Vocal Music Program

The award-winning MBMS Choirs are fun electives for kids who like to sing. Our choir courses are designed to help singers develop strong healthy singing/vocal technique while mastering musicianship and literacy skills. In choir, students make lasting friendships and perform great music in a variety of styles including classical, pop, jazz, and musical theatre. There are concerts held throughout the year, including a day of performance and fun at Disneyland! Students of all levels are welcome and encouraged to join!

MBMS choirs build well-rounded performers and strong musicians. Many of our students are selected to participate in local and national honor choirs, musical theater shows, and/or continue singing in the internationally acclaimed Mira Costa Choirs.

In MBMS Choir Your Student Will Find:

*An instant group of friends

*Ways to improve their singing and music reading skills

*A chance to learn music in different languages

*A place to build confidence

*The chance to become a well-rounded performer

*The chance to go on fun field trips

*A pathway to high school & beyond by gaining arts credits!

*A place to call home at MBMS

Our MBMS Choirs

Sand & Sea Singers (6^th grade, non-auditioned)

This ensemble welcomes all incoming 6th Grade students! There is no audition required for the Sand & Sea Singers. Participants learn classical and popular repertoire and develop sight-singing and music literacy skills. Students will participate in performances and dress rehearsals outside of regular school time.

Ocean Wave Chorale (7th & 8th grade, non-auditioned)

Ocean Wave Chorale is an ensemble open for all 7^th & 8th-grade students. Students learn 2 and 3 part vocal music across many genres and time periods. Students will participate in performances and dress rehearsals outside of regular school time.

Madrigals (7^th & 8th, auditioned)

Madrigals is an advanced, audition ensemble for 7th/8th-grade singers that provides education for advanced music students in reading music, vocal technique, and understanding different musical styles. Prior participation in the MBMS choir program is recommended, but not required. Students will participate in performances and dress rehearsals outside of regular school time.

Support for the MBMS Music Program

Manhattan Beach Middle School, with the support of our Manhattan Beach Unified School District, MBEF, MBMS PTA, MBX, MB Kiwanis, FOLA (Foundation of Local Arts), and generous parent donations/contributions, has been able to offer unique opportunities, such as our choral and instrumental music program, as part of the curriculum for all students wishing to participate. Because our students have both passion and talent for making music, we continue to offer these opportunities; and we request voluntary assistance to help support the music program.

In order for MBMS to continue its tradition of excellence in choral music, parents of students in our MBMS Vocal Music Programs are asked to make a voluntary donation to help support some aspects of the music program and to purchase a performance outfit for their child. Costume lending programs are available for those who are unable to purchase the outfit.

It is our community’s generosity that allows our MBMS music programs to flourish. A heartfelt thank you goes to all the entities that make our MBMS Music Programs possible.

For more information, contact Ms. Kate Crellin, MBMS Director of Vocal Music kcrellin@mbusd.org.