|
General
The Academy music curriculum offers a
systematic education taught by music specialists that is designed
tomeet the needs and interests of children at their stage of
development. Opportunities for music instruction in vocal and
instrumental performance, history and theory, composition, creating and
listening are made available through general music classes.
Students are also able to pursue their interests in the following
specialized areas of music: choral, stringed instruments, and
composition.
General music is
taught in kindergarten through fifth grade. Music activities are
designed to promote self-expression and creativity, and emphasis is
placed upon learning music fundamentals and the practicing of musical
skills. Areas of concentration include: a study of the elements
of music (rhythm, melody, form, harmony, texture and timbre); music
history, theory, and literature; and vocal and instrumental exploration.
Choral
Music
Although singing is used as a major form of musical expression in
general music classes, opportunities exist for students who wish to
develop their musical interest through vocal and choral
performance. The Academy has three choirs which are open to
students through auditions: the Fifth Grade Choir; the Sixth Grade
Chamber Choir; and the Senior Choir (grades seven and eight).
Studies include: developing a working knowledge of the vocal mechanism
in relation to expressive singing; comprehension of the elements of
music in relation to choral music; singing two- and three- part harmony
from a musical score with accurate rhythm; learning to read and sing
music at sight; developing listening and performance skills;
understanding various musical periods, cultures, and skills through
choral music; and exploring composers' intent.
Electronic
Keyboard
Electronic keyboard class instruction is integrated into the general
music classes in grades three through five. Studies in the keyboard
curriculum include: posture and hand placement; letter names of notes;
rhythmic notation and their corresponding rests; staff notation;
composition and creating simple melodies with electronic accompaniment.
Stringed
Instruments
String instruction
at the Academy for Academics and Arts is available to all students in
grades two through eight. The aim of the string music program is
two-fold: to provide all students with the opportunity to experience
and study music-making on an orchestral string instrument (violin,
viola, cello, bass), and, for those students who develop a serious
interest in string playing, to provide instruction in more advanced
string playing techniques and additional performance opportunities.
Home
|
