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MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Welcome to the Niu Valley Middle School Music Department. Here you will find information about Band, Orchestra, and Polynesian Music.

Contact Information

Niu Valley Middle School Music Department
310 Halemaumau St.
Honolulu, HI 96821

Mr. Fanning: (808) 377-2440, ext. 280, wayne.fanning@.k12.hi.us

Mr. Morita: (808) 377-2440, ext. 281, zachary.morita@.k12.hi.us

Music Department Calendar

Music allows people to express themselves in a unique way, because they are required to conform to specific rules (e.g. rhythm, style), yet add their individual interpretation and nuances. It requires people to utilize both segments of their brain: the left, or logical side, and the right, or creative side.

Music Department Passion Statement

Announcements

Concert Strings Performance of Burst!

Concert Strings Performance of Burst!

Nov 8, 2021

View our Concert Strings performance of Burst! by Brian Balmages.  Most of these students learned to play their instrument online last year.  They have only been playing together in school for three months.

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Lancers Leave Their Mark in Sydney, Australia!

Lancers Leave Their Mark in Sydney, Australia!

Jul 14, 2019

Congratulations to the Niu Valley Middle School Concert Band, which received a GOLD rating at the 2019 Australian International Music Festival July 3-11 in Sydney! Under the direction of both Mr. Wayne Fanning and Mr. Zachary Morita, our students performed at these...

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Sydney Opera House Performance

Sydney Opera House Performance

Jul 9, 2019

Our music students wrapped up their 3 concerts in Australia, including performing at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, July 8, 2019!  Mahalo to Mr. Fanning and Mr. Morita for their dedication to music and to our students!  This will be an experience our students will...

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Frequently Asked Questions

(Modifications may be made for the present SY 2021-2022 due to COVID-19)

Q) What if I don’t know how to read music or play an instrument?
A) Then you’ve come to the right place.  Nearly EVERY student comes in with no prior knowledge or experience.  We will teach you what you need to know as long as you have a willingness to learn and try your best.
Q) Do the students perform in concerts?
A) Yes, performance is a vital aspect of music-making, and part of our Hawaii State Content and Performance Standards.  All 425 students will be afforded this opportunity, from the most beginning to the most advanced musician.  Dates will be announced several months in advance so that you can plan accordingly.
Q) What other types of activities are there in the Music Department?
A) Field trips to live performances, a three-day overnight music camp, neighbor island trips, mainland trips, weekend field trips to movies, Wet and Wild, and Ice Palace, and performances and social activities with Kaiser High School Music Department.
Q) What if I can’t afford an instrument?
A) NO student is expected to buy or rent an instrument.  They are provided free of charge for all 425 students.  Students will need to buy basic supplies such as mouthpieces, rosin, and extra strings.  If this is a financial problem, we can find a way to help you out.
Q) What is the difference between the different ensembles?
A) In Band, you will learn to play either flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion.  In Orchestra, you will learn to play violin, viola, cello, or bass.  In Polynesian Music, you will learn to play ukulele, simple percussion instruments, as well as sing and dance.
Q) What if I don’t know what instrument I should play?
A) The instructors will work with you to find an instrument which suits you best based on various criteria.  An extensive screening process ensures that the right student is placed on the right instrument.
Q) I heard that there are after school rehearsals every day--is this true?
A) NO-not at all.  Beginning band students are asked to come for two rehearsals in December and four rehearsals in May.  Second and third-year band students are asked to come for one rehearsal per week.  The reason for this is because band students are in four different periods, and we need to combine the full ensemble for performances.  These dates are announced several months in advance so that you can plan ahead.  The Orchestra and Polynesian Music Ensemble rarely have rehearsals outside of class.
Q) What if I want to play sports or participate in extracurricular activities?
A) Please do!  Most of our students play sports or are members of clubs or community groups.  We will work with you to help accommodate your schedule as much as possible.
Q) What if I want to take private lessons?
A) This is not required, but if you are interested, we will help you find a teacher.
Group of 10 teens and adults wearing heavy coats in front of neon sign (The Tonight Show/NBC Studios)
3 students in band uniform with their principal sitting on a red couch with the TV screen behind them
Nine adults in black attire stand in a row on the stage
10 adults and teens line the sidewalk. Three teens from the orchestra play.

Course Offerings and Topics Covered

INTRODUCTION TO BAND (FMB0100)–for 1st year band students

This course is open to students with very little or no prior band experience. Students will learn about music via performance on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Along with introductory music theory and history, students will learn the basic techniques of tone production, embouchure formation, breath control, posture, articulation, and expression.

BEGINNING BAND (FMB0400)–for 2nd year band students

This course is open to students who have satisfactorily completed one year of band at the middle school level. Students will study a wider variety of music, further explore concepts studied in Introduction to Band, and be expected to perform music at a grade 2-3 level. Students in this class will be members of the Concert Band. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Introduction to Band, and instructor consent. Possible audition required.

INTERMEDIATE BAND (FMB0700)–for 3rd year band students

This course is open to students who have satisfactorily completed two years of band at the middle school level. Students will study a wider variety of music, further explore concepts studied in Beginning Band, and be expected to perform music at a grade 2-3 level. Students in this class will be members of the Concert Band. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Beginning Band, and instructor consent. Possible audition required.

INTRODUCTION TO ORCHESTRA (FMV0100)–for 1st year orchestra students

This course is open to students with very little or no prior orchestra experience. Students will learn about music via performance on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Along with introductory music theory and history, students will learn the basic techniques of tone production, hand position, bowing techniques, posture, and expression.

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA (FMV0400)–for 2nd year orchestra students

This course is open to students who have satisfactorily completed one year of orchestra at the middle school level. Students will study a wider variety of music, further explore concepts studied in Introduction to Orchestra, and be expected to perform music at a grade 2-3 level. Students in this class will be members of the Concert Strings. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion Introduction to Orchestra, and instructor consent. Possible audition required.

INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA (FMV0700)–for 3rd year orchestra students

This course is open to students who have satisfactorily completed two years of orchestra at the middle school level. Students will study a wider variety of music, further explore concepts studied in Beginning Orchestra, and be expected to perform music at a grade 2-3 level. Students in this class will be members of the Concert Strings. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Beginning Orchestra, and instructor consent. Possible audition required.

 

Niu Valley Middle School
310 Halemaumau Street Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96821-2099

(808) 307-6800

(808) 377-2444

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