Music

We encourage all students to be involved with music! Music positively impacts a child's academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child's development.

General music classes are an exploratory for all students in grades 5 and 6.

Band, String Orchestra, and Chorus are offered to all GMS students in grades 5-8. Students 5-8 may participate in either band and chorus or orchestra and chorus, if they so choose. For 2021-22 6th grade students new to band or orchestra, please fill out the permission form, which includes information on how you can acquire an instrument for your student.

School Concerts will be included on the GMS Calendar.

 

For students planning to attend Griswold High School, an introduction to choir or instrumental music is essential for participation in the High School's nationally recognized music programs. Learn more about the GHS Music Department here.

Please contact our instructors for more information:

Mr. Albaine, Orchestra

Ms. Richmond, Band

Mrs. Shea, Chorus, General Music

Chorus

At GMS, there is a choir at each grade level. Choirs are directed by Mrs. Shea. Traditionally, each grade's choir includes a large percentage of students, which we are always very proud of. Many students elect to be involved with both chorus and either band or string orchestra. Included in the choral program is an 8th grade Select Choir, designed for students looking to sing in a smaller group with a bit more challenging music.

Band

Ms. Richmond serves as the Director of Bands at Griswold Middle School.  We are very lucky to have such a high interest in our Band program; each grade level has its own large group of student instrumentalists! Our bands are a cornerstone of the school community, and have had a strong tradition of greatness in Griswold! 

Students in our band program begin playing their chosen instrument in 5th grade where band is held every other day, and receive one small group lesson a week. Lessons continue in 6th grade. Our 7th and 8th grade bands perform at school and community events, and have the opportunity to join our GMS Jazz Band which meets during WEB period once per week. 

Ms. Richmond is also the Director of Bands at Griswold High School, providing a comfortable transition for music students across campus.

 

String Orchestra

Mr. Albaine serves as the Director of Orchestras at Griswold Middle School. We are very fortunate to have a growing String program, one of few in eastern Connecticut. Each grade level has its own large group of student instrumentalists! Our orchestras are growing and are gaining a lot of momentum this year, and we are hoping to have Strings become tradition in Griswold! 

Students in our String program begin playing their chosen instrument in 5th grade where Orchestra is held every other day, and receive one small group lesson a week. Lessons continue in 6th grade. Each grade of Orchestras perform at school and at the annual Griswold String Festival in June.

Bass students and any other students learning guitar or piano also have the opportunity to join our GMS Jazz Band which meets during WEB period once per week. 

Mr. Albaine is also the Orchestra Director at Griswold High School, providing a comfortable transition for music students across campus! He also teaches Music Production in the GHS MAC Lab where students learn to record, edit and mix their own original music and play in rock bands. In addition to Music Production, he also teaches Guitar Class that meets every other day.

 

We are so lucky to have such strong Music Programs in Griswold, and are so proud that members of our band and orchestras participate in so many other school groups such as Chorus, NJHS, and sports. You can do it all here at GMS!