MUSIC DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

 

General Music….U1R

A survey course that provides students a functional and creative approach to music.  Elementary music theory is taught; the development of major music styles and composers are analyzed; orchestral and band instrumentation; the singing voice; and cultural contributions, past and present, are examined.  This course will enable students to broaden their appreciation of various musical genres and will also strengthen their understanding of the relationships between music, social history, fine arts and literature.

Pre-requisite: None

 

 

*Concert Choir….UVA

A choir for male and female students with any degree of experience in vocal music.  Any student who wishes to take the class may register with the teacher’s permission.  Students will acquire knowledge of effective vocal techniques for the adolescent singer.  They will also acquire music reading literacy through the study of music theory. Performances in school concerts twice a year, as well as other school functions and regional and state festivals.

Pre-requisite: None, Teacher Permission is Required.

This class Is annualized and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UV1 for an indefinite period of time.

 

 

*Women’s Choir….UVAF

A choir for female students who may or may not possess singing experience and ability.  There is no experience necessary.  Students will learn music theory and vocal production.  Entry into this choir is based upon good character and the instructors’ recommendations.  The Women’s Choir will perform at all music department seasonal concerts.

Pre-requisite: None, Teacher Permission is Required.

This class is annualized, and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UVG for an indefinite period of time.

 

 

Chamber Choir…. UVACC

A choir for experienced singers. And motivated students who have some ability.  Emphasis is placed upon good vocal production, excellent intonation, and strong music reading ability.  The Chamber Choir will participate in music department seasonal concerts, graduation exercises, Department of Education citywide and regional concerts, NYSSMA, and other public and privately sponsored performances.  Repertoire will include classical and contemporary music in four to eight parts, for soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices.  Opportunities for solo and small ensemble work will also be available.  Entry into this choir is based upon good character, a vocal audition and instructors’ recommendations.

Pre-requisite: some prior vocal experience or ability.

Teacher Permission is Required.

This class is annualized, and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UVC for an indefinite period of time.

 

 

Intermediate Band…. UDAIB

This course emphasizes the musical development and preparation for entrance into the Concert Band.  Limited performance opportunities are provided.

Pre-requisite: Student must be able to read music and have had at least one year of playing experience on a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.

Teacher Permission Required

This class is annualized, and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UDT for an indefinite period of time.  Most UDT students will be moved to either UDC or UDJZ after one year, at the director’s discretion.

 

 

Concert Band…. UDAC

A performance course designed to prepare the student for a variety of musical experiences, while also developing his or her musicianship.  Performances include school pep rallies, assemblies, and the winter and Spring Concerts.  Annual events include performances at the New York City Marathon, various award ceremonies and the June graduation ceremony.

Pre-requisite: Students must be able to read music on an intermediate level and have had at least one year of playing experience on a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument.

Teacher Permission Required

This class is annualized, and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UDC for an indefinite period of time.  Class will roll over each year, except for individual drops at the instructor’s discretion. 

 

 

Jazz Band…. UDAJZ

An instrumental group designed to perform a variety of music from standard jazz, fusion, and pop/rock.  The class is open to all experienced performers of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, guitar, bass and percussion.  One year minimum performing experience on any of the above-mentioned instruments is required.  Music reading ability is also strongly recommended.  Performances will take place in the fall and spring terms.

Pre-requisite: Students must be able to read music on an intermediate level and have had at least one year of playing experience on a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument.

Teacher Recommendation Required

This class is annualized, and will run during the fall and spring terms.  However, students may remain in UDJZ for an indefinite period of time.  Class will roll over each year, except for individual drops at the instructor’s discretion. 

 

 

Beginning Instruments…. UDABB

A non-performance instrumental program, designed to focus on the world of orchestral music for the student who has never played an instrument before.  Students selected for this course are recruited from neighboring intermediate schools and from among Bryant students who express a desire to learn an instrument or who show musical potential.  This year-long program is designed to give students the tools they will need to enter a performance program (Intermediate Band, Concert Band, or Jazz Band) the following year.  Instruments taught include: clarinet, flute, piccolo, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and an array of percussion instruments that includes snare drum, bass drum, timpani bells and auxiliary percussion.

Pre-requisite: None

No Teacher Recommendation Required. This is an annualized course.  However, students may remain in UBN beyond two semesters, based upon their interest and the instructor’s discretion.  Teacher may promote students to UDT after one year.

 

 

*Beginning Strings…. UMA

A performance class designed to introduce students to the instruments of the string family (violin, viola, cello, string bass).  A variety of topics related to the orchestral music industry will also be researched.  Students need not have any experience.

Pre-requisite: None

Teacher Permission Required

This is an annualized course.  However, students may remain in UMI beyond two semesters, based upon their interest and the instructor’s discretion.

*New course

 

 

Piano 1…..UPA

A one-year course designed to give the student an introduction to playing the piano.  Students will learn correct posture, finger position, and technique.  The fundamentals of pitch notation, rhythms, chord structure will be addressed.

Pre-requisite: None- LIMIT 34 PER CLASS

This is an annualized class.  Some students will be selected to register for UP2 the following year.

 

 

Piano 2…..UPB

This one year class is a forum for all levels beyond UP1.  Players who are at an intermediate to advanced level may be in this class.  Most students are recruited from UP1, but it is not limited to those students.  Students will learn advanced technique and reading.  They will play more advanced music, and the most advanced students will perform at a recital at the end of the year.

Pre-requisite: UP1 and permission of the instructor.  In some cases, UP1 credit may be waved if the student’s ability is of the required level.

This is an annualized class.  LIMIT 34 PER CLASS.

Students roll over the following year, unless the instructor requests drops.