Instrumental Ensemble Program

Instrumental Course Description and Requirements 

Students will participate in various piano classes, offered for a variety of skill levels, exposing students to multiple genres of music. Instruction on multiple world instruments allows students to experience music from around the glove, gaining a global perspective of music from other cultures that include Latin, Caribbean, African and more. Students will have the opportunity to perform in various venues throughout the year to show case their talents and skills as both artists and performers.

Level 1 Piano Class (Instrumental Music)
The course is a beginning study of the essential elements of music as they relate to the development of piano performance skills. Musical learning includes reading and notating music, analysis of music, listening skills, sight-reading, appropriate use of musical terminology, and expressive piano performance skills.

In this class, we will learn and understand the layout of notes on the keyboard, both from a musical and theoretical stand point. This will give us the tools to learn to compose our own music, as well as to begin to play and interpret pre-existing music in a variety of styles. We will learn to read music and begin to notate our own music using traditional rhythmic and melodic notation, as well as develop our own musical short hand. We will work on hand and eye co-ordination, playing with two hands, proper form, accuracy and musicianship. Other elements we will study throughout the year include music appreciation, active listening, music history, performance etiquette and African drumming.

Level 2 Piano Class (Instrumental Music)
The course is an intermediate study of the essential elements of music as they relate to the development of piano performance skills. Musical learning includes reading and notating music, analysis of music, listening skills, sight-reading, appropriate use of musical terminology, and expressive piano performance skills.

We will build on all the concepts and skills introduced in level 1 and will introduce more advanced music, concepts, techniques and more.

Class Fee: $40 for the year

Performances: We will participate one night in the CAST Winter Celebration in December, and one night in the CAST Fine Arts Week in the Spring. Those performances will be after school, will be graded and will be mandatory. An alternate assignment will be given if the student is unable to attend.