Instrumental Music

Instrumental music students receive classical training in applied music, music theory (reading and writing) and piano, and participate in performing ensembles. Major ensembles include: Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, and Guitar Ensemble; smaller ensembles draw from students in each studio. Students perform annually as soloists on monthly recitals and prepare a 20-minute solo recital in their senior year. Music electives for third and fourth year students include composition, music technology, music history, and vocal ensemble.

Objectives

The faculty will provide intensive music instruction of the highest quality and will prepare students for college level professional music study and a music career, with an emphasis on skills in performance, music reading and writing. The department fosters musical, educational, personal, and social development through solo and group preparation and performance.

To this end, students must excel in the following areas:

• Instrumental performance skills, including expressive playing in a variety of styles, sight-reading, ensemble playing, and concert deportment.
• Written and aural music theory skills.
• Knowledge of music history and styles.
• Familiarity with contemporary technology applications in music.

Goals For Students

1. Students will demonstrate excellent instrumental technical and performance skills, including expressive playing in a variety of styles, sight reading and ensemble playing.
2. Students will demonstrate excellent written and aural music theory skills.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of music history and the characteristics of various styles of musical performance.
4. Students will demonstrate the skills necessary to use contemporary technology applications in music.
5. Students will demonstrate excellent concert deportment.
6. Students will demonstrate the level of musical competence necessary to pass a college or conservatory audition successfully and to be successful in college courses within a music curriculum.

Instrumental Music Sequence of Courses

*Appropriate theory class assigned through written examination
Electives: Jazz Orchestra, Small Ensemble, Music History, Computer Applications in Music Concert Choir, and Show Choir.
Additional credits may be satisfied by elective courses.
Appropriate electives can satisfy Ensemble requirements.
Students who complete the four-year program require 12 arts credits to graduate.
Students who complete the three-year program require 9 arts credits to graduate.

Photo by Sharon Farmer