Musicianship and Ensembles (Recommended Electives for Students taking Private and 'Buddy' Lessons)

Musicianship II 
Mastering note-reading skills in treble and bass clefs; further study in sight singing; introduction to dictation; continuing work with intervals and scales; circle of fifths; chords. Development of sight-reading skills on instrument/voice. (45 minutes weekly)

Musicianship III 
Review of note-reading skills; scales; circle of fifths. Continuing interval and chord study. Continuation of sight-singing and dictation. Development of sight-reading skills on instrument/voice. (45 minutes weekly)

Advanced Musicianship 
Study of musical styles in the context of an historical perspective. Introduction to composition; introduction to harmonic analysis; introduction to counterpoint. (60 minutes weekly)

Play the Recorder 
Studying the recorder introduces children to the wonderful world of music making. Basic recorder techniques, note-reading, rhythm, solo and ensemble playing, and performance skills can be transferred to other wind instruments. Parents are encouraged to attend classes to enhance their role as practice partners at home. Children are grouped according to age, with a maximum of five children per class. (45 minutes weekly)

Young Children's Chorus 
Introduction to group singing for children ages 5–8. Children have the opportunity to do both unison and some part-singing.  Music reading not required. (45 minutes weekly)

Vocal Ensemble
Singing in a vocal ensemble develops the student's sense of pitch and rhythm through the exploration and performance of a variety of vocal music in two, three, and four parts. It is equally valuable for vocal and instrumental students, dance students, and young actors. Basic reading skills are required. (60 minutes weekly)

String Beans
The String Beans is a beginning string ensemble for violin, viola, and cello. Students with basic playing and reading skills who are ready to discover group music-making are encouraged to enroll. Repertoire typically samples classical and popular styles, with performance opportunities during the school year. Placement with private teacher’s approval; no audition required. (60 minutes weekly)

Advanced Violin Ensemble
Designed to be the first exploration of violin concerto and ensemble repertoire in a violin group setting.  Designed for intermediate to advanced violin students with permission from the Director of the Suzuki and Strings Programs.  (90 minutes weekly)

Preparatory Center Junior Orchestra
The Junior Orchestra, consisting of strings, winds, and brass players, explores music in a variety of musical styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary). Special emphasis is placed on the development of sight-reading skills. Performance opportunities during the school year. Audition required. (60 minutes weekly)

Chamber Music
Chamber music playing is an essential, enjoyable, and highly satisfying experience for young musicians. Students may be assigned to groups or may form their own (duets, trios, quartets, or piano ensembles). Each group will receive coaching from a faculty member. Faculty coaching aims to resolve technical challenges and bring out artistry. Performance opportunities during the school year. Groups may be formed at the beginning of the school year or later in the school year. (45 minutes weekly)

printer friendly