REQUIREMENTS & COURSES
All students who have been accepted into the Performing Arts Academy are required to take 4 periods of their performing arts major, along with 4 or 5 periods of academic classes per day. No exceptions
MUSIC ACADEMY
REQUIREMENTS
The Music Academy offers vocal music, music theory and piano. Students in the Music Academy for the 2009-2010 school year receive a demanding college-level education. Our goal is to prepare our graduates for professional careers and the continuation of their studies at the nation's leading conservatories and universities. In addition to the rigorous coursework required to graduate, music students must pass individual performance exams and studio exams at the end of the third year.
COURSES
Freshman / Sophomore Year
VOCAL MUSIC COURSES
Sightsinging 1
A required course. This entry-level course is designed for all incoming vocal students with little or no knowledge of the materials of music. All entering vocal majors must take and pass this course. Topics discussed include: notes, staff, treble and bass clefs, key signatures with up to four sharps and flats, corresponding scales, simple intervals, sol-fa system. Students will use this knowledge to sing simple melodic lines using the sol-fa system and learn to write simple melodies in the music language as they are played on an instrument of choice. Creative work will also be encouraged. This course is for one term and given in the fall.
Sightsinging 2
A required course. This is a continuation of Sightsinging 1 Students will continue sightsinging using the sol-fa system. They will also continue melodic dictation on the next level. By the end of the semester, all key signatures and major scales will have been covered. Interval dictation will be added. Students will also begin to learn about major, minor, augmented and diminished triads in all major keys and be able to sing them. Creative work will also be encouraged. This course is for one term and given in the spring.
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
Elementary Chorus
A required introductory chorus for all freshmen. Students will study basic reading skills and methodologies that will prepare them for more advanced choral study. Standard repertoire will be studied and performed.
Mixed Chorus
An intermediate chorus. Students will advance reading and learning methods as well as musical comprehension that will be used in Senior Chorus. Portions of major works and standard choral repertoire will be studied and performed.
PIANO COURSES
Beginning Piano
A required course for all freshmen and incoming sophomores. Students will study basic piano techniques, sight-reading and musical comprehension. These skills will serve as a foundation for their continued musical study.
Intermediate Piano
An elective course for students who wish to advance their basic piano skills. Sight-reading, simple transposition and analysis of intermediate works will be studied and performed.
MUSIC THEORY
Theory 1
This is the first in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony. Topics in this course will include all major and minor keys, diatonic triads and their inversions, and the V7 chord and its inversions. Students will also begin four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Theory 2
Prerequisite: Theory 1 or equivalent.
This course is the second in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony. This course is a continuation of topics covered in theory 1 and also includes secondary dominants, modal borrowing, and an introduction to species counterpoint. Students will also continue to hone skills in four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Jazz Improvisation
Study of the basic approach to improvisation through the study and playing of compositions, chords, and scales. The study and understanding of jazz forms in the combo setting and a strong emphasis on time, meter, jazz swing feel, and the ability to work together. All instrumental and vocal students are invited and there is no audition required.
MUSIC ACADEMY
REQUIREMENTS
The Music Academy offers vocal music, music theory and piano. Students in the Music Academy for the 2007-2008 school year receive a demanding college-level education. Our goal is to prepare our graduates for professional careers and the continuation of their studies at the nation's leading conservatories and universities. In addition to the rigorous coursework required to graduate, music students must pass individual performance exams and studio exams at the end of the third year. Due to limited campus space during this 2007-2008 school year, Instrumental classes such as string, winds, and brass, will not be offered until the 2008-2009 school year.
MUSIC ACADEMY
COURSES
Freshman / Sophomore Year
VOCAL MUSIC COURSES
Sightsinging 1
A required course. This entry-level course is designed for all incoming vocal students with little or no knowledge of the materials of music. All entering vocal majors must take and pass this course. Topics discussed include: notes, staff, treble and bass clefs, key signatures with up to four sharps and flats, corresponding scales, simple intervals, sol-fa system. Students will use this knowledge to sing simple melodic lines using the sol-fa system and learn to write simple melodies in the music language as they are played on an instrument of choice. Creative work will also be encouraged. This course is for one term and given in the fall.
Sightsinging 2
A required course. This is a continuation of Sightsinging 1 Students will continue sightsinging using the sol-fa system. They will also continue melodic dictation on the next level. By the end of the semester, all key signatures and major scales will have been covered. Interval dictation will be added. Students will also begin to learn about major, minor, augmented and diminished triads in all major keys and be able to sing them. Creative work will also be encouraged. This course is for one term and given in the spring.
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
Elementary Chorus
A required introductory chorus for all freshmen. Students will study basic reading skills and methodologies that will prepare them for more advanced choral study. Standard repertoire will be studied and performed.
Mixed Chorus
An intermediate chorus. Students will advance reading and learning methods as well as musical comprehension that will be used in Senior Chorus. Portions of major works and standard choral repertoire will be studied and performed.
PIANO COURSES
Beginning Piano
A required course for all freshmen and incoming sophomores. Students will study basic piano techniques, sight-reading and musical comprehension. These skills will serve as a foundation for their continued musical study.
Intermediate Piano
An elective course for students who wish to advance their basic piano skills. Sight-reading, simple transposition and analysis of intermediate works will be studied and performed.
MUSIC THEORY
Theory 1
This is the first in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony. Topics in this course will include all major and minor keys, diatonic triads and their inversions, and the V7 chord and its inversions. Students will also begin four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Theory 2
Prerequisite: Theory 1 or equivalent.
This course is the second in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony. This course is a continuation of topics covered in theory 1 and also includes secondary dominants, modal borrowing, and an introduction to species counterpoint. Students will also continue to hone skills in four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Jazz Improvisation
Study of the basic approach to improvisation through the study and playing of compositions, chords, and scales. The study and understanding of jazz forms in the combo setting and a strong emphasis on time, meter, jazz swing feel, and the ability to work together. All instrumental and vocal students are invited and there is no audition required.
Tap Dance 1 & 2
The study of the basics of this vernacular dance form. Students will be expected to master tap vocabulary, techniques of rhythmic clarity and use of weight shift. They will explore the syncopation of rhythm tap and its musical significance.
Dance 1& 2
This class will present a series of exercises adapted from various styles of dance movement that are natural to all body types and designed to facilitate the execution of specific actions that require increased range of motion, considerable strength, and moderate coordination. A basic vocabulary of movement is introduced in conjunction with definite rhythmical patterns to expose students to a practical method used in obtaining knowledge of dance.
PROJECTED MUSIC COURSES
2008-2010 School Years
STRINGS COURSES
Strings 1
This course is open to beginning violin and viola students who have passed the preliminary audition on piano, guitar, or another instrument not ordinarily used in a symphony orchestra. It is a one-year course designed to acquaint students with the rudiments of violin or viola technique in the first position. Emphasis is on developing proper technique, pitch discrimination and posture.
Strings 2
This is a course open to beginning violin, cello or bass students who have passed the preliminary audition on piano or guitar, or on another instrument not ordinarily used in the symphony orchestra. It is a one-year course designed to acquaint students with the rudiments of cello or bass technique in the first position, later in higher positions as the students become more proficient. Emphasis is on developing proper technique, pitch discrimination, and posture.
Strings 3
This one-year course is open to violin and viola students who have complete Strings 1 or the equivalent. They will continue to expand their technique to include playing in all keys, using more advanced bow techniques, and they will learn to shift to positions two through five. Vibrato will be introduced in the second semester.
Strings 4
This one-year course is open to cello and bass students who have completed Strings 2 or the equivalent. They will continue to expand their technique to include playing in all keys, using more advanced bow techniques, and they will learn to shift up to the fourth position. Vibrato will be introduced in the second semester.
Strings 6
This two-semester course is open to string minors who have completed Strings 3, Strings 4, and Orchestra 5, and to string majors whose entrance exams indicate that they are at a comparable level of technical proficiency. Students will learn etudes and will do scale studies with the goal of giving them facility in playing over the entire range of their instruments. They will continue to shape their vibrates and to expand their bow techniques. In the second semester, they will add concertos or other solo works appropriate to their skills.
Strings 7
This two-semester course is a string ensemble repertoire class for higher intermediate and lower advanced students. They will perform at the Winter Musicale and the Spring Musicale.
String Ensemble 8
This two-semester course is open to the most advanced violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists. They will study and perform challenging works from the string ensemble repertoire with an emphasis on style and interpretation. They will perform in concerts throughout the year, including the Semi-Annual Concerts.
Theory 3
Prerequisite: Theory 1 and 2 or equivalent.
Third in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony, Theory 3 is a continuation of topics covered in Theory 1 and 2, and also includes modulation to related and distant keys, chromatic harmony, and introduction to 20th century compositional techniques. Students will continue to hone skills in four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Girls' Chorus
Skills learned in this course will ultimately prepare students for membership in Senior Chorus. Through a wide variety of challenging repertoires for two- to eight-part treble chorus, students will expand range, improve sightreading ability, and develop vocal skills, which include posture, vocal placement, breathing, and intonation. One semester of this course satisfies one of the five chorus requirements for vocal majors.
Senior Chorus
The most advanced chorus that studies and performs major choral masterpieces. Entrance into the chorus is through audition and teacher recommendation.
Solo Voice
This class is for the advanced vocal student. Students will perform solo repertoire from major choral masterpieces with the Senior Chorus. Entrance is by audition only.
Opera Workshop
A year-long course with admission by audition or recommendation. An appropriate opera, operetta, or operatic excerpt will be studies in class, both solo and ensemble parts, and performed in a production in the spring term. After-school rehearsals are required.
Audition Prep
Vocal students examine the audition process in various aspects of the music and entertainment industry: opera, Theatre, recording, and commercial work; also planning for auditioning for admission to colleges and music conservatories. Business aspects of the music industry, and preparation and formatting of resumes and publicity material, will be taught. Regular mock auditions are conducted, with feedback from auditioners.
Recording Technology
This course provides a comprehensive studio experience for all students including music production, engineering, musicianship, properties of sound, and the history of sound recording. Students also learn recording techniques via hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Open to all students. Provides students with hands-on experience using computers, keyboards, and synthesizers as a tool to create music. The course also offers a comprehensive study of the history of electronic music, MIDI, the properties of sound and basic recording technology
The study of the basics of this vernacular dance form. Students will be expected to master tap vocabulary, techniques of rhythmic clarity and use of weight shift. They will explore the syncopation of rhythm tap and its musical significance.
Dance 1& 2
This class will present a series of exercises adapted from various styles of dance movement that are natural to all body types and designed to facilitate the execution of specific actions that require increased range of motion, considerable strength, and moderate coordination. A basic vocabulary of movement is introduced in conjunction with definite rhythmical patterns to expose students to a practical method used in obtaining knowledge of dance.
PROJECTED MUSIC COURSES
2008-2010 School Years
STRINGS COURSES
Strings 1
This course is open to beginning violin and viola students who have passed the preliminary audition on piano, guitar, or another instrument not ordinarily used in a symphony orchestra. It is a one-year course designed to acquaint students with the rudiments of violin or viola technique in the first position. Emphasis is on developing proper technique, pitch discrimination and posture.
Strings 2
This is a course open to beginning violin, cello or bass students who have passed the preliminary audition on piano or guitar, or on another instrument not ordinarily used in the symphony orchestra. It is a one-year course designed to acquaint students with the rudiments of cello or bass technique in the first position, later in higher positions as the students become more proficient. Emphasis is on developing proper technique, pitch discrimination, and posture.
Strings 3
This one-year course is open to violin and viola students who have complete Strings 1 or the equivalent. They will continue to expand their technique to include playing in all keys, using more advanced bow techniques, and they will learn to shift to positions two through five. Vibrato will be introduced in the second semester.
Strings 4
This one-year course is open to cello and bass students who have completed Strings 2 or the equivalent. They will continue to expand their technique to include playing in all keys, using more advanced bow techniques, and they will learn to shift up to the fourth position. Vibrato will be introduced in the second semester.
Strings 6
This two-semester course is open to string minors who have completed Strings 3, Strings 4, and Orchestra 5, and to string majors whose entrance exams indicate that they are at a comparable level of technical proficiency. Students will learn etudes and will do scale studies with the goal of giving them facility in playing over the entire range of their instruments. They will continue to shape their vibrates and to expand their bow techniques. In the second semester, they will add concertos or other solo works appropriate to their skills.
Strings 7
This two-semester course is a string ensemble repertoire class for higher intermediate and lower advanced students. They will perform at the Winter Musicale and the Spring Musicale.
String Ensemble 8
This two-semester course is open to the most advanced violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists. They will study and perform challenging works from the string ensemble repertoire with an emphasis on style and interpretation. They will perform in concerts throughout the year, including the Semi-Annual Concerts.
Theory 3
Prerequisite: Theory 1 and 2 or equivalent.
Third in a series of three courses covering aspects of music theory and harmony, Theory 3 is a continuation of topics covered in Theory 1 and 2, and also includes modulation to related and distant keys, chromatic harmony, and introduction to 20th century compositional techniques. Students will continue to hone skills in four-part writing and composition, analysis, and harmonic dictation in the above topics.
Girls' Chorus
Skills learned in this course will ultimately prepare students for membership in Senior Chorus. Through a wide variety of challenging repertoires for two- to eight-part treble chorus, students will expand range, improve sightreading ability, and develop vocal skills, which include posture, vocal placement, breathing, and intonation. One semester of this course satisfies one of the five chorus requirements for vocal majors.
Senior Chorus
The most advanced chorus that studies and performs major choral masterpieces. Entrance into the chorus is through audition and teacher recommendation.
Solo Voice
This class is for the advanced vocal student. Students will perform solo repertoire from major choral masterpieces with the Senior Chorus. Entrance is by audition only.
Opera Workshop
A year-long course with admission by audition or recommendation. An appropriate opera, operetta, or operatic excerpt will be studies in class, both solo and ensemble parts, and performed in a production in the spring term. After-school rehearsals are required.
Audition Prep
Vocal students examine the audition process in various aspects of the music and entertainment industry: opera, Theatre, recording, and commercial work; also planning for auditioning for admission to colleges and music conservatories. Business aspects of the music industry, and preparation and formatting of resumes and publicity material, will be taught. Regular mock auditions are conducted, with feedback from auditioners.
Recording Technology
This course provides a comprehensive studio experience for all students including music production, engineering, musicianship, properties of sound, and the history of sound recording. Students also learn recording techniques via hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Open to all students. Provides students with hands-on experience using computers, keyboards, and synthesizers as a tool to create music. The course also offers a comprehensive study of the history of electronic music, MIDI, the properties of sound and basic recording technology