The Phoenix Middle School Music program offers students the opportunity to develop higher level thinking skills and problem solving while learning about responsibility and teamwork. Our music students learn music from a variety of cultures and perform in concerts, festivals, assemblies, parades and more.

Music Classes
• Teacher Julie Ropers-Rosendahl

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade general music focuses on vocal health and singing technique, music literacy, and beginning drumming. Students work to perform music as independent members of a team while exploring musical concepts.

Seventh and Eighth grade:

Seventh and eighth grade General Music shifts to a more exclusively instrumental curriculum. Building on knowledge acquired in 6th grade, students work on their music-reading skills and performance skills using the piano as a medium. Students who are interested in continuing their vocal music study are encouraged to sign up for the Phoenix Choir.

Orchestra Program Description
• Director Jennifer Bayerl

Phoenix Orchestra students develop skills with the violin, viola, cello and double bass. Although most students begin playing in elementary school, it’s not too late. Beginners are welcome in middle school, as well. Students are members of either the sixth grade Legato Orchestra or the seventh and eighth grade Allegro Orchestra and rehearse every other day. We are exceedingly proud to offer this option for students as many of our neighboring schools do not offer Orchestra. We live in a state with several major symphony orchestras, two nationwide leading youth symphonies and innumerable outstanding college, community and other orchestral ensembles. 

Late beginners who wish to start on an instrument in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade are more than welcome to join the orchestra.

Band Program Description
• Director Mark Butzow

There are three performing bands at Phoenix Middle School — Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Eighth Grade Jazz Ensemble. Concert Band membership is for students who are starting or have completed one year on their instrument. Wind Ensemble membership is for seventh and eighth grade students who have completed at least two years on their instrument. Eighth Grade Jazz Ensemble is open for any eighth grade band student who successfully passes an audition. Each band meets every other day and all band students attend one small group lesson per week.

Late beginners who wish to start on an instrument in sixth, seventh or eighth grade are more than welcome to participate and start learning instrumental music.

Vocal Music Program Description
• Director Julie Ropers-Rosendahl

The Phoenix Middle School Choral Program is open to all Phoenix students, including students with no previous choral experience. If students enjoy singing, or would even just like to learn how to sing better, there is a place for them in choir. In addition to concerts, the choir sings at such events as the Phoenix Middle School holiday concert, the Veterans Day ceremony and others.