South Miami K-8 Center (SMK8) is part of Miami-Dade County Public School’s magnet program. Dr. Janet Duguay-Kirsten runs the SMK8 Elementary Music Magnet strand where students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade receive one hour of music instruction daily. The free program allows young people to explore music and discover their instrumental preferences.
Students currently in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade (public, private, charter, virtual) may now apply for the Music Magnet for the 2022-23 school year. The application process is currently open for students that would like to apply online at https://yourchoicemiami.org/magnet-application/ Bus transportation is available from selected neighborhoods.
The South Miami K-8 is the hub for one of the nation's best artistic opportunities for public school elementary students. At SMK8 each student sings and plays a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass). They also learn to play the ukulele and a band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone). While the SMK8 program is auditioned based, students do not need to know how to play an instrument when they enter. A keen ear and the ability to sing back a simple pitch pattern played on the piano are vital to recognizing youngsters' musical potential. A love for music is key.
The SMK8 Music Magnet has traveled to Orlando to compete in the MUSIC USA competition at Universal Studios and to Tampa to participate in the Florida All-State Choir and Orff Ensembles. Students have proudly sung the National Anthem at the Miami Marlins, Florida Panthers, and Miami Heat Games. Other local venues include Pinecrest Gardens, Books and Books, FIU, Parade of the Elves, the Miami-Dade County Auditorium, and the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair. Talents are highlighted each November as the SMK8 Music, Drama, Dance, and Art magnets collaborate in a spectacular Holiday Production at the Manuel Artime Theater.
Dr. Duguay-Kirsten creates fun musical opportunities for her students. She exposes them to different cultures, styles and genres of music. As students practice and prepare for performances, they learn music theory, build confidence, and celebrate themselves and their classmates' accomplishments. It’s an experience that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Duguay-Kirsten is a highly educated and well-respected music teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She has won many awards and is Nationally Board Certified in Early/Middle Music. Please visit our website at SMK8musicmagnet.com
