Music

In the Upper School our primary goal is to broaden our students' musical understanding and appreciation for the creative process — individually and collectively. Students are encouraged to participate fully, challenge their individual vocal abilities and strive for excellence in practice and performance.

For fifth and sixth grades music is a required course. The program offers such activities as group singing, folk dancing, instrumental ensemble playing, studying music theory, listening, improvising and composing. Seventh and eighth grade students choose among music electives.

For all Upper School music students, the study culminates with spring performances for parents, siblings and friends.

Fifth grade music is a required course of enrichment scheduled for two periods each week throughout the year. The program involves a variety of activities including group singing, folk dancing, instrumental ensemble playing, music theory, listening, improvisation and composition.

The curricular emphasis in the fifth grade is on the language of rhythm and working in ensemble. Students develop an awareness of how people from diverse cultures use rhythm to create and participate in the making of music.

Sixth grade music is a required course of enrichment scheduled for two periods each week throughout the year. The program offers a variety of activities including vocal development in solo, duet and ensemble, creative movement and dance, music theory, listening, improvisation, and composition.

The curricular emphasis in the sixth grade is on the study of vocal performance styles and working in ensemble. We begin with the study of opera in preparation for participating in each year’s Opera a la Carte presentation of a well-known opera. We continue with the study of American Musical Theater, exploring the interaction of music, dance, drama, staging and character development. Group projects include preparing a class report on a musical of their choice and creating an original staged setting of a musical selection.

A highlight of the year is our spring performance, “Come To The Cabaret,” which showcases the students’ work.

Seventh grade students are required to complete one course of music enrichment. They may select one or both of the following:

Eighth grade students may choose to participate in a vocal ensemble as part of their electives program.

Music Studio
In this class, students have the opportunity to compose, arrange, play and record their own music.  Working on their own or in collaboration with classmates, some of the projects to choose from include creating a musical setting for a favorite poem, composing a piece for an instrument, writing a song by teaming up with a friend as lyricist and composer, or forming an instrumental &/or vocal ensemble.  Students who play instruments outside of school are encouraged to bring them to class.  Piano keyboards, xylophones, percussion instruments, and computers with Garage Band and Sibelius (sequencing and notation programs) are available for students to work with.

Chorus
This performing group focuses on the techniques of balanced ensemble singing, performance skills and choreography while developing a diverse repertoire of choral literature. Performances include school assemblies and our annual Spring Sing.