Language: Middle School students choose among three different languages, French, Spanish and Chinese.
Vocal Music is a class in vocal performance and pedagogy taught at a beginning through intermediate level. The Vocal Music program includes instruction in music theory, sight reading, and vocal technique that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the young singer. Notation, rhythm, sight-reading, and musical styles are all a part of the curriculum. As with the Instrumental Music class, vocal students also participate in a performance at the end of the course.
Select Chorus: Interested middle school students may audition for Select Chorus at the beginning of the year. The group works on close-harmony singing and other advanced vocal techniques, and performs at least once each year.
Instrumental Music is a class in instrumental performance taught at a beginning through intermediate level. Notation, rhythm, sight-reading, and musical styles are all a part of the curriculum. Beginner students have the freedom to choose an instrument and are then given group and individual instruction on instrumental technique. Tone, dynamics, and phrasing are included in the pedagogy of their particular instrument. The course culminates in a performance which highlights and demonstrates what students have learned.
Big Band is a performance class which is by audition and targets students at the intermediate to advanced levels. The curriculum assumes an intermediate level knowledge in sight-reading and instrumental technique. The class focuses primarily on different jazz style arrangements for “big band” or “swing band.” Styles include swing, funk, rock, Latin, and fusion. Rehearsals focus on ensemble playing and emphasize concepts such as blend, color, and ensemble “tightness.” All students perform at the various school events throughout the year.
The Dance Program raises each student’s awareness of her potential by encouraging artistic expression, encompassing Western Traditions (ballet, modern and jazz) as well as dance from other areas of the world. Students connect the nature of dance, the body and the self in a stimulating environment. Dancers are encouraged to develop imaginative solutions to movement problems. The program provides a supportive surrounding to investigate body alignment and technical proficiency. Classes include a rigorous warm-up and a discussion of dance vocabulary and movement combinations that are designed to cultivate and enrich the young dancer’s experience. In addition, we will prepare a performance piece to be shared in the winter concert and in the Middle School Performing Arts concert in May.