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Conducting Techniques – Dr. Scott Boerma, Instructor

A good introductory opportunity for those with little or no conducting experience, the class will cover basic beat patterns and baton technique, explore the musical language used by composers, and discuss the process of interpretation of music through gesture. Students will encounter the basic skills necessary to conduct a musical ensemble and learn how to read and prepare a musical score.

Beginning Piano – Mrs. Tina Gorter, Instructor

Will you be a college music major this fall? Are you hoping to be a college music major next fall? Did you know that almost all colleges require music majors to take several semesters of class piano? Are you curious to know what might happen in a college group piano class? Can you play a I – IV6/4 – I – V6/5 – I chord progression on the piano? If you completely lack piano skills, this class will give you a good head start, and even if being a music major is not an issue, you might want to learn some basic chord progressions on the keyboard. It will be taught in our piano lab, so it is limited to 16 students. Preference will be given to those who want to pick up piano skills before beginning college in the fall. [You should probably not elect this class if you have had more than one year of piano lessons.]

The 21st Century Musician – Ms. Ciara Solby, Instructor

Being a musician in the 21st century is different from the world our teachers experienced. Career possibilities are endless yet overwhelming. As a music student it is important to learn about all aspects of being a musician in today’s world. There are the challenges ranging from applying to music school to self-promotion as a professional. This class is tailored to the unique needs of the student musicians of today.

Musicianship I – Mrs. Shannon Scoles, Instructor

This class will address the fundamental “ABCs” of music for the benefit of students who have not had the opportunity to learn this critical material. Understanding the keyboard will start your journey into the world of intervals, key signatures, major and minor scales, and the study of pitch patterns. A thorough explanation of time signatures – simple and compound – will open the door to a new appreciation of patterns in time. Students will also begin to work on developing basic skills in the areas of sight-reading and ear training.

Musicianship II – Ms. Gabrielle Cerberville (written) and Ms. Victoria Jackson (aural)

After a review of the fundamentals outlined in Musicianship I above, this class will be introduced to the circle of fifths. More work on intervals, scales and chords (diatonic, that is, in inversions!) may lead to harmonizing a simple melody or two. This class will divide its time between aural skills (sight-singing and ear training) and written theory. Be ready to test your musical memory with rhythm and pitch games.

Musicianship III – Ms. Gabrielle Cerberville (written) and Ms. Victoria Jackson (aural)

The study of basic harmony will be the backbone of this course. You will have the opportunity to examine the function of the circle of fifths. It’s so much more than just a way to organize our major/minor scales and keys! Learning about basic harmonic progressions and 7th chords and being introduced to modes and basic counterpoint may lead to a few harmonization projects. Aural skills will abound with more challenging exercises in dictation and sight-reading.