ABOUT VOCAL MUSIC

The vocal music program celebrates the natural wonder of the voice within and the power of collective musicality. Whether it be choirs, clubs or solos in the spotlight, students take opportunities to express inmost thoughts and feelings through a diverse repertoire that challenges their style and intention. As an ensemble, we discover the beauty of sound and form and together craft a rich experience for our audiences to enjoy. With performances in the community and across campus, students learn the impact music has on others as well as ourselves.

Faculty and Staff:

Mr. Allen, Instrumental Music

Mr. Hill, Vocal Music

Bill Schmidt, accompanist

ABOUT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

The goal of the instrumental music program is to educate the students on the fundamental principles that make music great. Performers of every ensemble engage in playing vast styles of music, always respecting the qualities that make the music significant. Music students are encouraged to work together and to express themselves by taking chances, experimenting, and thinking outside the box. Our endeavor is to give the students a critical sense of what it is to be a creative artist by studying, admiring, and performing great music.

COURSES - VOCAL MUSIC

7th Grade Music

In Seventh Grade Vocal Music, students discover the unique joy and satisfaction that comes from creating music with other people. The class gives an introduction to the fundamentals of music theory, including basic notation of music and rhythm. We develop an appreciation for music and connect it to everyday life by gaining familiarity with diverse musical styles, cultures and historical periods, including American popular music, Western classical music, and world music. Students learn basic vocal skills through ensemble singing with an emphasis on correct posture, breathing and proper vocal technique in order to gain self confidence and ease.

8th Grade Vocal Music

Eighth Grade Chorus students participate in a fun and supportive environment to further pursue an interest in singing and making music with others. The singers continue to develop knowledge of the elements of music and proper vocal technique, with emphasis placed on two-part and three-part singing of a variety of musical styles and genres. Students focus on understanding the changing voice and the development of a good choral sound, as well as critical listening, ear-training and sight-reading skills. The class frequently combines with the Eighth Grade Instrumental Music class to collaborate on special class projects, performances and recordings.

Flintridge Singers

Chorus explores the wonders of choral/vocal music through a dedicated choir composed of talented singers from grade levels 9-12 aspiring towards various performances offered throughout the year. Students learn how to musically express themselves by focusing on skills such as breathing, posture, articulation, and diction and applying them to pieces rehearsed in class. Members of the choir may experience a repertoire ranging from early Renaissance to present day, celebrating the art of music both as an ensemble and as soloists. The cumulative work is presented at the Winter and Spring Music Concerts as well as at performances within the local community.

Independent Study - Vocal Music

All seniors are given the opportunity to pursue their passions within the structure and assessment of an original course known as an independent study. For singers, this platform promotes the individual study of musicianship and the expansion of repertoire which culminates in a public presentation in May. The focus of the recital is discussed at length with the faculty advisor in an effort to highlight the student’s artistry, diligence, and enthusiasm for music.

COURSES - INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

8th Grade Instrumental Music

This class will give students the opportunity to learn the essential elements needed to be a musician. The course is open to students who have at least one year of experience playing an instrument. Students will learn music fundamentals such as music reading, theory, ear training, and technique. Students will have the opportunity to perform during the 8th Grade Art Share Day. Other potential performances may include the Jazz Coffee House, the Winter Music Concert, and the Spring Music Concert. The students may also collaborate and perform with the 8th Grade Vocal Music Class depending on the level of each ensemble.

Jazz Band

The Flintridge Prep Jazz Band is centered on performing classic repertoire from various styles in jazz. Previous experience playing jazz is not required, although students should be proficient in playing their instrument. Students will develop their music reading, theory/harmonic knowledge, improvisation, section playing, and other fundamental aspects involved in playing in a jazz band. There will be on-campus performance opportunities such as the Jazz Coffee House, the Flintridge Prep Family BBQ, as well as off-campus performance opportunities around the community.

Jazz Rock Band

The Jazz Rock Ensemble performs music in a variety of different styles. The class focuses on learning and performing popular jazz and rock music from the 1960s to present day. Students who would like to join the Jazz Rock Ensemble should have an interest in improvising, which is a huge component of the class. Although no previous jazz/rock experience is required, students should be proficient in playing their instrument. Students will develop skills in music reading, section playing, theory/harmony, and other essential concepts needed to play jazz and rock. There will be both on and off campus performance opportunities throughout the school year.

Orchestra

This course is open to students with at least two years of playing experience on an orchestral instrument. Students will focus on developing music reading, performance skills, technique, and other fundamental aspects involved in orchestral playing. The students will have the opportunity to perform for the Winter and the Spring concerts on campus. There may also be off campus performance opportunities around the community. It is recommended that students, in addition to scheduled class times, join the Community Orchestra, which meets once weekly.

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory is an advanced level music course. This course focuses on material taught in a first-year college level music theory course. The class is open to students in their junior and senior year. Students must pass an entrance exam prior to enrolling in the course. In order to pass the exam, students should have some knowledge on basic music theory concepts such as key signatures, major scales, and intervals. AP Music Theory prepares the student for the AP Music Theory exam, which is taken in the late spring semester. There are five musical areas that will be examined in the class: music fundamentals, harmonic and melodic analysis, ear training and sight singing, composition, and music terminology.

EXTRACURRICULARS

Programs

After school, the music department will host extracurricular muisc programs led by faculty for students to participate in. Students meet once every week to explore and work on music, some in preparation to perform at concerts and in the community.

Community Orchestra

Singerspace

Programs offered this year

Clubs

Every year, the instrumental program offers a variety of clubs to participate in.

Clubs offered this year

Love Through Sound
Straight Out Of Prep
Crescendo

Auditing

The Music program at Flintridge Prep allows 9th - 12th grade students to audit a class. What does it mean to audit? Students who have a free period during a dance class appropriate to their skill level may join the class. Please check with the faculty member for approval. Historically, students audit one or two classes per week consistently through the semester, schedule allowing. Auditing comes with the expected commitment of engaging the course fully and performing in the dance concert.