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Grade 5 Fine & Performing Arts Course Descriptions

Chelmsford Public Schools Middle School Fine & Performing Arts Descriptions

WATCH: Grade 5 Fine & Performing Arts Course Descriptions

In Grade 5 at McCarthy and Parker middle schools, students select either a full year of performance music (Band, Chorus, or Orchestra) or visual art for half of the year and music concepts and cultures (a general music class building upon skills from grade 4 general music class) for half of the year.

Each of these classes are offered during the school day. Students who take performance music who would also like to explore the grade-level art curriculum are encouraged to join the Art Club, which is an after-school club taught by the school’s art teachers specifically designed for students in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra.

McCarthy Middle School Grade 5-8 Chorus

McCarthy Grades 5-8 Orchestra

VIEW: Bass demonstration

View: Cello Demonstration

VIEW: Viola Demonstration


VIEW: Violin Demonstration

McCarthy Grades 5-8 Band

Clarinet Demonstration

Flute Demonstration

Trombone Demonstration

Trumpet Demonstration

Parker Grades 5-8 Chorus

Parker Grades 5-8 Orchestra

Parker Orchestra Overview

Bass Demonstration

Viola Demonstration

Violin Demonstration

Parker Grades 5-8 Band

Half-Year Art/Half-Year General Music

Studio Arts Overview

Grade 5 General Music

Letter from Dr. Christy Whittlesey, PreK-12 Fine & Performing Arts Coordinator

Fine & Performing Arts Information to Incoming Grade 5 Families

Grade 5 Fine & Performing Arts Teachers

McCarthy Fine & Performing Arts Staff

Parker Fine & Performing Arts Staff

Band/Orchestra: Acquiring Your Instrument

If you plan to purchase your instrument, please contact your middle school director in advance so that they can provide you with information to ensure that you will receive a quality instrument.

Where can I purchase my instrument?

Required materials for Orchestra students:

(You can acquire these through your rental company):

All Instruments: Rosin, a soft cloth, and a music stand to promote proper playing posture at home; the book Essential Elements for Strings 2000, Book 1 for their instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). 

Violin and viola: A shoulder rest

Cellos: An endpin anchor. Please do not get the ones that look like a hockey puck because they slip too much–it needs to be on a strap.

Bass: A rockstop (we recommend the plastic ones called ‘Stoppin” as they do not slip).

Required materials for Band students

(You can acquire these through your rental company):

All Instruments: The book Standard of Excellence, Book 1 for their instrument. Stands are recommended, as they promote proper playing posture at home.

Flute: Silk flute swab, tuning rod

Clarinet: Box of 10 strength 3 B-flat clarinet reeds (Vandoren brand recommended), cork grease

Trumpet: valve oil, slide grease

Trombone: Yamaha YAC1021P Trombone Slide Oil

Department Contact

Dr. Christy Whittlesey
Dr. Christy Whittlesey

Fine & Performing Arts Coordinator

978-251-5111