Musicianship and Ensembles (Recommended Electives)

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  age 5 and up.  Music reading not required.  (45 minutes weekly) 

Vocal Ensemble
Designed for children age 10 and up who have basic reading skills.  Unison and part singing. (60 minutes weekly)

String Beans
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 musicmaking are encouraged to enroll. Repertoire typically samples classical and popular styles. Placement with private teacher approval; no audition required. (60 minutes weekly)

Advanced Violin Ensemble
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.  (60 minutes weekly)

Preparatory Center Junior Orchestra
The Junior Orchestra explores music in a variety of musical styles. Special emphasis is placed on the development of sight-reading skills. 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 ensembles: duets, trios, quartets, and piano four-hands or two pianos. Each group will receive coaching from a faculty member. The focus of coaching includes working on technical challenges and artistic content. (45minutes weekly)

Soundpainting
Soundpainting, based upon the composing sign language by New York composer Walter Thompson, is a wonderful way for students to begin improvising, because it offers a supportive, structured environment in which to experiment a little bit at a time. Specific instructions are given with the hand gestures, while leaving some room for the students to choose what to play. (45 minutes weekly)

 

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