In this course, students develop a greater understanding of music through listening, composing, and playing musical instruments. Students will be introduced to elements of rhythm and musical notation and will compose their own rhythmic piece. Concepts of melody, harmony, and music theory will be introduced through electric keyboards, ukuleles, and other classroom instruments.
The Saint Paul band is an ensemble of students with varying levels of playing experience. Previous playing experience and instrument proficiency is recommended. Students will study the fundamentals of instrumental performance in an ensemble setting and perform music from myriad time periods and genres. The ensemble will be highlighted in at least two performances during the school year. Students will be expected to provide an instrument or rent an instrument.
This semester course serves as an introduction to music theory through analyzing performed and notated music, as it relates to the piano / keyboard. Following an integrated and cumulative process, students will explore concepts like pitch, rhythm, form, tuning, single line melody, chord accompaniment, and musical design as applied through piano / keyboard musicianship.
This semester course is designed to cover a concise history of Western Music, beginning with tonal music as developed and perfected by J. S. Bach and moving into the world cultural influences of 20th century music and jazz. Periods of history examined include the Renaissance, Baroque Era, the Age of Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, Classical Era, Impressionism, Nationalism/Isolationism, the World Wars, and the Cold War.
All students are welcome and encouraged to learn to sing. Students will learn the fundamentals of vocal tone production and musical development, including proper breathing, vocal technique, music notation, rhythm, basic piano skills, and solfeggio. Students will develop skills related to performing together as an ensemble and are required to perform in at least two performances during the school year.