GENERAL MUSIC
The music department at Shelbyville CUSD #4 begins with Mrs. Charity Astrouski teaching Kindergarten General Music. The students then go on to have Mrs. Emily Miller-Amato for 1st through 3rd grade at Main Street Elementary. At Moulton Middle School, Mr. Joe Amato teaches 4th and 5th grade general music. These classes explore a variety of musical elements, from reading music notation, to learning about influential composers, to examining music's place in today's society. The students participate in a variety of showcases each year, including the annual Veteran's Day Program, Christmas Programs and Main Event.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Mrs. Charity Astrouski is the Director of Bands for Moulton Middle School and Shelbyville High School. Band begins in 5th grade and continues through 12th grade.
5th Grade Beginning Band
Students at Moulton M.S. have the opportunity to join the band program during their 5th grade year of the fall semester. During this ensemble, the students will be introduced to the beginning levels of performance-based ensemble playing on an instrument. Listening tests and instrument testing will take place throughout August and September. There will be an informational meeting at the 4th/5th grade orientation night on August 18th. Parents will then meet with a Music Shoppe representative on the evening of September 22nd if they need to rent an instrument. The 5th grade band will perform at the holiday and spring concerts.
6th/7th Grade Band
This ensemble is a combination of 6th and 7th grade students. They will perform a variety of music and will perform at 3 concerts throughout the school year. These students will participate in IESA Solo/Ensemble Contest and can also participate in IMEA.
Shelbyville HS Symphonic Band (HS/8th Grade)
This ensemble is the flagship ensemble for the Shelbyville School District. This ensemble is comprised of students that have given time and dedication to the program for four years or have proven their musicianship in the advanced levels of performance. This ensemble performs at all home football and basketball games (unless stated otherwise) and the homecoming parade. This ensemble performs advanced band repertoire.
Jazz Band
An audition-only group, this ensemble will perform at the holiday and spring concerts.
Auditions will take place in September and rehearsals will be held before school from 7:30-8am twice a week.
5th Grade Beginning Band
Students at Moulton M.S. have the opportunity to join the band program during their 5th grade year of the fall semester. During this ensemble, the students will be introduced to the beginning levels of performance-based ensemble playing on an instrument. Listening tests and instrument testing will take place throughout August and September. There will be an informational meeting at the 4th/5th grade orientation night on August 18th. Parents will then meet with a Music Shoppe representative on the evening of September 22nd if they need to rent an instrument. The 5th grade band will perform at the holiday and spring concerts.
6th/7th Grade Band
This ensemble is a combination of 6th and 7th grade students. They will perform a variety of music and will perform at 3 concerts throughout the school year. These students will participate in IESA Solo/Ensemble Contest and can also participate in IMEA.
Shelbyville HS Symphonic Band (HS/8th Grade)
This ensemble is the flagship ensemble for the Shelbyville School District. This ensemble is comprised of students that have given time and dedication to the program for four years or have proven their musicianship in the advanced levels of performance. This ensemble performs at all home football and basketball games (unless stated otherwise) and the homecoming parade. This ensemble performs advanced band repertoire.
Jazz Band
An audition-only group, this ensemble will perform at the holiday and spring concerts.
Auditions will take place in September and rehearsals will be held before school from 7:30-8am twice a week.
VOCAL MUSIC
Mr. Amato directs the 6th-8th Grade Choir. This ensemble begins teaching proper vocal techniques, 2 and 3 part harmony singing, and furthers their knowledge of other essential elements of music. These students participate in the Veteran's Day Program, the Holiday Concert, and Spring Concert. In addition, the students have opportunities to participate in festivals and other performances outside of school.
At Shelbyville High School, Mr. Amato directs the Concert Choir and Jazz Choir.
In addition to the curricular ensembles, Mr. Amato also directs the Spring Musical. All SHS students are welcome to audition for the show, become involved with the stage crew, or participate in the pit orchestra/band. The cast rehearses after school, leading up to three performances in mid-March. For more information, visit shelbyvilledrama.weebly.com
At Shelbyville High School, Mr. Amato directs the Concert Choir and Jazz Choir.
- Concert Choir is for all singers grades 9 - 12. The Concert Choir serves to further enhance the students' vocal production techniques, understanding of music theory and music history, and expands to 3 and 4 part harmony singing, all through a variety of musical styles. This ensemble performs at the Fall Showcase Concert, Holiday Concert, and Spring Concert, in addition to attending the Youth in Harmony Barbershop Music Festival.
- The Jazz Choir is a mixed-voice ensemble made up of advanced singers in grades 9 - 12, selected through audition. Through music stemming from the jazz idiom, these students receive training in advanced harmony singing, vocal production, and advanced musical elements. With musical styles ranging from the foundations of jazz in spirituals and gospel, to early ragtime and barbershop, to modern jazz and pop, these singers explore a variety of genres to enhance their understanding of music. Like the Concert Choir, the Jazz Choir students participate in the Fall Showcase Concert, Holiday Concert, and the Spring Concert. These students also attend the Youth in Harmony Festival.
In addition to the curricular ensembles, Mr. Amato also directs the Spring Musical. All SHS students are welcome to audition for the show, become involved with the stage crew, or participate in the pit orchestra/band. The cast rehearses after school, leading up to three performances in mid-March. For more information, visit shelbyvilledrama.weebly.com