Tracks

Class overview

Chamber Orchestra: Orchestra 1 & 2

This class is designed for students that have experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students need to have completed two or more years of prior instruction or pass an equivalency test administered by the instructor to participate. Skills will be practiced in solo playing, orchestral performance, and small ensemble. The general goal is for students to be able to confidently and accurately perform appropriate grade level music. As a result of their practice and exposure to high quality musical performance and literature, they should also develop an appreciation for the skill and artistry involved in playing a musical instrument. Through study of music theory and history, students should also be able to place famous composers in a historical context and discuss various elements of music used in traditional orchestral repertoire. 

Honors Orchestra: Orchestra 3 - 7

The objective of this class is developmental and performance-based to prepare each student for a more progressive level of instrumental participation. This class accentuates performance with an aim of reinforcing fundamental music, theory, and practice skills learned in Chamber Orchestra. Members of this ensemble are expected to maintain a disciplined practice routine to read more challenging literature. There is a strong emphasis on fundamentals, collaborative learning, personal practice habits, and musical discipline. Successful completion of a Chamber Orchestra program is required for admission into Honors. Middle school orchestra experience or equivalent musical training required if transferring.* 

Piano 1:

This course is designed for the student with no piano experience. Students will begin the school year in a classroom style setting to learn the fundamentals of music including note names, the music staff, treble clef, bass clef, time signature, rhythm durations and their corresponding rests. Once the students understand the basic concepts of music theory, they will progress to the keyboards. All students must be able to play provided music while maintaining a steady beat associating written notation with the correct keys on the keyboard. Once students demonstrate mastery of basic keyboard concepts through performance, they will practice music from the piano method book along with the scales and chords book.

Students progress through the method book as they demonstrate mastery of each new skill and concept. Once the method and repertoire books are mastered, students will select music of personal interest to practice and master under the direction of the teacher. 

Piano 2: 

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Piano 1 or have previously received piano instruction. Piano 2 students should be able to read music and identify notes on the staff, play to a steady beat along with basic rhythmic patterns. Students will continue their piano education by starting at the end of Book 1 of the Faber Adult Piano book as review, then progressing to Book 2 of the Faber Adult Piano course. Piano 2 students will also continue their study in the Scales and Chords Book 2. 

Students progress through the method book as they demonstrate mastery of each new skill and concept. Once the method and repertoire books are mastered, students will select music of personal interest to practice and master under the direction of the teacher.  Students progress through the method book as they demonstrate mastery of each new skill and concept. Once the method and repertoire books are mastered, students will select music of personal interest to practice and master under the direction of the teacher.