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Music in the Schools
Educational performances designed specifically for elementary and high school students

 

MUSIC IN THE High SCHOOLS: Grades 9-12

Registration is now closed for MITHS 2023.

ALL SCHOOLS: During the month of February, the United States Marine Band will offer free virtual clinics to U.S. high school music programs. Students will have the opportunity to learn from and work with current members of the band on a variety of offered topics. Read virtual clinic descriptions here.

Clinics last about 45 minutes. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of five students must be in attendance for the clinic. Please submit only one request per educator.

DC, MD & VA ONLY: High schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia can request an in-person clinic if the school is located within a 30-mile radius of Marine Barracks Washington. Read in-person clinic descriptions here.

 

MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS: Grades 2-5

Registration is now closed for MITS 2022.

In October the U.S. Marine Band offers "Music in the Schools" as a free music enrichment program to elementary schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia within 15 miles of Marine Barracks Washington. Designed for grades 2-5, these 45-minute programs introduce musical instruments and concepts in an interactive and engaging way. During the program, Marine Band musicians perform a wide range of music geared specifically toward elementary school students. Presentations feature instrument demonstrations, explanations about how instruments produce sound, instruction on musical terms, and a question and answer session.

In order to maintain an effective program, a maximum of 150 students is recommended and the presentation must be scheduled as part of the formal school day. Teachers/administrators must be present for the duration of the performance.

Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Three performing ensembles are available in 2022:

  • Woodwind Quintet: The presentation includes an introduction to each instrument of the woodwind quintet as well as individual elements of music such as melody, harmony, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, and how those elements work together to create music. A wide variety of musical examples will be used to demonstrate these musical elements, including John Philip Sousa's "Semper Fidelis," Gabriel Faure's "Pavane," Beethoven's "Symphony no. 5" and Pharrell Williams' "Happy."

  • Brass Quintet: The show is an energetic, educational and comical show that introduces five elements of music. Musicians of the Marine Band will introduce the concepts of melody, bass line, harmony, rhythm and dynamics through a variety of classical, jazz, popular music and a Sousa March! Kids will be encouraged to sing, clap and laugh along with the group.

  • String Quartet: Exploring the role of music at the White House! Who are the guests honored there? How are students connected to them? Students will find the answers to these questions and leave inspired to dream about their future energized with music by Mozart, Aretha Franklin, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

 

Video RESOURCES

General Music - Around the World in 30 Minutes

  • For grades K-5. Develop new musical interests and explore the importance of musical curiosity with folk music from around the world! Students will experience music from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, as demonstrated by the versatile musicians of the Marine Band. LINKS: Video / Lesson Plans / Program

Band - Why I Love Playing Music

  • For musicians in beginner/intermediate band. There are endless varieties of music, and just as many reasons to love playing it! In this performance, percussion, brass and woodwind ensembles from the Marine Band share their musical talents, as well as the reasons they love making music. LINKS: Video / Lesson Plans / Program

Orchestra - String Colors: Painting with Sound

  • For musicians in beginner/intermediate orchestra. This program showcases the incredible world of musical colors and textures possible with string instruments. The Marine Chamber Orchestra introduces a variety of fun and evocative chamber music, reinforces elements of basic string musicianship, and shows students what they can look forward to as they continue to explore their musical journey as a string musician. LINKS: Video / Lesson PlansProgram

Why join Band, Orchestra, or Choir?

  • Looking to recruit students for your school's music programs? Let musicians of "The President's Own" tell your students about why they should consider joining band, orchestra or choir! In the video, our musicians explain what drew them to music and why they still perform today! Video