music

All previous training of pupils in elementary and middle school instrumental instruction culminates in the senior high concert band. A new trend has developed at VVS over the last several years. We have seen an influx of students wishing to join or re-join band. Students in this situation should see the director as soon as possible. Concert band is open to all students in grades 9-12. After auditioning, members are seated according to their performing ability. Weekly instrumental lessons, individual growth, and proficiency are major components of participation in this course. Performance opportunities include winter and spring concerts, sporting events, community functions, performance festivals, and tours. All concert band members are required to participate in spring parades as members of the VVS Marching Band. Concert band students may also attend All–County, Area All–State, and NYSSMA Festivals.

Mixed Chorus is a Soprano Alto Bass Tenor voice ensemble open to any student in grades 9-12. This group, which rehearses daily, performs at winter and spring concerts, as well as at community and school functions. Each member receives vocal lessons and has the opportunity to be selected for the All-County and Area All-State Music Festivals. In addition, members may opt to participate in the NYSSMA Solo Festival.

Orchestra is made up of students from grades 7-12. The curriculum is divided into two major musical components; exploration and service. As a member of our learning community, students collaborate on various projects, compositions, arrangements, and transcriptions of diverse music to perform at a number of concerts throughout the year. Musical service projects take place throughout the course of the year, primarily through peer mentoring and sharing our creative work to benefit the community. Lessons take place on a rotating basis; these times are more focused on group "personal musicianship projects" where students are given the opportunity to explore the many ways of being a 21st century musician. New members are always welcome and encouraged, and there are no prerequisites necessary to join. Students are welcome to pursue additional performance opportunities such as All-County, Area All-State, Conference All-State, and NYSSMA.

Interested in finding out “what it takes” to create, produce, and market a multimedia CD project? Students taking this course have the opportunity to meet a variety of professionals in the entertainment business while completing mini-courses in art, business, written and oral communication, and music. Topics of study include song writing, learning from lyrics, drafting poems that matter, artist call sheets, press passes, copywriting and ownership, marketing, and distribution, plus much more! Students interested in taking this course must complete and submit a short application to the faculty teaching the course. Please see the Guidance office for details.

This course is designed for students who want the experience in creating, producing, and marketing a multimedia CD. Students in Entertainment Industry Course 2 have the opportunity to use the skills learned in Entertainment Industry Course 1 and apply them in a classroom setting with a collaborative, simulated work environment for the ultimate creation of a multimedia CD product.

Offered biannually, this is a special course open to interested and talented pupils who wish to achieve a better understanding of advanced study and analysis of music. Students will learn advanced listening skills, ear training, and analysis and composition. Prior participation in a performing group is a helpful start for this course. Theory is required for a music major sequence.

Offered biannually, Music Theory 2 is a continuation of Music Theory 1 with emphasis on form, analysis, history, literature, composition, ear training, sight singing, and conducting. Completion of Music Theory 1 and 2 is highly recommended for any student who wishes to pursue music in college. Theory 1 and 2 are required for a 5-unit major in music.

This class focuses on listening and discussing the value of all styles of music. Students will learn how to respond to music from many styles and cultures, understand the social uses of music, recognize music as an important marker of its time and culture, and to respect and understand superlative human musical achievements.