Students are required to take music in fourth through seventh grades, including general music, music skills development, singing, and introduction to instrumental music. Fourth grade students are introduced to string instruments and the recorder. Fifth grade students elect to begin the study of voice or an instrument of their choice. In the eighth grade, students may continue their musical studies by becoming members of a number of vocal and instrumental performance groups based on recommendations. These groups include Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chorus, and in some special cases, the High School Orchestra. For students who wish to pursue the study of music history, courses on World Music are available in place of performing.