MBMS MUSIC Programs
MBMS Instrumental Music Program
Director: Denise Haslop
Members of our Manhattan Beach Middle School instrumental ensembles enjoy involvement in a campus organization that provides immediate identity and purpose. MBMS instrumental music ensembles encourage and promote academic excellence, and rehearsals and performances are compatible with the students’ academic responsibilities. Band and orchestra members are involved in concerts, festivals, recitals and honor groups.
Currently, MBMS has 7 instrumental music ensembles:
- Cadet Band and Cadet Orchestra - all incoming 6th gr students currently enrolled in 5th grade band/strings automatically qualify and need not audition for the cadet level band/orchestra
- Concert Band and String Orchestra - our mid-level ensembles harnesses the skills and experience of playing music daily from the year before. This gives the orchestra wider variety of music to play from classic early 17th century music to the popular contemporary tunes.
- Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra - our top orchestras that historically garners top ribbons at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Festival.
- String Ensemble - The ensemble members are a select group of 12 musicians who come together outside of class time, including practices throughout the summer, to rehearse and perform for our school and in other events in the city and beyond. The ensemble can be requested to perform for events.
Starting in Fall 2024/25, students new to instrumental music and/or those wishing to explore learning new instruments can enroll in new introductory band and orchestra ensembles.
MBMS Vocal Music Program
Director: Kate Crellin
Kate Crellin (she/her) is an award-winning educator, composer/arranger, and vocalist. Kate holds a Master in Choral Conducting from Queens’ College, Cambridge in England. She also earned double Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music and Law, History & Culture from the University of Southern California.
As an educator, Kate has taught pre-K through 12th-grade music in both public and private schools across Los Angeles. She is currently a Choir Director for Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Middle School and National Children’s. Chorus.
As a vocalist, she has performed across the world, singing with the Rolling Stones, David Crosby, Eric Whitacre, Pentatonix, and touring across eight countries. She is active in the contemporary a cappella scene as a freelance arranger, performer, and staff member of A Cappella Academy. Kate is a published composer with pieces under Heritage Press and Alfred Press, and was recently recognized as an “Editor’s Choice” by JW Pepper. To learn more about Kate, visit her website. www.katecrellin.com