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The Home School Music Association, as articulated in our mission statement, exists to train home-schooled students in ensemble performance, music history, music theory and music ministry. We offer Band, Choir, Orchestra and Elementary Music programs as well as the availability of Band, Choral and Orchestra Festival and Solo & Ensemble Festival through the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Placement in our various Band, Choir, Orchestra and Elementary Music programs is done primarily on the basis of a player’s skill rather than age, as determined by the audition process and the conductors’ experience with the student.
We rehearse on Monday evenings from early September to late May. The first Tuesday after Labor Day we have our “Parents Meeting” to provide families with pertinent information for the year ahead. Rehearsals are held in the Lansing area.
Band Programs Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is our most advanced band, comprised of students who are very proficient on their instruments. These students are held to the highest standards of musicianship. Symphonic Band performs at MSBOA District V High School Band & Orchestra Festival, represents HSMA on tour, and performs numerous times throughout the year, including the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. Auditions are required for placement in the Symphonic Band.
Concert Band
Concert Band is for students who have demonstrated a significant level of musical skills. This is a serious performing group that participates at MSBOA District V Middle School Band & Orchestra Festival, as well as several concerts throughout the year, including the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. They are also being trained in personal and ensemble skills necessary for participation in the Symphonic Band. Auditions are required for placement in the Concert Band.
Cadet Band
The Cadet Band is for students who have little experience on their instrument but are not beginners. The Cadet Band performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Auditions will determine placement of students in the Cadet Band.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is designed for players who are new to their instrument. As you might expect, auditions per se are not required, but a consultation with one of the band conductors (typically scheduled during the audition times for the other bands) is highly recommended. Beginning Band performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert.
Choral Programs
Chancel Choir This is our most advanced choir and is open to older students and adults. Chancel Choir participates in MSVMA events throughout the state, as well as several concerts throughout the year, including the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. Placement is by audition.
Bel Canto Chorale
This three-part harmony choir is for those who are working to attain the proficiency necessary for acceptance in Chancel Choir. Bel Canto performs several times throughout the year including the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert. Placement is by audition. Participation in our elementary music programs is encouraged prior to auditioning for Bel Canto Chorale.
Elementary Music Programs
Elementary Music This program is available to children ages five and up, and includes playing rhythm instruments, singing, learning staffs, note names, note values, rhythm, introductory ensemble experience, music appreciation, etc. In addition to weekly sessions, there is some material to be completed at home. Elementary Music performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Students would likely spend one to two years in Elementary Music Class.
Music Fundamentals This program includes two-part choral singing and theory work. An understanding of material covered in Elementary Music Class is a prerequisite for Music Fundamentals. Music Fundamentals performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Students would likely spend two to three years in Music Fundamentals.
Orchestra Programs
Senior Orchestra The Senior Orchestra is our most advanced orchestra, comprised of students who are very proficient on their instruments. These students are held to the highest standards of musicianship. Senior Orchestra performs at MSBOA District V High School Band & Orchestra Festival, represents HSMA on tour, and performs numerous times throughout the year, including the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. Auditions are required for placement in the Senior Orchestra.
Junior Orchestra Junior Orchestra is for students who have demonstrated a significant level of musical skills. This is a serious performing group that participates at MSBOA District V Middle School Band & Orchestra Festival, as well as several concerts throughout the year, including the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert. They are also being trained in personal and ensemble skills necessary for participation in the Senior Orchestra. Auditions are required for placement in the Junior Orchestra.
Intermediate Strings
This class is designed for those students who have little experience on their instruments but are not beginners. Intermediate Strings performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Placement in Intermediate Strings will be based on audition with the strings conductors.
Beginning Strings
The Beginning Strings class is for those who are new to their instrument. Beginning Strings performs at the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Auditions are not required for this group, but a consultation with the conductors is recommended.
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