Students may select from any of the following instruments to learn (depending on availability at SMS and/or local music stores):

• Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
• Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba
• Percussion: students will need a snare drum/bell kit for home practice as well as a stick bag with timpani/snare drum/xylophone mallets, but will perform on percussion instruments from Salish while at school.

Experience required: one year of school band (5th grade) and basic note-reading skills

Our 6th grade band is geared towards students who have at least some experience playing an instrument prior to the 6th grade. Students will cover the same concepts of learning how to read and understand music notation (rhythms, pitches, vocabulary, etc.), making a characteristic sound on their instrument, and performing in concerts. Our 6th grade band is a year-long course, offering free instruction on all the major brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Some school instruments are available, but most students will need to provide an instrument.

Experience required: two years of school band (5^th & 6th grade) and note-reading skills OR permission from Mr. Storvick

Our 7th grade band is geared towards students who have experience playing a band instrument and have developed fundamental note reading skills. Students will cover the more advanced concepts of learning how to read and understand music notation (rhythms, pitches, vocabulary, etc.), making a characteristic sound on their instrument, and performing in concerts and other events.. Our 7th grade band is a year-long course, offering free instruction on all the major brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Some school instruments are available, but most students will need to provide an instrument.

Experience required: three years of school band (5^th, 6^th & 7th grade) and note-reading skills OR permission from Mr. Storvick

Our 8th grade band is geared towards students who have experience playing a band instrument and have developed note reading skills. Students will cover the more advanced concepts of learning how to read and understand music notation (rhythms, pitches, vocabulary, etc.), making a characteristic sound on their instrument, and performing in concerts and other events. Our 8th grade band is a year-long course, offering free instruction on all the major brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Some school instruments are available, but most students will need to provide an instrument.

Experience required: At least one year of playing your instrument (it does not need to be a band instrument) and the ability to read musical notation.

This group meets before school at 8:00 AM two days a week (Tuesday & Thursday).

If you are interested in learning how to play Jazz, Swing, Blues, Rock and Funk music on your instrument, this is the band for you! The Salish Jazz Band is open to students who play band instruments as well as students who play guitar, bass guitar and piano. The Salish Jazz Band participates in band concerts throughout the year, as well as the NTPS Middle School Jazz Dance.

Experience Required: NONE! Experience playing an instrument is helpful but not necessary.

This is a class that will be offered during 4th period, second semester of the 2021-2022 school year.

If you want to learn how to play percussion instruments or are interested in learning how to read music, this is a fun way to get started on your musical journey. Students will learn percussion techniques, note and rhythm reading and have the opportunity to perform at concerts and take part in solo and ensemble performances.

Students may select any of the following instruments to learn (depending on availability at Salish and/or local music stores):

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• String bass

Experience required: one year of school orchestra (5th grade) and basic note-reading skills

6th Grade Orchestra is a year-long class where orchestra students will expand their string skills including tuning themselves, shifting, beginning vibrato, and new bowing styles. Students are required to have an instrument which can typically be rented from a music store or school and should be willing to commit to daily practice. Participation in concerts is required and is part of the students’ grade in the course.

Experience required: two years of school orchestra (5th and 6th grade) and note-reading skills

Continue expanding on the skills developed in 6th grade Orchestra—shifting, vibrato, bowing styles and focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Students are required to have an instrument which can typically be rented from a music store or the school and should be willing to commit to daily practice. Participation in concerts is required and is part of the students’ grade in the course.

Experience required: three years of school orchestra (5th, 6th, and 7th grade) and solid note-reading skills

Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting, applying all previously learned skills and techniques. These students will have opportunity to travel to the elementary schools to present concerts (December), to perform at the Chinook Region Orchestra Festival (March), and, if selected, members will perform in the North Thurston 8th Grade Honors Orchestra (February). Emphasis on skill development during this year is high school Orchestra preparedness.

The Salish Honors Ensemble is an audition only group, where violinists, violists, cellists and string bass players, can choose to participate by audition. Members are expected to practice and learn their individual parts on their own, leaving rehearsals for ensemble work. This group meets twice a week prior to the start of school, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 8:15 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. The Honors Ensemble performs in the greater community, playing at Christmas Tree Forest and at the Mall during the Holiday season. The Honors Ensemble also participates in Assemblies and performs at the Chinook Region Solo and Ensemble Festival (March).

No experience required for SMS Choirs.

All voice types are welcome! 

All Choirs sing a variety of music, including popular tunes!

This choir is offered to 6^th grade students who enjoy singing and wish to advance their skills as a vocalist and musician, in order to excel in the more advanced choirs.  This choir focuses on the fundamentals of singing, music theory, and beginning musicianship. 

Concert Choir is offered to 7^th grade students who are interested in vocal music, enjoy singing, and are willing to work hard to advance their musical abilities.  This choir focuses on increasing vocal and musicianship skills. 

This choir is offered to 8^th grade students who enjoy singing and are willing to work at an advanced pace to increase their vocal and musical abilities.  This class focuses on increasing vocal and musicianship skills, with an increased use of A Capella (unaccompanied) vocal music.