Class Descriptions - School Year 2007-2008

Band-Advanced

Advanced Band placement by audition. Participation in Advanced Band is regarded as a significant accomplishment in our band program. This band generally follows the student’s successful completion of Intermediate Band and/or demonstration of outcome criteria. Students are not required, but strongly recommended to participate in weekly private instruction in order to grow in and meet the skill demands of this band. Students should make every attempt to have an intermediate to advanced model instrument and mouthpiece/mallet - stick set-up. Special performance opportunities. Targeted end of the year outcomes for Advanced Band: Demonstrate ability to play all major and relative natural minor scales from memory at metronome=86, playing 16th notes. Chromatic scale at 120, playing 16th notes from memory. *Demonstrate ability to sight-read grade level 3 successfully at conclusion of first year of Advanced band; 3+ and beyond for subsequent years. *Demonstrate ability to prepare/work up grade level ‘4-5’ literature. *Demonstrate ability to recognize list of 60 music terms. *Demonstrate ability to recognize composers, styles, genres, and abilities.

Prerequisite: *Scales are slur up, tongue down (top note repeating optional), from memory; playing as 16th notes.

Band-Beginning

Beginning Band: Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion No prior experience necessary for the Beginner. Students will meet with their instrument group (brass, woodwinds, or percussion) and work with an instructor in that area to learn music fundamentals, and basic instrument skills, such as: *Instrument Assemble *Parts of the instruments *Playing posture *Breathing techniques *Fundamental scales and music theory *Proper embouchure and sticking technique *Performeance etiquette *Basic music notation: staff, clefs, ledger lines, note qualities, rests, fundamentals of simple and compound time. Targeted outcome for Beginning students to audition for Intermediate Band: All notes in the standard range of the instrument will be learned, respective to each instrument, through demonstrated performance. The following major scales memorized, two octaves, at metronome marking, mm.=96, playing 8th notes: major scales up throug 2 sharps, and 2 flats. Preparation of one grade level ‘1+’ solo by end of the year on instrument Demonstrated ability to read grade level ‘1+’ to ‘2-‘ concert band literature Fundamentals of intonation, tuning, musicianship Demonstrated sight-reading at grad level ‘1+”

Prerequisite:

Band-Intermediate

Intermediate Band Intermediate Band placement by audition. Intermediate band is the second and important subsequent level in the YMV band program. This band generally follows the successful completion of Beginning Band. The student is not required to participate in private instruction, but it is highly recommended. Targeted outcome for Intermediate students to audition for Advanced Band: *Demonstrated ability of recognition of keys, circle of fifths/fourths, etc. *Demonstrated ability of the recognition of major scale construction *Continued advancement and understanding of intonation, tuning, musicianship. *Will be able to perform from memory all major scales through 1-3 octaves (respectively to the instrument) at metronome marking: 80, playing 16th notes. *Will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of all relative natural minor scales to the aforementioned major scales at the same speed as majors. *Ability to perform grade level 3 to 3+ *Presented ability to demonstrate proper articulations, tone, medium-advanced rhythm and isorhythmic patterns *Students will be able to demonstrate beginning use of vibrato. *Demonstrated sight-reading ability at 2+.

Prerequisite: **All Scales are slur up, tongue down (top note repeating optional), from memory, playing as 8th notes.

Band-Jazz

Jazz is an amazing musical language with its roots originating from Africa, and developed right here in America. Everyone from all ages and ethnic backgrounds enjoys the exciting rhythms, energy, and toe-tapping experience of Jazz music. The styles of music to be studied in Jazz Band will include: swing, shuffle, blues, Latin, and ballads. All students interested are encouraged to audition.

Prerequisite: Audition

Bells-Advanced

Students entering Advanced Handbells will be required to audition. They must be able to perform basic and intermediate Handbell techniques. This group requires a commitment to excellence. Students will be asked to strive for perfection in the execution of rhythms, technique and melody. They will learn to ring four in-hand bells, shelly ringing and complex bell patterns.

Prerequisite: Beginning and Intermediate Bells

Bells-Beginning

Beginning handbell choir is for students who have never played bells. They must be at least 11 years old and physically strong enough to hold and play the bells. They will learn how to properly handle and care for them, read handbell music, and perform basic ringing techniques.

Prerequisite: Must be 11 years old

Bells-Intermediate

The intermediate handbell choir is for student who has played bells in the past and knows the basic techniques of bell use and care. To join this group, an audition is required. They will take their basic skills and add new techniques and musical styles. Individual students will be introduced to four in-hand bell techniques as they demonstrate ability.

Prerequisite: Beginning Bells

Concert Choir: 9th - 12th Grades

This is a choir for students in grades 9-12 (high school). Student must be able to match pitch well, and maintain independent vocal lines. Proper vocal technique is taught, including breathing and vocal production, diction, expression and stylistic differences. Must purchase concert attire.

Prerequisite: Placement by instructor

Intermediate Choir: Choir 3rd - 5th

Students will learn to harmonize with unison and 2 part music, matching pitch and recognizing intervals through the use of solfege. They will learn to read and perform rhythms through the use of the ti-ta system. They will begin sight reading music from the score. They will also incorporate sign language along with their solfege.

Prerequisite: Ages 8 - 10-Placement by instructor

Middle School Choir: 6th - 8th Grade

Students will learn to harmonize with 2 – 3 part music. They will learn to match and recognize intervals orally and on the staff through the use of solfege. They will learn to read and perform rhythms through the use of the ti-ta system and the counting method. They will be taught to sight read music from the score. They will perform at luncheon concerts and special performances.

Prerequisite: Ages 11 - 13-Placement by instructor

Primary Choir : K-2nd Grade

(Ages 5-7 Birthday cutoff September 1) Students will learn to sing simple songs in unison by matching pitch through the use of solfege. They will learn to read and perform rhythms through the use of the ti-ta system. Children will incorporate sign language along with their solfege.

Prerequisite: Ages 5-7 Birthday cutoff September 1-Placement by instructor

Soli Deo Choir: 9th - 12th Grades

This is a select choral group of approximately 12 members, by audition only. This group will exhibit a high standard of excellence, performing much more challenging works throughout the year. (This is a choir. Students do not have to be in Senior Choir as well.)

Prerequisite: Audition required

Elementary Music

Reinforces the budding musician’s knowledge of musical concepts, while at the same time allowing the novice to begin to understand note reading, rhythm, and music history. Ensemble playing on various instruments, rhythm games, and many other activities such as learning to play the recorder are included.

Prerequisite: Ages 8-9

Group Piano

An exciting option for 6 & 7 year old children who are interested in learning to play the piano. Group activities and games reinforce the lessons. Class size is limited to 5 students. Several classes may be added depending on enrollment.

Prerequisite: Ages 6-7

Preschool Music

Preschool Music provides young children with the knowledge to play simple songs on the piano, and to enjoy ensemble experience on a variety of other instruments including tone bells, glockenspiels and xylophones, boom whacker tubes, etc. Games and activities are a part of every lesson..

Prerequisite: Ages 4-5

Primary Music

Primary music progresses to on-staff music reading relating to the piano and a variety of other instruments. Fun songs, games, and activities are a part of each class, including streamers, sign language songs, action songs, etc.

Prerequisite:

Ensembles

In addition to the regular group experience of Band, Strings or Choir, qualifying students may join one of our ensemble groups. These are designed to allow a student who is at least a solid intermediate level to participate in a performance group featuring their instrument. These students will have opportunity to perform in a variety of situations and spend more specialized time sharpening skills on their instrument. Advanced groups are sent out as representatives of YMV and must demonstrate maturity to handle the responsibility of this privilege. Ensemble groups meet 1-2 hours a week. Auditions required. Ensembles: Brass, Intermediate & Advanced Clarinet Ensemble Flute: Intermediate & Advanced Percussion Ensemble Saxophone: Intermediate and Advanced String Quartet Guitar

Prerequisite:

Harp

YMV is adding a Harp program for all ages. Elementary School for grades 1 - 5; Middle School for grades 6 - 8; and High School for grades 9 - 12. The monthly fee includes the harp rental, instruction, maintenance, in class harp bench, string replacement, kneebones, waist strap and carrying bag. Instruction includes basic harp technique in hand position, melodic/chordal playing, sight reading and tuning. The annual supply fee of $35 will include books and materials. Parents should attend the first harp class for an overview of harp care and transport instructions.

Prerequisite:

Private and Small Group Lessons

YMV offers private instruction in all instruments based on need and availability of an instructor. We offer private lessons (30 minutes once a week) or small group lessons. Small group lessons depend on number of students and skill level of interested students. Grouping determination and format for small groups are made by each individual teacher. Instruction consists of the fundamentals of the instrument and introduction to different styles of playing according to the instrument. Students learn ear training and sight reading skills, basic music theory applications and enhancements. Good practicing skills are taught and emphasized. Students are encouraged to participate in recitals each Spring. Special group sessions and master classes are held during the year as well. Our monthly “Luncheon Concert” gives students a chance to perform on a volunteer basis. Many private lessons continue over the summer. Check with the individual instructor to set up a schedule. Students wishing to take lessons over the summer, but are not part of the regular YMV program may register just for the summer session.

Prerequisite:

Strings-Advanced

This is an auditioned orchestra for students who play music at levels 3-5.

Prerequisite: Audition

Strings-Beginning

This is a non-auditioned, entry level orchestra for the student who has never played a string instrument. The emphasis of the class is to build a solid foundation, time is taken to teach the basics of instrumental technique, musicianship, and appropriate ensemble conduct.

Prerequisite:

Strings-Intermediate

This is a non-auditioned orchestra for students who play at grade level 1-2. This group includes students who have successfully completed Beginning Strings, as well as those who have had sufficient private instruction to demonstrate appropriate skills in both playing and reading.

Prerequisite: Beginning Strings

Strings-Quartet

Quartet consisting of a cello, 2 violins, and a viola.

Prerequisite: Audition

Music Essentials I

Theory: will cover such topics as basic notation signs, symbols, terms; clefs; types of notes and rhythmic counting of such; intervals; circle of fifths and its key signatures; major scales. Music History: will begin in B.C. and cover each of the six musical periods of history focusing on one major composer from each period from the Renaissance forward. Sight-Singing: will sharpen these skills in the student. Dictation and Ear-training: will be woven into the classes at the most opportune time.

Prerequisite:

Music Essentials II

Theory: will begin by reviewing the circle of fifths and major scales and their respective key signatures; will continue on with advanced topics of intervals (types, inversions of); triads and their inversions/positions; the different types of minor scales; and seventh chords and their inversions. Music history/Dictation/Ear-Training/Sight-singing

Prerequisite: Music Essentials I

Music Essentials III

Theory: will begin by reviewing the circle of fifths and major/minor scales and their respective key signatures; will continue with types of cadences; seventh chords; harmonic analysis; the rules of harmony; composing in light of the materials of music (i.e. melody, rhythm, harmony and texture). Music History/Dictation/Ear-Training/Sight-singing .

Prerequisite: Music Essentials I, and II