Community Chorus

This is a non-auditioned Chorus open to all members of the George School campus community, as well as neighbors and friends from the wide community. Singers receive training in vocal production, exposure to music-reading, and exposure to a varied repertoire. The course meets on Sunday evenings for four months in preparation for one major concert. There are no meetings during the academic day. In 2011-2012 this course will begin in September and continue into January.

This course carries 1 credit.

Chorale

Students in this course receive training in vocal production and sight-reading while exploring a variety of vocal styles. Singers experience a varied repertoire of music from around the world, including, but not limited to, early to contemporary classical music and a cappella and vocal jazz. The ensemble performs on and off campus. Chorale members learn the music of the Community Chorus and perform in its annual concert also. To participate, each student must be able to carry a tune, blend well with other voices, and be enthusiastic about performing. The ability to read music, while helpful, is not a prerequisite, as this is part of the class instruction.

This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.

A student may prepare for the SL IB Music exam by taking Chorale in both 11th and 12th grades.

Prerequisite: Audition

Fundamentals of Music Theory History and Style

Students in this course learn to read and write music, develop a basic acquaintance with the piano and learn to sight sing. In addition, they learn hand chime ringing techniques and perform as an ensemble throughout the year. Through the study of music from around the world and great works from the history of music, this course helps students to develop an understanding of the elements of music and to recognize, appreciate, and analyze a variety of genres and music styles. This course provides excellent preparation for the IB Music Seminar class. 

IB Music Seminar

Students in this course explore Western music including nineteenth- and twentieth-century orchestral and piano music. World music such as African drumming and Balinese gamelan are also explored. Students work in class with guest musicians, compose several works, and participate in performances. Those who take this course for two years may sit for either the higher-level or standard-level IB music exam. The ability to read music is essential.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Musical Theater

Students explore the various backstage elements of musical theater production in this one-term course. They experience the interdependence of acting, singing, dancing, costuming, lighting, and set design. While the final public performance is a tangible result of a term's work, on the course emphasizes the process leading up to the performance. The ideals of ensemble and group support and development are modeled in all that is studied, from the audition process through the final curtain call. Auditions are held in the term prior to the production. The course meets daily after school, so participants cannot take a sport concurrently.

In 2011-2012 the course will be offered in Term 3.

This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement. 

Prerequisite: Audition

Instrumental Music

Orchestra is a course in musicianship for players of string, wind, and percussion instruments. Through the preparation and performance of instrumental music students learn elements of style, expression, ensemble technique, music theory, history of music, and music literature. The role of the performer and his or her responsibility to the composer, the audience, and fellow performers are ongoing themes in this class. A varied repertoire, ranging from Renaissance music to modern compositions, is performed not only by the full orchestra, but also by the string orchestra and various smaller chamber ensembles. Each student will participate in at least three different ensembles within this single class. To participate, a student must demonstrate familiarity with his or her instrument; read music fluently; and have a working understanding of key signatures, basic rhythm patterns, and meter. There are occasional evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Students also take field trips and attend off-campus performances.

This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.

A student may prepare for the SL IB Music exam by taking Instrumental Music in both 11th and 12th grades. 

Prerequisite: Audition