♫ ♪ WELCOME to Music

in 2023-2024!

I am so excited to see all your smiling faces this year. This year’s music class will include some exciting lessons including our traditional music vocabulary, music games, and our fun Yodeling Unit (which has been very popular in the past).

In the 4th and 5th grades, we will be learning how to sing with confidence. “Sing/Song” is such an exciting program that will be shared with everyone through performances this year.

In the 6th grade, we will be reviewing previous music lessons and writing a school song for MACS this year. I am very excited to see what the 6th grade come up with to show pride in our school this year.

In Orchestra, we will learn to read and perform music. WE WILL HAVE 28 STUDENTS IN ORCHESTRA THIS YEAR!!!! What an amazing skill to develop. There will be two groups in Orchestra this year (the Jaguars ~ 8th grade; and the Cubs ~ 7th grade).  My Jaguars will be helping by teaching and helping their Cubs. The orchestra class will be performing two concerts this year (dates to be announced later); and I know everyone will enjoy the music selections.

♫ ♪ About Your Music Teacher!

Before I began teaching, I served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1996 as an Operations Specialist.  I worked at CBS 7 in Odessa as a part of the television production team and at FOX Sports Network in Houston as a master control operator. I attended UTPB studying music. I performed for many years on the double bass in the UTPB Symphony Orchestra under Dr. Hohstadt. I also played the euphonium in the UTPB Spirit Band under Dr. Keast.  I graduated from UTPB in May of 2010 and began my teaching career. I am starting my 14th year here at Midland Academy. It is hard to believe that I have shared my love of music with everyone here at Midland Academy for this long. Time seemed to fly by so quickly.  I have been married to my beautiful wife, Stephanie, for 14 years. We like to camp, and have camped at many of the state parks that Texas has to offer. We have six cats and our dog, Charley (our fur-babies). 

♫ ♪ Class Expectations!

We will be following the guidelines set forth by Midland Academy and “Capturing Kids’ Hearts.”  This means that everyone in the music classroom will treat each other with respect, we will do our best to learn the lessons for the day, and we will always participate and be successful. I want everyone to become a “Star” and live by a positive example.

♫ ♪ Contact Information

Derek Wooten, Music & Orchestra

Midland Academy

* Conference time: 8:00am - 8:40am

(432) 686-0003 ext. 246 or 251

dwooten@macharter.org

"Music happens to be an art form that transcends language." -- Herbie Hancock (b. April 12, 1940)

* If you need to get in touch with me outside of my conference time, please use Class Dojo.