Courses
Band is for students who have had at least one year of lessons on a band instrument and meet the requirements for entry into the school band. They participate in at least two concerts per year as a concert band, chamber ensembles, and several home varsity basketball games as a pep band. Students may rent instruments through a local instrument supply company. They attend 25-minute private or semiprivate lessons on a rotating basis throughout the year. Band and chorus meet on alternating days and students are encouraged to sign up for both.
Students study and perform choral music from many time periods and cultures. Students practice singing techniques and music reading. The chorus performs in at least three school concerts each year and in community events. All students attend group lessons each week, focusing on healthy vocal production and ensemble skills. Band and chorus meet on alternating days and students are encouraged to sign up for both!
Honors Chorus
Students in Honors Chorus participate in chorus as described above. The difference comes in lessons and practice routines. Honors chorus students work with Ms. Wadsworth privately in 30 minute lessons and focus on vocal technique as well as music literacy, ear training, and audition preparation. All students in Honors Chorus are required to audition for the district, All-State, and New England Music Festivals, and attend any they are accepted into.
Honors Chorus students also go on a field trip each semester to see performances by a wide variety of vocal performers. A reflection paper is written after each experience.
Music Exploration (MS)
Students will learn basics of music theory, a perspective of music history and also explore music technology using software such as GarageBand and Pro Tools. Collaborating with fellow musicians increases students’ learning opportunities and growth in the field. A final project in the form of a musical composition is the main focus of the course. No prior knowledge or experience with music is required to take Music Exploration.
Students learn and practice the techniques involved in playing instruments. In addition to playing in the every other day full band rehearsal, each student takes six private lessons on their instrument each quarter. This gives students the individual attention that is necessary to properly guide them in their growth as instrumentalists. The band plays increasingly difficult music as the year progresses. Many styles of music are studied, including classical, multi-cultural and contemporary. The students are given music writing assignments quarterly. They also have fun as they hear themselves improving. See below for the expectations for the current quarter. The band plays in concerts in December and May.
Students learn and practice the techniques involved in singing: posture, breath control, vowel formation, diction, audiation, intonation, and dynamics. The chorus develops the ability to sing in parts. Many styles of music are studied, including classical, multi-cultural and contemporary. The students practice solfege on a regular basis. The chorus sings in the school concerts in December and May as well as appearing at local and community events. They have fun as they hear themselves improving.
Recital Preparation
Students will prepare for a recital at the end of the semester. With extended individual lessons, students will prepare advanced repertoire at an in depth level. They will also do research on the pieces to grasp a deeper understanding of the music they are performing. Instructor approval required.