trevordayschool

Mr. Birkey's Lab Band and Ms. Myette's three chorus clubs—like all classes at Trevor—are student-centered and, to a large degree, student-driven, in the sense that members greatly influence the selection of pieces of music to play or sing. Mr. Birkey describes Lab Band as an opportunity for 7th- and 8th-grade students—as well as advanced 6th graders—to explore the more creative aspects of music. Interestingly, he refers to it as a club course. Although students are not graded and it is technically a club that meets during lunch period, he feels it is important to "upgrade" its description as a measure of the seriousness and commitment he expects from participants. Each year, Mr. Birkey seeks out students and tells them, "If you are serious, want an added challenge, and will push yourself a little harder, then join us." Plus, he has another requirement: Students must already be in grade-level bands, where they are strengthening their music-reading and comprehension skills. Mr. Birkey believes this combination allows for greater creativity. Lab Band members work collaboratively, and improvisation abounds. He urges students to experiment freely; the fact that they do so constantly illustrates that students feel it's a safe environment, one in which it's fun to take risks. Nathan Birkey, Grades 6–8 Band Teacher, and Meg Myette, Grades 6–8 Chorus Teacher, share a mission: to develop or expand a great, lifelong passion for music in Middle School students. Mr. Birkey has led Lab Band for the past five years. (An earlier incarnation was called the Middle School Jazz Ensemble and was part of the AfterSchool program.) Of this year's 14 Lab Band members, he is especially pleased to have four girls, because "boys tend to gravitate to band, while girls tend to join chorus." Whatever its gender breakdown, each year, Lab Band takes on a slightly different personality, based on its members. Mr. Birkey characterizes last year's Lab Band as "especially boisterous." is year's Lab Band is a little more reserved. at's fine with Mr. Birkey, who simply ratchets up the amount of direction he provides. Ms. Myette's Troubadudes and Troubadettes chorus clubs have a much longer history at Trevor, and she feels "especially lucky to have inherited this great tradition." Ms. Myette holds the same high expectations for participants, maintaining, "Just because it's a club doesn't mean it's not serious." at said, unlike Lab Band, the Troubadudes and Troubadettes are open to any 7th or 8th grader. Nor do they have to be in choir. She reasons, "Under my umbrella, if you want to sing, then this is an opportunity to do so." is year, 15 "dudes" and 22 "dettes" are doing just that. Ms. Myette is particularly thrilled with the number of dudes: "It's a gift to have 15 gentlemen who want to sing!" As in Lab Band, the dudes and dettes "drive the repertoire, and each group has its own personality." At this stage, some students are not yet assertive in their opinions—so Ms. Myette's challenge is to "encourage them to literally find their voice." With others, her challenge is "to harness their energy" and help them focus so they can arrive at creative solutions. T R E V O R T R A N S L AT E S : middle school music clubs In the arts you discover who you are. 1 0 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7

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