Academics: The Curriculum
The Arts: Music
All music courses are graded Credit/No Credit
A-150 Choir
Year .5 unit Spiro-Allen
The Emma Willard choir performs both secular and sacred music at various concerts throughout the year. Performances include Eventide in December, the spring concert in May, and Baccalaureate. This course not only exposes the student to a great variety of choral literature, but also provides an opportunity for the development of vocal and musical skills.
Prerequisite: Audition for vocal placement
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-153 Music Appreciation I
Fall .25 unit McClusky
This course, designed for both the musician and non-musician, takes an in-depth look at some of the great classics of the baroque and classical periods. Listening, discussion of composers and the world in which they lived, recognition of forms and styles, score reading and familiarity with music terms are some of the areas addressed by this course. Although this course carries arts credit, it is not designated as visual or performing.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-154 Music Appreciation II
Spring .25 unit McClusky
This course is a continuation of A-153. Students study music of the romantic period and the 20th century. Enrollment in Music Appreciation I (A-153) is strongly encouraged, but not required for enrollment this course. Although this course carries arts credit, it is not designated as visual or performing.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-160 Voice Seminar
Year .25 unit Spiro-Allen
This course is open to students who would like to explore their singing voice. Elements of singing to be covered include breathing, diction, vocal technique, movement, ensemble singing, and audition/performance techniques. Though this course is not designed to take the place of the private lesson, it provides an opportunity for students who wish to gain vocal knowledge and experience in a group setting.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-252 Musical Theory and Skills
Year .5 unit Spiro-Allen
This course is for students who are interested in learning the fundamentals of music. Topics to be covered include musical notation, scales, keys, intervals, chords, sight-reading and basic keyboard. This course is both for students who play an instrument or sing and for those who simply wish to learn more about the art of musical styles and composition. Although this course carries arts credit, it is not designated as visual or performing.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-257 Orchestra
Year .5 unit McClusky
The orchestra repertoire focuses on classical music. Auditions are held at the beginning of the year, and acceptance into orchestra is based on these auditions. A student who is new to Emma Willard should prepare a short selection that best demonstrates her playing level and ability. Players must provide their own instruments. Individual practice is expected. Students are encouraged to take private lessons in conjunction with this course.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-258 Jazz Ensemble
Year .25 unit Rowlands
Jazz Ensemble is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion students. The focus of the repertoire is on music in the jazz, funk, and Latin idioms. Players must provide their own instruments. Individual practice is expected. Students are encouraged to take private lessons in conjunction with this course. Commitment to this class includes one full ensemble rehearsal weekly.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-350 Inner Choir
Year .5 unit Spiro-Allen
The inner choir is a select vocal ensemble with its members drawn from the choir. This group performs works appropriate for an advanced choral ensemble.
Co-requisites: Choir (A-150) and acceptance by audition
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-352 Advanced Musical Theory and Skills
Year .5 unit Spiro-Allen
This course complements Musical Theory and Skills (A-252). Topics to be covered include harmony and voice leading, counterpoint, analysis, and aural skills. Projects address form and analysis as well as composition. Although this course carries arts credit, it is not designated as visual or performing.
Prerequisite: Musical Theory and Skills (A-252) or permission of the instructor
Open to: 11/12
A-356 Advanced String Ensemble
Year .5 unit McClusky
Participation in this ensemble is by audition. A student must be in the orchestra to be considered for this group. Its members are highly motivated students who wish to expand their level of playing and knowledge of classical string repertoire.
Co-requisites: Orchestra (A-257) and acceptance by audition
Open to: 9/10/11/12
A-357 Introduction to Opera
Year .25 unit Spiro-Allen
This course introduces students to the great operatic works. Students analyze the characters and plots that drive the dramas and study the development of this musical genre. In addition, students study the lives and artistry of the great operatic composers, librettists, and singers. Although this course carries arts credit, it is not designated as visual or performing.
Open to: 11/12
