Holy Family Catholic Schools

There are two separate bands, one for 6th grade and one for 7/8th grade. Each band will rehearse two times per week during the Exploratory class time period and each student will have an individual/semi-individual lesson every week. Students will be graded on participation, practice, and overall effort.

The purpose of Band is to expand on basic musical principles and grow to be a more well-rounded musician. Specifically we will work on rhythms, notes, and musical stylings. We will also focus on playing in an ensemble and learning a variety of different styles of music, including classical, popular, jazz, ballads, marches, etc. Individually we will
work at a pace tailored to individual students, focusing on technique as well as the previously mentioned items. Band members will play in three concerts during the year in November, February, and May. There is no activity fee for Concert Band.

Jazz Band is an extra curricular activity open to 7th/8th grade students currently enrolled in Concert Band. It meets 7:15-7:45AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays (times are subject to change). Jazz Band is a smaller ensemble than the concert band and parts are more intense and individual. We will focus on various styles of jazz, including swing, rock, Latin, and ballads. We will also work on improvising and learning different scales used in jazz music. There is no activity fee for Jazz Band.

There are three separate choirs: 6th Grade Choir, 7th/8th Grade Boys' Choir, and 7th/8th Grade Girls' Choir. All 6th graders who sign up for choir will be placed in the same General Music class so that we can rehearse during General Music time (once every 3 days.) 7th/8th Grade Boys' and Girls' Choirs will rehearse twice a week during the Exploratory class time period. Students will be graded on participation during rehearsals, attendance at performances, and overall effort/attitude. The purpose of Choir is to help students explore and develop their vocal talents and general musicianship while learning to work as a team and perform as an ensemble. Specifically, we will work on vocal technique, music reading, and singing different styles of music, including classical, popular, folk songs and spirituals. Each choir will perform in three evening concerts during the year in November, February and May. Attendance at these performances will be graded, and students who miss will be given a graded make-up assignment. There is not activity
fee for choir.

Show Choir is an extra-curricular activity open to 7th/8th grade students who are currently enrolled in Choir or Concert Band. The Middle School Show Choir season runs from September through the end of January. Show Choir is a singing and dancing ensemble incorporating choreography and some drama elements into our performances. The music will include songs from a variety of styles, such as pop, jazz, and musical theater. Show Choir will perform at the November concert, the Pasta Dinner (January), and possibly in the Wahlert Show Choir and Jazz Band Show (also in January). Members of this group should be ready to move and show off their sparkling personalities! A $20.00 activity fee is required for participation in Show Choir.

In order to enhance the regular academic program, Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School offers a variety of extracurricular activities. The activities vary from year to year based on availability and student interest. These activities include but are not limited to:

Activity Nights
Chess Club
Dubuque County Honor Band
Essay Contests
Geography Bee
Invention Convention
Jazz Band
Junior Achievement
Lego Robotics
Mock Trial
Physics Olympics
Regional History Day
Science Fair
Show Choir
Spelling Bee
Spring Musical
Thinking Cap Quiz Bo

Mock Trial is an extra curricular activity open to all 6th-8th graders in the fall of each school year. Students meet after school hours, usually 2-3 times per week to learn about the process of the Mock Trial Program and to prepare their case for competition. Competition is usually in early to mid-November each year.

In mock trial, students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses as they prepare and present both sides of a hypothetical legal problem. The hypothetical case varies every other year from a criminal case one year to a civil case the next. Participants are given a hands-on opportunity to examine the legal process and current legal issues. Mock trials also help students develop important critical thinking skills and aid in the development of fundamental research, preparation, and presentation skills. A $20.00 activity fee is required for participation in Mock Trial.

Mock Trial Program Objectives
To help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as active listening, speaking, writing, reading and analyzing.

To heighten appreciation for academic studies and promote positive scholastic achievements.

To enhance students understanding of the law and constitutional issues.

To promote cooperation and healthy competition among students of various abilities and interests.

To provide hands-on experience from which students can learn about the legal system, society and themselves.

Chess Club is an extra curricular activity open to all 6th-8th grade students. It meets at 2:50-3:30PM on Tuesdays beginning in mid-October. In addition to one-on-one competition, informal tournament-style matches are held during the year. There is no activity fee for Chess Club.