Questions About Connections
What is a “connections” class?
Connections classes are different from academics. They include…
MUSIC: Band, Orchestra, Chorus
Physical Education (“PE”)
S.T.E.M. (learning how to engineer using computer technology)
Art
How long will I be in connections classes for?
Music classes are year-long classes. That means you are enrolled in that class from the first day of school until the last day of school no matter what. You cannot decide to leave a music class in the middle of the year.
All other connections classes are semester-long classes. This means you are in that class for half of the school year. Each school year consists of the “fall semester” (August to December) and the “Spring Semester” (January to May).
How many connections classes do I get to take?
You can take 2 connections classes at once (2 class periods per day). If you choose a music class, that means you will take 3 connections TOTAL that year. All students are required to take PE for one semester per year unless you are in 2 music classes.
Here are a few examples of how your 6th grade year MAY look like for connections:
Connections classes are different from academics. They include…
MUSIC: Band, Orchestra, Chorus
Physical Education (“PE”)
S.T.E.M. (learning how to engineer using computer technology)
Art
How long will I be in connections classes for?
Music classes are year-long classes. That means you are enrolled in that class from the first day of school until the last day of school no matter what. You cannot decide to leave a music class in the middle of the year.
All other connections classes are semester-long classes. This means you are in that class for half of the school year. Each school year consists of the “fall semester” (August to December) and the “Spring Semester” (January to May).
How many connections classes do I get to take?
You can take 2 connections classes at once (2 class periods per day). If you choose a music class, that means you will take 3 connections TOTAL that year. All students are required to take PE for one semester per year unless you are in 2 music classes.
Here are a few examples of how your 6th grade year MAY look like for connections:
When do I decide which connections I take?
During the first week of school, you will get to visit all the connections classes and you will make your decision at the end of that week.
Can I take other connections like Art, STEM, and PE this year and join a music class next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class. You cannot join a music class in 7th grade or 8th grade, you can only continue in chorus from 6th grade.
Can I take one music class this year and “transfer” into another music class next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class.
Can I take more than one music class?
Yes! You can take one instrumental class (band/orch) plus chorus. You cannot take 2 instrumental classes.
Taking 2 music classes is a big commitment, but definitely do-able! We make sure that concerts or events are not on the same nights. Taking 2 music classes means that you sacrifice being in PE / art / STEM because your music classes will take up your connections for the year (but there is always next year!).
What if I want to take 2 music classes, but I also want to do art/PE/STEM?
You can only join a music class in 6th grade. You cannot start a music class in 7th or 8th grade. So that you do not regret giving up the chance to the 2 music classes you want to take, I would recommend that you take both music classes in 6th grade, and narrow it down to one music class in 7th grade, so that you can take the other connections you want. This requires some sacrifice and patience, but at least you don’t miss out on the opportunity!
When do I decide which connections I take?
During the first week of school, you will get to visit all the connections classes and you will make your decision at the end of that week.
How many connections classes do I get to take?
You can take 2 connections classes at once. When you join a music class, you are in it for the whole year. All other classes last a semester. If you choose a music class, that means you will take 3 connections TOTAL that year. All students are required to take PE for one semester per year unless you are in 2 music classes.
Can I take other connections this year and join chorus next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class. You cannot join chorus is 7th grade or 8th grade, you can only continue in chorus from 6th grade.
Can I take more than one music class?
Yes, but this means that you sacrifice being in PE / art / STEM because your music classes will take up your connections for the year (but there is always next year!). Taking 2 music classes is a big commitment, but definitely do-able!
What if I want to take 2 music classes, but I also want to do art/PE/STEM?
You can only join a music class in 6th grade. You cannot start a music class in 7th or 8th grade. So that you do not regret giving up the chance to the 2 music classes you want to take, I would recommend that you take both in 6th grade, and narrow it down to one music class in 7th grade, so that you can take the other connections you want.
Can I take band/orchestra this year and switch into chorus next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class.
During the first week of school, you will get to visit all the connections classes and you will make your decision at the end of that week.
How many connections classes do I get to take?
You can take 2 connections classes at once. When you join a music class, you are in it for the whole year. All other classes last a semester. If you choose a music class, that means you will take 3 connections TOTAL that year. All students are required to take PE for one semester per year unless you are in 2 music classes.
Can I take other connections this year and join chorus next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class. You cannot join chorus is 7th grade or 8th grade, you can only continue in chorus from 6th grade.
Can I take more than one music class?
Yes, but this means that you sacrifice being in PE / art / STEM because your music classes will take up your connections for the year (but there is always next year!). Taking 2 music classes is a big commitment, but definitely do-able!
What if I want to take 2 music classes, but I also want to do art/PE/STEM?
You can only join a music class in 6th grade. You cannot start a music class in 7th or 8th grade. So that you do not regret giving up the chance to the 2 music classes you want to take, I would recommend that you take both in 6th grade, and narrow it down to one music class in 7th grade, so that you can take the other connections you want.
Can I take band/orchestra this year and switch into chorus next year?
No. 6th grade is the only time when you can start a music class.
Questions About Chorus
What is the purpose of chorus?
Our mission is to become well-rounded musicians and members of our community by developing both individual and ensemble musicianship skills, an appreciation for the fine arts, and strong personal character.
Do I have to audition?
Nope! There are no requirements to join chorus!
What if I can't sing?
There is no such thing as "can't sing"! EVERYONE CAN BE TAUGHT TO SING! You do not need to be a singing superstar to join chorus. We work together to improve our voices no matter what kind of voice you were given.
When would I go to chorus class?
Every day for either 6th or 7th period. You would be in chorus for the entire year.
Who else will be in my class?
Only 6th graders. Other guys and girls will be mixed into the same class. Once you are in 7th and 8th grade - we have 2 separate classes for the guys and girls, which creates the women's chorus and the men's chorus! How cool is that?!
What does your average day in chorus look like?
We typically: warm up our bodies, warm up our voices, learn how to read notes, learn how to read rhythms, practice solfege, rehearse our music for upcoming performances, and we may do other activities to help us bond and have fun!
Do we put on performances?
Yes! A few a year. Some here at Simpson, some at Lassiter Concert Hall.
Will I be forced to sing by myself in front of others?
NO! Not unless you want to (like an optional solo).
What other opportunities are available to me through chorus?
Solos and talent share! In 7th and 8th grade, there is Honor Chorus and All-State Chorus as well. Not to mention, DISNEY WORLD in 8th grade if you stay in chorus all 3 years!
What kind of music will we sing?
Short answer: a little bit of EVERYTHING - even pop!
Our mission is to become well-rounded musicians and members of our community by developing both individual and ensemble musicianship skills, an appreciation for the fine arts, and strong personal character.
Do I have to audition?
Nope! There are no requirements to join chorus!
What if I can't sing?
There is no such thing as "can't sing"! EVERYONE CAN BE TAUGHT TO SING! You do not need to be a singing superstar to join chorus. We work together to improve our voices no matter what kind of voice you were given.
When would I go to chorus class?
Every day for either 6th or 7th period. You would be in chorus for the entire year.
Who else will be in my class?
Only 6th graders. Other guys and girls will be mixed into the same class. Once you are in 7th and 8th grade - we have 2 separate classes for the guys and girls, which creates the women's chorus and the men's chorus! How cool is that?!
What does your average day in chorus look like?
We typically: warm up our bodies, warm up our voices, learn how to read notes, learn how to read rhythms, practice solfege, rehearse our music for upcoming performances, and we may do other activities to help us bond and have fun!
Do we put on performances?
Yes! A few a year. Some here at Simpson, some at Lassiter Concert Hall.
Will I be forced to sing by myself in front of others?
NO! Not unless you want to (like an optional solo).
What other opportunities are available to me through chorus?
Solos and talent share! In 7th and 8th grade, there is Honor Chorus and All-State Chorus as well. Not to mention, DISNEY WORLD in 8th grade if you stay in chorus all 3 years!
What kind of music will we sing?
Short answer: a little bit of EVERYTHING - even pop!