Music

Performing Arts Department Chair: Mark Robinson

The goal of the music program is to help students discover the value of music and all the arts in their lives. The study of music develops cultural literacy and aural sensitivity. General music classes and performing ensembles promote the development of musical understanding and technical skills and encourage the development of the imagination and aesthetic sensitivity. Students explore music from a wide range of cultures, styles, and musical traditions. In doing so, they develop a deeper understanding of music as a reflection of society and humanity. Opportunities for making music are available to all interested students. The large performing ensembles (chorus, string orchestra, and wind ensemble) rehearse during the curricular day and do not require an audition. Additional ensembles for highly motivated and capable musicians meet before or after school and students are selected by audition. Outstanding rehearsal spaces, two theaters, a music technology lab, and individual practice rooms support the musical experience.

4 credits in the fine and/or performing arts are required for graduation.

DEPARTMENTAL GOALS AND COMPETENCIES

LOWER SCHOOL

General Music, Grade levels: 3-6

Students in General Music explore musical concepts through exposure to a variety of styles and genres of music. They will focus on the importance of music within different cultures while attaining key musical skills such as reading, writing, playing instruments and singing. In addition to developing their musical competencies, students in General Music will learn to use music as a form of expression and story-telling.

Instrumental, Grade level: 3

In this course, 3rd Graders begin their exploration of instrumental music through introductions to a variety of musical instruments and techniques. This course prepares them for their continued study of either a band or string instrument throughout the rest of Lower School and beyond.

Band, Grade levels: 4-6

Students who select a band instrument will begin learning to play and develop their skills as musicians in the 4th Grade. This musical journey continues throughout their time in the Lower School. Through the study of instrumental music, students collaborate with each other and build musical communities

Strings, Grade levels: 4-6

Students who select a string instrument will begin learning to play and develop their skills as musicians in the 4th Grade. This musical journey continues throughout their time in the Lower School. Through the study of instrumental music, students collaborate with each other and build musical communities

Chorus, Grade level: 6

Students in 6th Grade Chorus learn about the value and importance of working together as an ensemble in order to produce a beautiful choral sound. They are exposed to songs from a variety of genres and styles, and they make connections between the songs they are singing and the people or groups that originally sang them. Sixth Grade Chorus members learn to listen critically to the group’s sound and they become confident in their ability to sing with expression and musicality.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Music 7, Grade level: 7 (required)

Music 7 students examine the role of popular song in American culture and in their own lives from the perspectives of performer, composer, and social historian. The Music Technology Lab serves as a focus for hands-on exploration of popular song styles and their roots, beginning with the turn of the century and the blues. Using electronic keyboards and composition software, students arrange, create, and improvise. In small collaborative groups, students focus on music written to effect social change by creating their own songs and producing a short radio show on a topic of interest.

Middle School Chorus, Grade level: 7, 8

Middle School Chorus is open to seventh and eighth grade students interested in the study and performance of choral music. Emphasis is placed on basic vocal technique, music literacy, two and three-part singing, stylistic interpretation, and musical understanding through the study and preparation of choral literature from various cultures and musical traditions. The Middle School Chorus prepares music for at least two concert appearances each year. This is a full year course.

Middle School Handbells, Grade level: 7, 8

Middle School Handbell Choir affords interested students the opportunity to grow through performance. Emphasis is placed on improving technique and music expressiveness, and acquiring an understanding of the stylistic characteristics of literature from various cultures and musical traditions. Annual concerts are presented in addition to local and regional handbell festivals and collaborations. The unique techniques of handbell performance are taught through instruction and demonstration and the class is open to all students in the middle school. This is a full year course.

Middle School String Orchestra, Grade level: 7, 8; Co-requisite: Private study recommended

Middle School instrumental music ensembles afford interested students the opportunity to grow through performance. Emphasis is placed on improving tone quality, developing technique/musical expressiveness, and acquiring an understanding of the stylistic characteristics of literature from various cultures and musical traditions. The ensembles rehearse separately. Middle School students may be selected by audition from the large ensembles for instrumental chamber ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Band. This is a full year course.

Middle School Wind Ensemble, Grade level: 7, 8; Co-requisite: Private study recommended

UPPER SCHOOL

Music Composition & Arranging with Technology, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester

This is a one trimester course in the Music Technology Lab designed for students interested in applying their technical and musical skills and knowledge in creative pursuits. Projects range from songwriting and arranging, to orchestration, to the creation of video soundtracks. Instruction is individualized according to the individual student’s level of experience. This course may be repeated.

Music Theory 1, Grade Level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester

This one-trimester course will cover the basics and fundamentals of written music theory, while simultaneously cultivating aural skills. This class will serve as a traditional music theory course that covers the comprehensive subject matter of music theory. Among the topics to be covered will be pitch, pitch class, scales, the basics of rhythm, intervals, triads, seventh chords, two-voice counterpoint, and notation and scoring. In addition, this course will develop aural, sight-reading, and keyboard skills, that will correlate to all musicians in each of Holton’s performing ensembles.

Music Theory 2, Grade Level: 9-12, Prerequisite: Music Theory 1, Credit: 1 per trimester [3rd-trimester course]

Building off Music Theory 1, this one-trimester class will continue skills in written music theory and aural skills. This class will further a traditional music theory course that covers the comprehensive subject matter. The focus will be on continued and more advanced study in pitch, pitch class, scales, the rhythm, intervals, triads, seventh chords, two-voice counterpoint, and notation and scoring. In addition, this course will further develop aural, sight-reading, and keyboard skills, that will correlate to all musicians in each of Holton’s performing ensembles.

Vocal Technique, Auditioning, and Cabaret, Grade Level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester

This course aims to provide students with a basic introduction to vocal pedagogy/voice function, breath management and control, repertoire study and selection, and an on-your-feet experiment in audition techniques, choices, best practices, and rules/tips of the trade. Each student will receive individual coaching, song choice, monologues, cold-readings, and even movement auditions.

It is our hope that students will walk away from the course with a personalized repertoire (art songs, audition sides, and monologues to add to their book for college, community, or regional audition opportunities.) Work with professionals and outside experts will be a highlight of this course. This course may be repeated.

Upper School String Orchestra, Grade Level: 9-12; Co-requisite: Private study recommended, Credit: 3 for the full year

Upper School instrumental music ensembles afford interested students the opportunity to grow through performance and practice. This course develops the string player through musical technique and artistry. Repertoire from all musical time periods allows the students to develop the skills to play in many different styles and musical genres. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, teamwork, skill-building, and enhanced musical understanding. Annual concerts are presented in addition to optional local and regional events and competitions. This is a full-year course.

Upper School Wind Ensemble, Grade level: 9-12, Co-requisite: Private study recommended, Credit: 3 for the full year

Upper School instrumental music ensembles afford interested students the opportunity to grow through performance. Emphasis is placed on improving tone quality, developing technique/musical expressiveness, and acquiring an understanding of the stylistic characteristics of literature from various cultures and musical traditions. The Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra rehearse separately. Students may be selected by audition for instrumental chamber ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Band. All ensembles are full-year courses. This is a full-year course.

Chamber Orchestra,* Grade level: 9-12, Co-requisite: Upper School String Orchestra or Upper School Wind Ensemble, Credit: 3 for the full year

Chamber Orchestra combines advanced strings with wind and brass players to explore symphonic orchestra repertoire. The ensemble meets two mornings per week from 7:10-7:55 am. This is a full-year course. *Participation by audition only.

Jazz Band,* Grade level: 9-12, Prerequisite: 2 years of study on an instrument or departmental permission. Co-requisite: Wind Ensemble (except for guitar, bass, and piano). Credit: 3 for the full year.

For Jazz Band, jazz woodwind and brass sections (saxophones, trumpets, and trombones) join forces with a rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, and drums) to explore a wide range of jazz music. The Jazz Band performs in the Winter and Spring US instrumental music concerts. The ensemble meets two mornings per week from 7:15-7:55 am. This is a full-year course.*Participation by audition only.

Upper School Handbell Choir, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 3 for the full year.

Upper School Handbell Choir affords interested students the opportunity to grow through performance. Emphasis is placed on improving technique and music expressiveness and acquiring an understanding of the stylistic characteristics of literature from various cultures and musical traditions. Annual concerts are presented in addition to local and regional handbell festivals and collaborations. The unique techniques of handbell performance are taught through instruction and demonstration and the class is open to all students in the upper school. This is a full-year course.

Upper School Chorus, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 3 for the full year

Chorus is open to interested students who share a passion for choral singing. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, vocal training, part singing, stylistic interpretation, music literacy, and musical understanding through the study, preparation, and performance of choral literature from various cultures and musical traditions. Upper School choral ensembles study and prepare music for at least three concert appearances each year. All ensembles are full-year courses. Annual concerts are presented in addition to collaborations with other schools and the yearly ISCF Choral Festival at the National Cathedral. This is a full-year course.

Chamber Singers,* Grade level: 9-12, Co-requisite: Upper School Chorus, Credit: 3 for the full year

The Chamber Singers are selected by audition from the Upper School Chorus membership. The Chamber Singers explore acappella singing from the Renaissance to contemporary styles. The ensemble meets two mornings per week from 7:10-7:55 am. This is a full-year course. *Participation by audition only.

Swing Choir,* Grade level: 9-12, Co-requisite: Upper School Chorus, Credit: 3 for the full year

Swing Choir members are selected by audition from the Upper School Chorus membership. Singers/actors/dancers come together for this unique ensemble that explores a wide range of music from pop to musical theater. The ensemble rehearses during the school day. This is a full-year course. *Participation by audition only.

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

Video Editing [Asynchronous], Grade Level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester

In this interdisciplinary arts course, students will learn the basics of video production and video editing and hone their skills through projects and practical applications. The class will provide an introduction to both iMovie and Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as learning the basics of shooting quality videos (lighting techniques, framing, the rule of 3rds, wide-medium-closeup shots), editing techniques, effects, color correction, titles, and shooting/editing styles. This course may be repeated.