non-competitive statewide festival (at either Eastside Middle School in Anderson or Zionsville Middle School).
The ICS Band is under the direction of Elizabeth Constantine.
ICS Choir
After a successful first year of offering choir as a class for middle school students, we have expanded! For the 2007-2008 school year, Irvington Community School offers a 5th/6th grade choir and a 7th/8th grade choir. Both meet every other day in the music room, under the direction of Kelly Thomas. Plans for this year include a fall concert, fall variety show, winter concert, solo and ensemble contest, a music festival at Christ Lutheran, a spring concert, and a spring choral banquet. Other than singing, students will also have the opportunity to create music, explore the history of music, and study a musical performance. Parental involvement is greatly appreciated! If you would like to volunteer, or if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Thomas.
5th-8th Grade Variety Show
The 5th-8th Grade Variety Show was such a success last year that it will be returning this fall. Auditions took place in the music room on Oct. 23 and 24, 2007. Students that successfully audition will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The performance will be open to the public on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at 7 p.m. Last year's acts ranged from singing and dancing to a taekwondo routine! All students are encouraged to audition in hopes that this year's performance will be even bigger and better! Again, parental involvement is greatly appreciated. If you would like to volunteer, or if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Thomas.