Once current Newton County fifth-graders leave elementary school and settle into summer, they’ll have to start planning their move to middle school. One option available to all fifth-graders is the opportunity to participate in a middle school band or chorus program.

Registration for both programs ends May 24 and is available at any middle school in the county.

According to Christine Kraemer, Cousins Middle School band director, band and chorus are exploratory courses that are part of every middle school curriculum in Newton County and are not considered an extracurricular activity.

“The band and chorus programs are a year-long class students attend during one of their exploratory class periods,” Kraemer said. “Students starting this program do not have to read music and do not have to know what instrument they wish to play or be able to sing well. The students will have the chance to explore the differences in band instruments and explore various voice parts during the first part of the school year.”

She added that many studies have shown music education increases early brain development and improves students’ overall academic performances.

Rising sixth-graders wishing to register for a middle school band or chorus program should give a completed registration form to the band or chorus director at the middle school they are planning to attend before May 24. The registration form can be found on at newtoncountyschools.org. For questions and more information on middle school band or chorus, contact Christine Kraemer at kraemer.christine@newton.k12.ga.us or 770-786-7311.