MUSIC

Music History 1 & 2

Survey of Western music from ancient times to the present. It familiarizes students with the sounds, structures, trends, forms, and composers of European art music.

Instrumental Sight-Singing

Basics of reading and writing music and standard musical notation. The Sol-fa system is used for students to be able to sing melodies, and the ability to write melodies and rhythms through melodic and rhythmic dictation is emphasized.

Vocal Sight-Singing

Students learn the basics of reading and writing music and standard musical notation. The Sol-fa system is used for students to be able to sing melodies, and the ability to write melodies and rhythms through melodic and rhythmic dictation is emphasized.

Music Theory 1

Introduction to music fundamentals such as musical notation, modes, and scales. Students learn the different qualities of triad chord construction and the beginning of four-part harmonic writing. Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictations, as well as ear training exercises, are an integral component of this course of study.

Music Theory 2

Basic concepts of triad chord inversions and figured bass line and soprano line harmonization using inversions. Students are introduced to the 7th Chords and the complete and incomplete versions of the Dominant 7th Chord. Topics covered include the second inversion chord progressions and the secondary triads of the scale. Basic concepts of cadences and cadence chord progressions are begun. Non-harmonic tones are also covered. Ear training, sight singing, and dictation continue to be integral components.

Advanced Harmony 1 and 2

Aural and visual identification of procedures based in common-practice tonality: functional triadic harmony in traditional four-voice texture (with vocabulary including nonharmonic tones, seventh chords, and secondary dominants). Topics include cadences, melodic and harmonic compositional processes (e.g., sequence, motivic development), standard rhythms and meters, phrase structure (e.g., contrasting period, phrase group), small forms (e.g., rounded binary, simple ternary, theme and variation, strophic), and modulation to closely related keys. A brief introduction to twentieth-century scales, choral structures, and compositional procedures is included. Ear training, sight singing, and dictation continue to be integral components.

Jazz Improvisation 1 and 2

Jazz Improvisation offers students an opportunity to explore the basic approach to improvisation through the playing of compositions, chords, and scales. The class will study and develop an understanding of jazz forms with a strong emphasis on time, meter, and jazz swing feel. Students have an opportunity to work together and play in small ensembles.

Orchestration 1 and 2

Students learn how to arrange musical compositions for orchestra. Each instrument is examined for its range, transposition, clef, and technical capabilities. The historical development of each category of instrument is also covered. Students orchestrate a musical piece for a woodwind quartet, brass quintet, percussion ensemble, and string quintet. The course’s culminating project is the arranging of a musical composition for a full orchestra. The ability to read an orchestral score and understand the terminology used in a variety of languages is stressed.

Chorus

A required foundational vocal ensemble for all Freshmen. Students will study basic reading skills and methodologies that will prepare them for more advanced choral study.  Students will be featured in at least 2 concerts a year.

Mixed Chorus 1 and 2

Intermediate to advanced study of choral repertoire for mixed voices. Outcomes include the ability to read music and acquire the rehearsal techniques in preparation for the Senior Chorus. Students learn vocalizing techniques including a focus on breath control, posture, and vowel functions. Scales, triads, intervallic recognition, and four-part harmonic progressions are essential parts of the curriculum. Standard repertoire will be studied and performed.

Gospel Choir 1 and 2

 The study and performance of “gospel music” from both a historical and cultural perspective, including the study of spirituals, anthems, hymns — in traditional and contemporary genre — both á cappella and accompanied.  Students will be featured in at least 2 concerts a year.

Operetta & Opera Workshop 1 and 2

This is an advanced ensemble that focuses on operetta and operatic scenes and entrance is by audition only.   Students prepare scenes and arias selected from operatic, operetta and legit musical theater for performance in both master-classes and public settings.  This ensemble performs scenes in two concerts and culminates in a full-scale operetta/opera production in collaboration with the Opera Pit Orchestra and the NESA Technical Theater department.

Musical Theater 1 and 2

Repertoire is selected from the Broadway, jazz, and pop genres. Musical Theater performs regularly at special events throughout New England.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band performs selections from the standard and emerging literature of the wind band repertoire. Selections include a diverse and inclusive repertoire of contemporary composers, styles and genres, all of which foster the art of symphonic wind ensembles. This ensemble is open to all  wind players, brass players, and percussionists. Seating assignments are determined by a combination of auditions, needs of the ensemble, and are all at the discretion of the conductor. The ensemble has opportunities to work with guest artists, composers, and conductors. Students will be featured in at least 2 concerts a year.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is an auditioned group that performs selections from the standard and emerging literature of the wind band repertoire. Selections include a diverse and inclusive repertoire of contemporary composers, styles and genres, all of which foster the art of symphonic wind ensembles. This ensemble is open to sophomore, junior, and senior wind players, brass players, and percussionists who show a high-level of musicianship and commitment towards their art. Seating assignments are determined by a combination of auditions, needs of the ensemble, and are all at the discretion of the conductor.  Students will be featured in at least 2 concerts a year.