About the Choral Program
At Newport Mill Middle School, Chorus is offered to all 6th-8th grade students who want to sing and actively develop their individual and ensemble vocal skills. Studied choral fundamentals include breath control, vocal production, intonation, diction, tone quality and musical literacy. There are four ensembles available for singers:
- Beginning Chorus - For all 6th grade singers.
- Men's Chorus - Available for new and returning tenors and baritones in 7th or 8th grade.
- Intermediate Treble Chorus - For new and returning 7th or 8th grade soprano or altos.
- Advanced Treble Chorus - For experienced 7th and 8th grade treble voices demonstrating proper technique and advanced musicianship skills.
About the Director
Robert Bowden is entering his twenty-fourth year of teaching and his eighteenth year with Montgomery County Public Schools. This is his first year at Newport Middle, previously having taught five years at Eastern Middle School. He has extensively taught Chorus, and to a lesser extent, General Music, Piano and Guitar.
Robert’s choral groups have received excellent and superior ratings at the county and state levels and many of his students have participated in their respective honors choruses. He is currently a member of the National Association of Music Education (MENC), Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He has also worked with the Montgomery County Music Educators Association (MCMEA) and other local advocacy groups to preserve music in our public schools and to continue to allow students the opportunity to experience all that music has to offer, both academically and aesthetically.
A graduate of Bel Air High School in Harford County, Maryland, Robert earned his bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University and received his master’s degree from Towson University.
Robert’s choral groups have received excellent and superior ratings at the county and state levels and many of his students have participated in their respective honors choruses. He is currently a member of the National Association of Music Education (MENC), Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He has also worked with the Montgomery County Music Educators Association (MCMEA) and other local advocacy groups to preserve music in our public schools and to continue to allow students the opportunity to experience all that music has to offer, both academically and aesthetically.
A graduate of Bel Air High School in Harford County, Maryland, Robert earned his bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University and received his master’s degree from Towson University.