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The Home School Music Association, as articulated in our mission statement, exists to train home-schooled students in ensemble performance, music history, music theory and music ministry. We offer Band, Choir, Orchestra and Elementary Music programs as well as the availability of Band, Choral and Orchestra Festival and Solo & Ensemble Festival through the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Placement in our various Band, Choir, Orchestra and Elementary Music programs is done primarily on the basis of a player’s skill rather than age, as determined by the audition process and the conductors’ experience with the student.
We rehearse on Monday evenings from early September to late May. The first Tuesday after Labor Day we have our “Parents Meeting” to provide families with pertinent information for the year ahead. Rehearsals are held in the Lansing area.
Band Programs Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is our most advanced band, performing at MSBOA District V High School Band & Orchestra Festival and representing HSMA on tour. Auditions are required for placement in the Symphonic Band.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is our intermediate band, intended for players who are working to attain the proficiency necessary for acceptance in Symphonic Band. Concert Band may perform at MSBOA District V Middle School Band & Orchestra Festival. Auditions are required for placement in the Concert Band.
Cadet Band
The Cadet Band is for students who have little experience on their instrument but are not beginners. Auditions will determine placement of students in the Cadet Band.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is designed for players who are new to their instrument. As you might expect, auditions per se are not required, but a consultation with one of the band conductors (typically scheduled during the audition times for the other bands) is highly recommended.
Choral Programs
Chancel Choir This is our most advanced choir and is open to older students and adults. Chancel Choir participates in MSVMA events throughout the state. Placement is by audition.
Bel Canto Chorale
This three-part harmony choir is for those not yet ready for Chancel Choir. Placement is by audition. Participation in our elementary music programs is encouraged prior to auditioning for Bel Canto Chorale.
Elementary Music Programs
Elementary Music This program is available to children ages five and up, and includes playing rhythm instruments, singing, learning staffs, note names, note values, rhythm, introductory ensemble experience, music appreciation, etc. In addition to weekly sessions, there is some material to be completed at home. Students would likely spend one to two years in Elementary Music Class.
Music Fundamentals This program includes two-part choral singing and theory work. An understanding of material covered in Elementary Music Class is a prerequisite for Music Fundamentals. Students would likely spend two to three years in Music Fundamentals.
Orchestra Programs
Senior Orchestra This orchestra is our most advanced string orchestra, performing at MSBOA District V High School Band & Orchestra Festival and representing HSMA on tour. Auditions are required for acceptance and placement in the Senior Orchestra.
Junior Orchestra
The Junior Orchestra is for players with at least one year of playing experience who have not yet attained the proficiency required for Senior Orchestra. This orchestra may perform at MSBOA District V Middle School Band & Orchestra Festival. Auditions are required for placement in the Junior Orchestra.
Intermediate Strings
This class is designed for those students who have little experience on their instruments but are not beginners. Placement in Intermediate Strings will be based on audition with the strings conductors.
Beginning Strings
The Beginning Strings class is for those who are new to their instrument. Auditions are not required for this group, but a consultation with the conductors is recommended.
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