High School Programs

High School Music Faculty

Mr. Vincent Vicchiariello
Director of Bands
vvicchiariello@nutleyschools.org

Mr. Stephone Gaines
Director of Vocal Activities (7-12)
sgaines@nutleyschools.org

Mr. Andrew Mayewski
Director of Jazz Lab
amayewski@nutleyschools.org 

Ms. Elizabeth Nowik
Director of Orchestra
enowik@nutleyschools.org

Instrumental Ensembles

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed for music learning through instrumental performance. This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of quality concert band repertoire from classic through modern/contemporary wind band works.

Successful completion of this course will be measured by engaged class participation, and part and theory assessments, as well as performance assessments. Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

Jazz Lab

Jazz Lab is designed to teach jazz literature through performance. This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, improvisation technique, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of multiple jazz styles ranging from the roots of classic Jazz through modern/contemporary forms of jazz fusion.

Successful completion of this course will be measured by engaged class participation, and part and theory assessments. Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

Orchestra

Orchestra is designed for string students progressing from intermediate to advanced musicianship. The course requires students to understand and apply music theory and fundamentals, musical elements, historical context, relation of music to the other arts, and appropriate performance practice.

Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events beyond the regular school day, which will be outlined in a performance calendar. Performance participation is expected and is the graded culmination of academic student learning.

Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, on-going playing tests, skill assessments, and performance assessments. 

Wind Ensemble Honors

Wind Ensemble Honors is designed with the emphasis on advanced music learning through performance. 

This course requires students to take into account proper instrumental technique, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

Students will build and develop skills through the study and performance of difficult wind band repertoire from classic through modern/contemporary wind band works. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar. 

Successful completion of this course will be measured by engaged class participation, part and theory assessments, and performance assessments. Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

Vocal Ensembles

Chamber Singers Honors

Chamber Singers Honors is designed for students who want to explore and learn more difficult choral repertoire at a vigorous pace and perform frequently throughout the school year. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music.

Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, performance, and critique of varied choral repertoire from the Middle Ages through modern/contemporary works. This course also requires students to participate in one lesson lab period per week. These small group instruction lessons will reinforce concepts being covered in all instrumental and honors music ensembles. Lesson labs will be scheduled in the fall. 

Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, written/research assignments, part and theory testing, sight singing exams and performance assessments. Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is designed for students who want to explore and perform varied and challenging choral repertoire in a large ensemble setting. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to take into account proper vocal production, theory/fundamentals, historical context, musical elements, and appropriate performance practice.

Students will build and develop music skills through the study, analysis and performance of a variety of choral repertoire ranging from the Middle Ages through modern/contemporary works. Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, and part and theory assessment, as well as performance assessments. Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

Treble Choir

Treble Choir is a vocal ensemble designed for students who want to develop vocal technique, musicianship skills and literacy specific to the treble voices. Performances are an integral part of the course and include concerts, competitions, festivals and special events, which will be outlined in a performance calendar.

This course requires students to perform with proper vocal technique, understand and apply music theory concepts, analyze and describe the historical and cultural context of music, utilize the expressive qualities of music, and demonstrate an ability to read music and participate in the process of critique. Students will develop skills through the study, analysis, and performance of treble (soprano & alto) choral repertoire and sight-singing exercises. Successful completion of this course will be measured through class participation, repertoire and sight-singing testing, as well as written and performance assessments.

Student participation in performances beyond the regular school day is expected as performances are an indispensable function of the curriculum intended to culminate student core academic learning and provide character-building experiences. 

This course also serves as a prerequisite for Concert Choir for all soprano and alto singers.