Students learn basic piano skills and are introduced to beginning note reading. Students are expected to have access to a piano for daily home practice. Families are responsible for the purchase of class materials and books as specified by the teacher.
Singers are encouraged to develop their best vocal tone in a supportive, fun, and positive learning environment. Choristers develop pitch matching, experience singing harmony, learn vocal warm-ups, and respond to a conductor. Singers perform age-appropriate choral repertoire selected from a variety of genres, with an emphasis on Western Classical and multi-cultural music. Class culminates in a casual recital at the end of the semester.
For the youngest singers, this chorus introduces group singing using songs from around the world and throughout time—from chants and canons to folk songs and spirituals. Students learn age-appropriate vocal technique in a fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on body movement, hand gestures, some sign language, and drama. Classes culminate in a casual recital during the last class of each session.
The voice is every child’s first instrument. Grounded in the philosophy of composer Zoltán Kodály, this playful class uses traditional songs, chants, and singing games in a systematic way to teach children the basic building blocks of music: the ability to hear, to feel and reproduce rhythm and melody, to understand dynamics and tempo, to sing in tune, and to create music of their own. Younger children learn solfège; older children learn to read and write basic musical notation. Both age groups use games, songs, movement, percussion instruments, and puppets.
The Orff approach weaves together musical concepts, creative movement, instrument exploration, singing games, and dramatic storytelling to build a foundation for a lifetime of joyful music making. Classes include introductions to improvisation, conducting, and notation using a wide repertoire of songs, games, and activities from around the world, as well as our collection of xylophones and world music instruments. Children will gain skills and experience both individually and within the group, equipping them for instrumental study and participation in ensemble music making.
Comets is the chorus for boys, ages 9 and up. The Comets are currently rehearsing with Starlights, however, as the program gains more singers, the Comets will break away from Starlights, holding their own rehearsals and singing their own repertoire.
Starlights is the entry level chorus for girls, ages 9 through middle school.
Children that participate as Caroling Kids in the fall become Twinkling Stars in the spring. Emphasis is placed on learning traditional songs, including American and multi-cultural folk songs and popular classics, and some new compositions as well. Several performances occur at the end of the semester and usually include singing at the malls and retirement homes.