Apex Plus 23-24 - Directed Ensembles

Directed Ensembles

DIRECTED ENSEMBLES ARE DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS ARTISTS (WHO MAY BE SELECTED BY AUDITION), AND EXTEND ACROSS MULTIPLE TRIMESTERS. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT TIME COMMITMENT.

Student participation in a directed ensemble emphasizes continued skill development and refinement through a variety of higher-level skills, techniques, and performance qualities. There is an emphasis on performance in these ensembles.

Directed Ensembles Include:

APEX COMMERCIAL BAND | DANCE COMPANY A | DANCE COMANY B | ELECTRO-ROCK ORCHESTRA

Directors: Jennifer Marie Rivera & Dave Kauffman

2 days/week, days TBD

Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters

Yearly Audition Required.

Auditions will be held at Studio 39 on (to be announced).

This band of Apex Arts musicians selected by audition will use modern commercial music to strengthen individual technique and musicianship in a collaborative ensemble. The Apex Commercial Band will be coached by a team of professional commercial musicians who will bring real world musical experience to the ensemble(s). The goal of the project is preparing for traditional live performances.

The band will include drums, bass, keys, guitar, brass/woodwinds, and vocalists. Musicians will play music from the last several decades including but not limited to rock, blues, funk, pop, soul, ska, and punk. This ensemble provides both applied and collaborative experiences designed to cultivate the skills, motivation, and personal responsibility needed to succeed in a modern band.

Apex Commercial Band is open to students in grades 9-12. You will meet twice a week during Apex+ for rehearsals. This is required for the fall, winter, and spring trimesters. The schedule will be determined by the composition of the band after auditions.

Apex Commercial Band will represent the Apex Arts Magnet and AACPS throughout our community over the course of the year.

Director: Julia Hawkins

Tuesdays & Thursdays at Annapolis High School

Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters

Yearly Audition Required.

Auditions for the 2023-2024 season have already been held.

Dance Company A is a group determined by audition held in May 2023. There are no further auditions scheduled for the 2022-2024 school year.

If you were selected for Dance Company A, your rehearsal and performance hours are credited toward your Apex+ requirement. You will meet twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) during Apex+ (approx. 3:20-4:35) for rehearsals. This is required for the fall, winter, and spring trimesters. Company dancers represent the Apex Arts Dance Magnet at AACPS Dance Festivals, Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase, and Regional/National High School Dance Festivals, as well as other performance opportunities throughout the school year. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled outside of the Apex+ structure.

While it is recommended all students engage in Apex+ Projects, your full participation in Dance Company A will cover your Apex+ requirement as outlined below.

As is the Apex Arts policy with all Apex+ classes, final crediting of hours is only done at the conclusion of the classes on May 20, 2024 (approximately, pending AACPS final calendar) and students are required to be in regular attendance throughout the class until that date.

Director: Jasmine Caffee

Tuesdays & Thursdays at Annapolis High School

Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters

Yearly Audition Required.

Auditions for the 2023-2024 season have already been held.

Dance Company B is a group determined by audition held in May 2023. There are no further auditions scheduled for the 2023-2024 school year.

If you were selected for Dance Company B, your rehearsal and performance hours are credited toward your Apex+ requirement. You will meet twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) during Apex+ (approx. 3:20-4:35) for rehearsals. This is required for the fall, winter, and spring trimesters. Company dancers represent the Apex Arts Dance Magnet at AACPS Dance Festivals as well as other performance opportunities throughout the school year. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled outside of the Apex+ structure.

While it is recommended all students engage in Apex+ Projects, your full participation in Dance Company B will cover your Apex+ requirement as outlined below.

As is the Apex Arts policy with all Apex+ classes, final crediting of hours is only done at the conclusion of the classes on May 24, 2024 (approximately, pending AACPS final calendar) and students are required to be in regular attendance throughout the class until that date.

Director: Athena Hiotis

Tuesdays & Thursdays at

Studio 39

Winter and Spring

Trimesters

Audition Not Required.

While an audition is not required, musicians should have experience.

Strings, Guitar, Piano/keys/synth, Drums, Percussion, Bass, Vocal

Electro-Rock band is a chance to make music without the limitation of a traditional rock band. In this class, we're going to be adding onto the regular rock layout by expanding on what sounds instruments can make and which instruments we play with. By introducing pedals, synths, and instrumentals not typically found in a band, we can create music that is unique and borrows from different styles.

This ensemble will be just as much about experimentation as it will be about learning songs and performing. You'll also be learning about efficient ways to load your gear on and off stage; how to properly sound check; and improving your stage presence to match not just the song, but the production surrounding you .

Be prepared to present a set for our audience that mirrors the level found in music industry, not just with our music performance but the production as well.

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