District Music Department Overview

The Meriden Public Schools Music Department is comprised of twenty teachers servicing students in grades K-12. We have three teachers at each high school, three at each middle school and eight that are distributed throughout our elementary schools. All students currently receive the following arts education:

Grades K-3

• All students in Grades K-3 receive General Music
• Weekly General Music for the duration of the school year

Grades 4-5

• All students in Grades 4-5 receive General Music
• Optional Instrumental Music including group lessons and band or orchestra rehearsals
• Weekly General Music for the duration of the school year

Grades 6-8

• All students in Grades 6-8 receive either General, Choral or Instrumental Music
• One of the following:
  • Instrumental Music including group lessons and band or orchestra rehearsals
  • Choral Music including group lessons and choral rehearsals
  • Weekly Applied or General Music including basic instruction on guitar and/or keyboard
• Auditioned Groups: Select Choral Groups - see schools for details

Grades 9-12

• Music at the High School level is elective-based. However, there is a one-credit arts requirement for graduation
• Options:
  • Concert Band & Marching Band
  • Orchestra Ensembles
  • Choral Ensembles 
  • Auditioned Groups: Select Choral Groups, Jazz Ensemble
  • Piano Courses
  • Guitar Courses
  • Music Theory AP & UCONN ECE
  • Music Technology
  • Music & Theater
  • *Morning Chorus - Choral class offered before school