Music

INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTS (multidisciplinary)

Introduction to the Arts is an interdisciplinary study of the fine arts disciplines of music, theater, cinema, dance, and the visual arts. This course provides students the basic knowledge, perceptual and applied skills necessary for developing an appreciation for each of the fine arts disciplines, revealing both the interrelationships and the uniqueness of each art form. Students will experience the visual and performing arts through live performances, gallery and museum tours, doing creative projects in each subject area, and classroom demonstrations.

Content Objectives
  • Perceive and describe the expressive and formal elements of the visual arts, cinema, music, theater, and dance
  • Analyze artistic works for their inherent meaning and the ways in which meaning is constructed
  • Respond emotionally to the content of artistic works, and begin to understand the nature of their responses
  • Recognize some major works and style periods in the visual arts, cinema, music, theater, and dance
  • Develop an appropriate vocabulary with which to speak about the visual arts, cinema, music, theater, and dance
Skill Objectives
  • Identify the basic visual elements and design principles of selected masterworks
  • Develop basic drawing skills through value studies, still life drawing, and color studies
  • Understand the principles of photography through pin-hole camera photography projects
  • Explore the color wheel and aspects of working in abstraction in a painting, collage, self-portrait project
  • Delve into sculptural form with a reductive, full-round sculpture project
  • Appreciate the responsibility and etiquette of being a good audience to the performing arts through attending live performances
  • Develop the basic skills of acting/storytelling as an introduction to the nature of physical performance before an audience
  • Understand and appreciate the nature of character, physical communication, dramatic conflict, and the nature of acting through directed improvisations
  • Perceive the basic stylistic characteristics of classical ballet, folk, jazz, and modern dance
  • Experience the sensual elements of organized dance through participation in movement classes
  • Appreciate the rudiments of cinema by shooting and editing a stop-action photo project
  • Hear the basic formal elements of music in a variety of musical styles
  • Appreciate how music is created and the expressive potential of music by composing musical segments with specific musical software
Materials
  • Episcopal High School Blackboard for arts vocabulary
  • Videos
  • Arts media
Methods of Evaluation
  • Two tests on material in the text websites, lectures, handouts, videotapes, listening examples, and tours. Each is worth 20%.
  • Averaged score for writing assignments, listening or skill quizzes (including suggested tours and evening outings). Forty percent total of final grade.
  • Projects: creative project work, including producing drawings and photographs, assembling sculpture, making music, creative movement, writing and acting a theater piece, public speaking and acting, and producing a short film. Thirty percent total.
  • Class participation is 10% of final grade.

CONCERT CHOIR

Concert Choir is a mixed-voice group of singers that perform a variety of classical, folk, and contemporary choral literature. Students practice sight singing, various vocal techniques, foreign language diction, and choral listening and ensemble skills while enjoying a unique experience of camaraderie and shared musical enjoyment. Through rehearsals and regular performances in chapel and other school functions, students gain confidence in performing in front of their peers, school community, and larger audiences. Open to students in all grade levels through audition in the spring and to new students in early fall. Ninth graders who are in the Concert Choir are exempt from the Introduction to the Arts course.

Content Objectives
  • Develop basic vocal technique through understanding of correct breathing, posture, and healthy vocal production
  • Understand how to read and write basic musical notation
  • Study choral works covering different historical periods and genres
  • Study language pronunciation including purity of vowels and general diction
  • Understand techniques of blending choral sound and group dynamics
  • Observe performance techniques, memorization, and auditions
Skill Objectives
  • To warm up vocally and physically to produce proper vocal production
  • To begin to learn to sight-sing through prepared exercises
  • To sing in foreign languages and in many different styles and genres
  • To develop active listening skills in hearing the other voice parts/harmony
  • To perform regularly and discuss progress
  • To be evaluated by an outside choral clinician
Materials
  • Variety of choral literature (new each year)
  • Haasemann, Frauke and Wilhelm Ehmann. Voice Building for Choirs. Hinshaw Music, 1981.
  • Ottman, Robert. Music for Sight Singing. (4th edition). Prentice-Hall, 1996.
Methods of Evaluation
  • Daily breathing and vocalize exercises
  • Memorization of individual parts
  • Daily sight-reading material
  • Daily class participation and attitude
  • Quizzes on basic melodic and rhythmic notation
  • Performance skills and participation

GUITAR 1

The course introduces the students to the instrument and guides them up to the intermediate level. The students will play melodies in the first position, all six strings, learn all the first position open chords, as well as the four barre chords that allow any major and minor chord to be located. Elements of rhythm and the theory of scales are discussed. Finally, the varied patterns of strumming that define the genres are practiced.

Content Objectives
  • Learn basic chord patterns
  • Learn strumming patterns
  • Learn counting
  • Understand how to combine melody with chords
  • Learn the four types of barre chords and use barre chords in any major or minor key
  • Understand how the key of a song comes from a scale and the particular key signature of that scale
Skill Objectives
  • Play melodies on the first two strings
  • Use the third string through learning the song “Yesterday”
  • Combine chords and melody
  • Learn the fourth string and basic barre chords
  • Perform “Yesterday”
  • Learn scale construction and relative minors
  • Introduce fifth string and introduction to finger-picking
  • Introduce sixth string and tune “Greensleeves” with full finger-picking
  • Learn four barre chords and tune “Layla”; strumming “Layla”
  • Introduction of pentatonic scale
Materials
  • Personally-owned or school-provided instruments
  • Introduction to guitar handbook, including music copies
  • Library recordings
Methods of Evaluation
  • Skills tests and written quizzes
  • Mid-term playing exam
  • Final playing exam

SONGWRITING AND MUSIC THEORY

This course is designed for students with an understanding and appreciation of music and demonstrated desire to learn the process of songwriting and the basics of music theory. Classes will study both the creative and the analytic process of music and involve writing exercises, song analysis, as well as basic fundamentals of music notation as it relates to popular song.

Content Objectives
  • learn basic song forms and styles
  • listen to, analyze, and emulate popular songs from different genres
  • develop fluency in conventional music notation and nomenclature
  • study commonly found pop notation techniques including the Nashville number system
  • create, edit, and refine our own songs
  • develop tools for increasing our output, writing efficiently, and overcoming writer’s blocks
Skill Objectives
  • to identify basic song forms and commonly used musical textures through analysis
  • to read and notate music, both classically and in commonly used popular practices
  • to generate solid musical and lyrical ideas
  • to organize said ideas into effective songs
Materials
  • Pattison, Pat. Writing Better Lyrics (1st Edition). Writer’s Digest Books, 1995
  • Webb, Jimmy. Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting (1st Edition). Hyperion, 1998
  • ProTools, Version 7.4.2 Digidesign, Inc. 2008
  • Acid Music Pro 3.0 Sony, 2004
  • Numerous recordings of popular artists
Methods of Evaluation
  • written assessment tests and quizzes
  • tests and quizzes based on demonstration of practical tasks
  • written analysis assignments and presentations
  • assessment of projects and assignments
  • classroom discussions and participations

MUSIC THEORY

This course is designed for students with basic musical literacy and instrumental or vocal experience. Through hands-on keyboard experience students will begin to delve into the inner workings of music and study melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and basic counterpoint. A major focus of the class will be to develop students’ active listening skills and give an immediate and real-life experience in which to apply classroom work. Participation in an ensemble is strongly recommended. Pre-requisite: Materials of Music or Theory Placement exam.

Content Objectives
  • Learn basic chord structures and inversions
  • Learn fundamental sight-singing and dictation methods
  • Learn basics of four-part writing
  • Introduce figured bass and analysis of chords by Roman numerals
  • Add seventh chords and inversions to four-part writing
  • Study the basic historical background of western music theory
Skill Objectives
  • To identify and notate pitches in four clefs
  • To identify by sight, recognize by ear, and notate rhythms in simple and compound meters
  • To identify and notate major and minor key signatures and scales
  • To identify and notate intervals within an octave
  • To construct basic chords from roman numerals and lead-sheet notation as well as realize simple figured bass in four parts
  • To develop ear-training through melodic and rhythmic dictation
  • To sight sing basic diatonic melodies
Materials
  • Kostka, Stefan A. and Payne, Dorothy Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-century Music (5th edition). McGraw Hill, 2004.
  • Phillips, Joel The Musician’s Guide to Aural Skills, (1st edition). W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2005
  • Practica Musica, Version 5. Ars-Nova Software 2007
  • PrintMusic 2007 MakeMusic, Inc. 2007
Methods of Evaluation
  • Written assessment tests and projects
  • Classroom discussions and participation
  • Assessment of daily homework assignments
  • Weekly quizzes on reading material and class notes
  • Sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation quizzes

ADVANCED MUSIC THEORY (AP)

This course covers the content typical of freshman college courses in music theory. Students continue to work on the ear training and keyboard skills acquired first semester and will also learn to understand and thoroughly analyze music as they listen to masterpieces or study written scores. They will learn to use the elements of music in melody writing, text setting, and harmonization and will also perform their own compositions. All students will take the AP exam at the end of the year. Participation in an ensemble is strongly recommended.

Content Objectives
  • Review basic theory: key signatures, scales, figured bass, and harmonization
  • Study harmonic progressions, and harmonization of melody
  • Study melodic phrases and their structure
  • Explore modulations, secondary dominants, and common cadences
  • Compose simple songs employing melodic embellishment techniques; harmonize and arrange them for performing ensembles
Skill Objectives
  • To execute part-writing for four voices employing common practice period techniques and guidelines
  • To continue ear training development to include simple harmonic progressions, common cadences, and chromatic melodies
  • To sight sing diatonic and chromatic melodies in four clefs
  • To analyze compositions with attention to harmonic makeup and devices, meter and rhythms, melody, texture, phrase structure, and form
  • To compose and harmonize melodies for up to four voices or instruments
Materials
  • Kostka, Stefan A. and Payne, Dorothy Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-century Music (5th edition). McGraw Hill, 2004.
  • Phillips, Joel The Musician’s Guide to Aural Skills, (1st edition). W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2005
  • Practica Musica, Version 5. Ars-Nova Software 2007
  • PrintMusic 2007 MakeMusic, Inc. 2007
Methods of Evaluation
  • Written assessment tests and projects
  • Classroom discussions and participation
  • Assessment of daily assignments
  • Weekly quizzes on reading material and class notes
  • Sight singing, melodic, and rhythmic dictation quizzes
  • Large-scale composition, arranging, and analysis projects

ORCHESTRA

This course in instrumental music is designed for the experienced musician who already reads music and has had at least middle school band or orchestra training. Besides three class meetings during the curricular day each week, the orchestra student has a weekly private lesson with EHS music faculty or an adjunct instrumental instructor. In addition to learning and performing a wide array of music for winds, strings, and percussion in varying combinations, students in this class work to progress incrementally in basic understanding of music theory and in technique specific to their instruments.

Content Objectives
  • To better understand the workings and idiosyncrasies specific to one’s instrument
  • To conceptualize the basics of music theory
  • To experience a variety of musical genres as a performer and as an audience member
  • To learn what it is to be an informed, attentive, and critical audience
  • To learn to play musically as an ensemble, matching note lengths, style, and pitch
Skill Objectives
  • To develop efficient and consistent practicing and rehearsal skills
  • To play major scales and arpeggios
  • To play accurate intervals and match pitch
  • To learn and perform two solo pieces
  • To learn and perform at least one chamber music work
  • To rehearse and perform eight works of varying periods for full ensemble
  • To attend and review four live musical performances each year
Materials
  • Method book specific to the instrument and skill level as determined by the private lesson teacher
  • Solo literature for each instrument
  • Small ensemble literature
  • Literature for wind ensemble
  • Literature for string orchestra
  • Literature for full orchestra
  • SmartMusic 2007. MakeMusic, Inc. 2007
  • Practica Musica, Version 5. Ars-Nova Software 2007
Methods of Evaluation
  • Class preparation and participation (10%)
  • Playing quizzes over specific measures as directed by the instructor (10%)
  • Weekly practice and logging of such (30%)
  • Weekly participation and preparedness in private lesson (30%)
  • Two concert reviews each quarter (10%)
  • Juried exam (consisting of scales, arpeggios, and a prepared piece) at the end of each semester (10%)

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA/CHAMBER MUSIC

This elective course is designed for the serious musician with advanced training on their instrument. Students will study advanced chamber music literature appropriate to their skill levels. Expectations include performing in the EHS Orchestra (as needed), auditioning for one of the District Honor Ensembles, performing for the school community, and participation in Solo and Ensemble Festival. In addition to the three class meeting per week, students will take a private lesson once a week.

Content Objectives
  • To further understand the subtleties and idiosyncrasies of their instruments,   including trill fingerings, pianissimo fingerings, and alternative fingerings
  • To study the standard chamber music repertoire for homogeneous and heterogeneous instrumental combinations
  • To further understand the common forms and structures of the genre
  • To learn what it is to be an informed, attentive, and critical audience
  • To appreciate playing musically as an ensemble without the aid of a conductor—becoming rhythmically independent, attentive to matching note lengths, responding to contextual intonation, style, and developing a sense of phrase.
Skill Objectives
  • To continue to develop efficient and consistent practicing and rehearsal skills
  • To play major/minor scales and arpeggios, including dominant sevenths
  • To play accurate intervals and match pitch independently
  • To learn and perform four solo pieces
  • To attend and review four live musical performances each year
  • To perform without a conductor
  • To attend and review four live musical performances each year
Materials
  • Chamber music specific to the instruments and skill levels as determined by the coach/teacher
  • Solo literature for each instrument
  • Small ensemble literature
  • Literature for wind ensemble
  • Literature for string orchestra
  • SmartMusic 2007. MakeMusic, Inc. 2007
  • Practica Musica, Version 5. Ars-Nova Software 2007
Methods of Evaluation
  • Class preparation and participation (10%)
  • Playing quizzes over specific measures as directed by the instructor (10%)
  • Weekly practice and logging of such (30%)
  • Weekly participation and preparedness in private lesson (30%)
  • Two concert reviews each quarter (10%)
  • Juried exam (consisting of scales, arpeggios, and a prepared piece) at the end of each semester (10%)

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC RECORDING

This course is designed for students with an understanding and appreciation of music and demonstrated desire to learn the techniques of recording. Classes will approach the subject in three different ways:

  • Lectures—discussing the fundamental techniques and science of the recording process
  • Analysis—listening to popular recordings that utilize the techniques discussed during the lectures and discovering aesthetic qualities beyond the technology that make the recording sound the way it does
  • Hands on/practical experience—working with the equipment, applying the techniques discussed during lectures and creating projects of our own. Pre-requisite: Introduction to the Arts, two semesters of ensemble participation, or faculty discretion.
Content Objectives
  • Learn fundamental recording studio etiquette
  • Learn basic song forms, structures, and production techniques
  • Conduct extensive aural analysis of popular works
  • Introduce a variety of commonly used instruments, textures, and techniques utilized in popular recordings
  • Work with and study ProTools and other studio equipment to develop a strong practical knowledge of signal flow, gain structure, and proper implementation
  • Study basic acoustic principles and microphone placement
Skill Objectives
  • To demonstrate fluency with commonly used terms and techniques of audio recording
  • To conduct oneself in a manner conducive to a positive and creative recording environment
  • To recognize commonly used studio equipment (microphones, signal processors, etc.), understand their function(s), and use them appropriately
  • To show good working knowledge of the basics of ProTools recording software
  • To identify basic song forms and commonly used musical textures through analysis
  • To creatively record and manipulate basic projects within ProTools
  • To understand the fundamentals of acoustics and their effect on a recording environment
Materials
  • ProTools, Version 7.3.2. Digidesign, Inc. 2007
  • Acid Music Pro 3.0 Sony, 2004
  • Huber, David M. and Runstein, Robert E. Modern Recording Techniques (7th Edition). SAMS Publishing, 2004
  • Numerous recordings of popular artists
Methods of Evaluation
  • Written assessment tests and quizzes
  • Tests and quizzes based on demonstration of practical tasks
  • Written analysis assignments and presentations
  • Assessment of projects and assignments
  • Classroom discussions and participation

ADVANCED RECORDING

This course is designed as a continuation of the concepts discussed in Introduction to Music Recording. Classes will weigh more heavily on thorough analysis and project creation. Students will use the skills and techniques studied in the preliminary course within their own projects and continue to develop more skills relative to their own particular musical interests. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Music Recording

Content Objectives
  • Learn session management and organizational techniques for studio management, file management, documentation, and collaboration methods
  • Learn basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting skills relative to audio production for both MAC and Windows systems including hardware integration, hard drive maintenance, and performance optimization
  • Explore more extensive microphone placement and technique
  • Continue in-depth aural analysis of popular works
  • Learn more advanced functions of ProTools
Skill Objectives
  • To organize and manage recording sessions for maximized productivity and creativity
  • To recognize techniques and details through analysis and demonstrate these techniques within their own projects
  • To demonstrate fluency within ProTools software and a strong working knowledge of equipment and signal flow within a recording studio environment
  • To pre-produce, track, and mix projects in an efficient and creative way
  • To pursue further knowledge of concepts unique to a favored style of music, and demonstrate them with their own work
Materials
  • ProTools, Version 7.3.2. Digidesign, Inc. 2007
  • Acid Music Pro 3.0 Sony, 2004
  • Huber, David M. and Runstein, Robert E. Modern Recording Techniques (7th Edition). SAMS Publishing, 2004
  • Valenzuela, Jose Chilitos. The Complete ProTools Shortcuts Backbeat Books, 2004
  • Massey, Howard. Behind The Glass Backbeat Books, 2000
  • Numerous recordings of popular artists
Methods of Evaluation
  • Written assessment tests and quizzes
  • Tests and quizzes based on demonstration of practical tasks
  • Written analysis assignments and presentations
  • Assessment of projects and assignments
  • Classroom discussions and participations 

RELIGIOUS THOUGHT IN MUSIC

This course will explore the intersection of religious texts and beliefs with musical forms and themes, from Gregorian chant through rock opera. Students will attend relevant, live performances and discuss how historical masterworks connect to our present experience of faith and musical aesthetics. Works to be studied include Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Britten’s War Requiem, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and Tan Dun’s Symphony 1997: Heaven, Earth, Mankind. No prior musical experience required. Meets either art or theology requirement.

Content Objectives
  • To expose students to the development of European musical history and understand the role of religious thought in that process
  • To develop an understanding of musical form and vocabulary to enable students to write intelligently about music
  • To learn how to actively listen to music and analyze the different texts of the mass, the oratorio, cantatas, hymns, spirituals, etc.
  • To stimulate interest in religious thought in music of today, both "serious" and "popular"
Skill Objectives
  • To develop good writing and listening habits by attending live concerts, listening to recordings, and reviewing each experience in written form
  • To inspire thoughtful discussions by encouraging students to voice their opinions clearly and intelligently
  • To help students develop an open mind and heart to hearing and actively listening to music from different cultures and religions
Materials
  • T he Story of Christian Music by Andrew Wilson-Dickson
  • Music and the Mind by Anthony Storr
  • Articles from various sources
  • Numerous CD recordings
Methods of Evaluation
  • Tests and quizzes
  • Reviews of live performances
  • Presentation papers on recordings
  • Final Examination

BEL CANTO

Bel Canto is an advanced group of girls that perform a wide variety of choral literature written for treble voices. As the singers work to achieve excellence in their individual vocal technique, they also discover how to blend their voices within a section and develop their expertise singing in a small ensemble. Students develop proficiency in sight-singing, foreign language diction, and in their ability to sing their part independently. Besides regular performances in chapel and other school community events, Bel Canto will participate in service projects and performance opportunities off campus.

Content Objectives
  • Continue to build strong and healthy vocal technique through understanding of correct breathing, posture, and healthy vocal production
  • Understand how to read and write basic musical notation
  • Ear training exercises including rhythmic and melodic dictation
  • Study choral works covering different historical periods and genres
  • Study language pronunciation including purity of vowels and general diction
  • Understand techniques of blending choral sound and group dynamics
  • Observe performance techniques, memorization, and auditions
Skill Objectives
  • To warm up vocally and physically to produce proper vocal production
  • To learn to sight-sing through prepared exercises
  • To sing in foreign languages and in many different styles and genres
  • To develop active listening skills in hearing the other voice parts/harmony
  • To perform regularly and discuss progress
Materials
  • Variety of choral literature (new each year)
  • Haasemann, Frauke and Wilhelm Ehmann. Voice Building for Choirs. Hinshaw Music, 1981
  • Ottman, Robert. Music for Sight Singing. (4th edition). Prentice-Hall, 1996
Methods of Evaluation
  • Daily breathing and vocalizing exercises
  • Memorization of individual parts
  • Daily sight-reading material
  • Daily class participation and attitude Quizzes on musical vocabulary, historical/choral setting, and ear training
  • Performance skills and participation