Performing Arts

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to enjoy, explore, and experience a broad overview of the performing arts from a historical standpoint. They will also explore the elements of music, drama, rhythm and dance through song, acting, and movement. 

This class may be taken in lieu of the middle school instrumental classes.

Available to grade 6; One Quarter

This course is designed for students who would like to learn to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass violin). Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class (information on renting instruments is available). Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory, and note reading. 

Available to grade 6; One Quarter

This course is designed for students who like to learn or continue to play a woodwind or brass instrument (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, baritone horn, trombone). Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. (information on renting instruments is available.) Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory, and note reading.

Available to grade 6; One Quarter

The Middle School Choir builds the foundations of proper singing, breath control, vocal production, sight singing, and harmony. The group will perform in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and the NYSSMA Majors festival. The class meets 2 days a week before school from 7:15-7:55 am. No audition is necessary, but is the precursor to the Junior Choir.

Available to grade 6-7-8 Full year

This is an academic class designed to teach music of America through the American Revolution, and Civil War to Modern Day. The students listen to and analyze music made famous by America’s greatest composers.

Available to grade 7; One Quarter

This course is designed for students who like to continue to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. (Information on renting instruments is available.) Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory, and note reading.

Available to grade 7 upon completion of the 6th grade course or by audition. One Quarter 

This course is designed for students who wish to continue to play a woodwind instrument. Instruction on music technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory and note reading.

Available to grade 7 upon completion of the 6th grade course or by audition. One Quarter.

World Music 8 is a continuation of American Music 6/7 with an emphasis on current and global influences. Students would explore the cultures of the world through dance and music as a component. This class may be taken in lieu of the middle school instrumental class.

Available to grade 8; One Quarter 

This course will emphasize music performance on a woodwind or brass instrument in preparation for future participation in a Performing Arts Ensemble. Intermediate level instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. (Information on renting instruments is available.)  Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory and note reading.

Available to grade 8 upon the completion of the 7th grade course or by audition.

This course will continue to emphasize music performance on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello) in preparation for future participation in the orchestra. Instruction on music technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory and note reading.

Available to grade 8 upon completion of the 7th grade course or by audition. One Quarter.

The Junior Choir meets before the school day from 7:15 - 7:55 am on Monday and Wednesday. This course is a continuation of the Middle School Choir. They will continue to learn sight-reading, vocal production, and musicianship skills as students prepare for NYSSMA and other performances. Participation in this choir for one year is a prerequisite for the Honors Choir in grades 11 - 12.

Available to grades 9 and 10 Full year

This course is designed for advanced student musicians. Students will work in both full orchestra and in sectionals. While classical music will make up the core of the repertoire, other styles will also be incorporated. The course meets at 8:00 am on Wednesdays

 Available to grades 9-12; Full year

In this course students will learn the role and importance that music, dance and the performing arts have in their lives. We will survey music from diverse cultures around the globe and offer them an opportunity to create, perform, listen to, and analyze music. Music and dance genres to be studied include Pop, Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, Classical, Opera, Gospel and Film. We will discuss the impact that the Performing Arts have on current events and history. Trips to live performances are required. This course may be taken in lieu of the High School Instrumental Classes offered.

Available to grade 9; One Semester

This course provides the opportunity to sing challenging vocal repertoire, enhance vocal skills, quality, sound, part-singing, and discipline needed for a practiced choral blend. 

The course meets at 7:15 a.m. and presumes the regular attendance of an academic subject.

Available to grades 11-12; Full year

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of America’s greatest art form, The American Musical. The history of Broadway will be explored, from its inception to the present day, while the students have an opportunity to learn about the vast repertoire, moguls from behind the scene and stage. A trip to a Broadway Musical will occur during the semester.

Available to grades 10-12; Semester

This course is designed for students who would like to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass violin).  Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and care and maintenance of the instrument will be included.  Students must bring instruments to class.(Information on renting instruments is available.)  Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory, and note reading.

Available to grades 9-12; Full year

This is a performance-based course designed for students who play an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and the care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class (information on renting instruments is available). The String Ensemble can be taken as a grade 10 – 12 elective and is a prerequisite for participation in Advanced Orchestra.

Available in grades 9 - 12; Full year

This course is designed for students who would like to play a wind instrument (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon). Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and care and maintenance of the instrument will be included. Students must bring instruments to class. (Information on renting instruments is available.) Method books, technology, and the students’ laptops will be used to enhance the study of rudiments, theory, and note reading.

Available to grades 9-12; Full year

This is a performance based course designed for students who play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  Instruction on music reading, technique, tone production, and care and maintenance of the instrument will be included.  Students must bring instruments to class (information on renting instruments is available).  The Wind ensemble can be taken as a grade 10-12 elective, and is a prerequisite for participation in Advanced Orchestra.

Available in grades 9-12; Full year