MUSIC DEPARTMENT The Music Department offers courses in vocal and instrumental music, music composition, music theory, music technology and production, as well as experiential classes that are designed to inspire and challenge students with a wide range of musical experiences, backgrounds, and interests. We offer extensive opportunities for performance in our ensembles. In addition, the needs of the creative musician are addressed in our songwriting/ scoring/music production and music theory classes in our Digital Arts and Music Center. Music appreciation, active listening, and historical studies occur in “Experience Music”, which targets the music of specific genres on a rotating basis each semester. Students in the sixth through eighth grades are automatically enrolled in introductory classes in music as part of the Arts Rotation. All upper-level classes for students in grades 9-12 can fulfill the graduation requirement in Visual and Performing Arts by taking four semesters of music classes. In addition, our extra-curricular offerings in Jazz Band, Middle School Advanced Strings, and Upper School Advanced Strings offer rich ensemble experiences for our most experienced instrumentalists. Chamber music, small group performances, and regular solo performance opportunities are available to our students throughout the school year in vocal and instrumental music. AP Music Theory, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, and Concert Chorus are approved for UC’s “f” Visual & Performing Arts credit.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES
CHORUS 8 Grade 8 Admission to Chorus 8 is open to all interested eighth grade students. The course is designed to build upon skills learned in Chorus 6 and 7, though this ensemble is open to students of all levels of musical experience. This chorus group primarily performs three and four-part repertoire in a variety of styles, including pop, rock, classical, traditional and world music, representing a diversity of cultures and languages. Intermediatelevel music theory, sight singing, microphone technique, and stimulating performing experiences are significant components of the course. Membership requires enthusiasm and focused participation during rehearsals and concerts, including the Winter Concert, the Buckley Spring Choral Concert, and other appearances. Students will be required to commit to a regular practice schedule outside of class in order to be prepared for class meetings. Note: Chorus 8 is a year-long course and is designed to prepare students for membership in our Upper School vocal ensembles.
CHORUS 6 AND 7 Grades 6–7 Admission to the Sixth and Seventh Grade Chorus is open to all interested students. The course is designed to improve students’ vocal and critical listening skills, foster a love of singing, increase knowledge of music theory, develop sight-singing abilities, and provide performance experiences. Vocal techniques and repertoire in a variety of styles, including pop, rock, classical, and world music are examined in depth, and the mastery of repertoire in two and three parts is featured. Membership requires enthusiasm and focused participation during rehearsals and concerts, including the Winter Concert, the Buckley Spring Choral Concert, and other appearances. Students will be required to commit to a regular practice schedule outside of class in order to be prepared for class meetings. Note: Chorus 6 and 7 is a year-long course that prepares students for more advanced study in the 8th Grade Chorus.
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