Music
Art
Because music is an innate and distinct form of human thinking and expression, students are offered a variety of courses which focus on, but are not limited to, one of the three fundamental music processes – performing, creating and responding to music. Students: • Acquire skills in singing or playing instruments, improvising, composing, reading and notating music that support life-long participation and appreciation of music, nurturing its value in the broader community. • Acquire vocabulary, dexterity and knowledge to describe, analyze and evaluate music and music performances. • Discover and explore a historical and cultural heritage and make connections with other cultures and disciplines as an expression of the human spirit through music making. • Develop healthy personal attitudes through music making, including focus and independence; risk taking; persistence and resilience; creativity; empathy and collaboration.
Graduation Requirements
Course Offerings
Students must earn two credits in Visual and Performing Arts. All Music Department courses may be taken to fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement or elective credit. Courses taken to fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts requirement must be taken for a letter grade; courses taken for elective credit may earn either a letter grade or Credit/No Credit.
Elements of Ensemble Singing Elements of Ensemble Singing provides an introduction to group singing. The focus is on the training and development of the body, mind, spirit and voice through the exploration of the wide body of choral literature, including classical, contemporary and folk traditions. It is a preparatory course to develop skills that will lead to successful participation in more advanced choral ensemble and/or vocal music-making independent of a choir. Development of healthy vocal techniques, rehearsal skills and musical literacy/sight singing skills is strongly emphasized. Additional activities include improvisatory music-making, critical listening activities and performance in solo and small group settings. Elements members participate in chapel and perform a concert at least once a semester. Open to grade 9. No prerequisite. Year course. One credit. Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement.
Academy Chorus The Academy Chorus is an advanced intermediate level mixed voice ensemble that provides an opportunity for students with previous choral experience to continue to develop fundamentals of choral performance and musical literacy. Development of healthy vocal techniques, ensemble and rehearsal skills are emphasized through the performance of secular and sacred choral works from Western and World choral traditions, both historical and contemporary. Additional activities include development of basic music literacy and sight-reading skills, critical listening activities, improvisatory music and performance in solo and small group settings. The Academy Chorus participates in chapel and performs a concert at least once a semester. Open to grades 10, 11, 12. Prerequisite: Completion of a ninth-grade introductory ensemble or permission of the instructor. Placement by audition and voicing. Year course. One credit. Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement or elective credit. This course may be repeated for credit. Academy Course Listing 2022 – 2023 • 33
