Program Overview

Music education includes both performance based courses and introductory courses in the areas of percussion and keyboarding.  Performance opportunities exist for students who elect Band and Chorus.  Music Education is a hands-on experience that focuses on the basic elements of music. Students will learn basic components of percussion and/or piano keyboarding.  In addition, students in Grades 7 and 8 band may audition for Jazz Band.  Students will also participate and compete in choral festivals outside the school.  Students must be members in good standing of the eighth grade choral program.

Please note the dress code for Chorus and Band performances, as well as other information regarding our music courses, programs, and performing groups, can be found at the following link: https://sites.google.com/danvers.org/hrmsmusic/home

Course Overview

Grade 6Band & ChorusAll year; class meets every other day
Grade 7Band & ChorusAll year; class meets every other day
Jazz BandAll year; class meets every other day
Grade 8Band & ChorusAll year; class meets every other day
Jazz Band (*by audition only)All year; class meets every other day
Grades 6-8Music EducationOne trimester, class meets every other day

Staff

Mrs. Carrie Evanchik joined the HRMS team as Director of Choruses in 2014. She previously taught chorus and general music in Saugus and Everett. The goal for HRMS Chorus and music students is to leave the class with a love of making music, and the tools to do so independently. This is accomplished through the use of hand sign solfege, the incorporation of music in a wide variety of styles and genres, and a multisensory approach to musical discovery and creation. Outside of HRMS, Ms. Evanchik is an active professional musician. She was the winner of the 2013 NATS Boston Song and Aria Festival, as well as the 2013 NATS Musical Theatre festival, and continues to study voice privately. Ms Evanchik has been seen in local productions of Into the Woods, The Secret Garden and Les Miserables, and can be heard on a variety of video game soundtracks and commercials as part of the recording choir “Vox Futura”.

Mr. Andrew Arnold joined the HRMS team as Director of Bands in September 2016. He previously taught music in the Newton and Woburn Public Schools, and was the music director for the Clark School, which included acting as Bands Director.  His musical experience outside of HRMS includes membership with the Charles River Wind Ensemble, Gordon College’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra, the New England Intercollegiate Band, and as a guest conductor and player in the Ipswich Community Band.