Vocal Music Curriculum
VOCAL MUSIC COURSES
Vocal Technique I
This course will introduce vocal students to the basics of healthy vocal technique, including breathing, alignment, and basic anatomy of the voice. Students will practice technique through breathing exercises, vocalizes, and solo vocal literature. The course will also introduce the student to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), a series of letters and symbols that are a great aid in learning to pronounce sounds in both English and foreign languages. Throughout this class and the seven classes of the Vocal Technique curriculum, students learn basic pronunciation rules in English, Italian, German, and French and practice these rules by writing song texts in IPA and by singing in foreign languages.
Vocal Technique 2
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previoius courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of the art song and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will include English, Italian, German, and French art song and will span the major periods of music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice art songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 3 – American Song
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previous courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of American song and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will span the major periods of American music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 4 – Popular Music
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previous courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of popular music and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will span the last 60 years of music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 5 – Lieder
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previoius courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of the lied (German song) and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will span the major periods of German music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 6 – Early Music
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previoius courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of the early periods of music history and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will include English, Italian, German, and French song focused on the Medieval and Renaissance periods of music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 7 – Opera
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previoius courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of opera and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will include English, Italian, German, and French operas and will span the major periods of music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
Vocal Technique 8 – Music Theater
In addition to building and expanding upon the techniques learned in previoius courses, students will learn about major vocal composers of Music Theater and their works for the solo vocalist. This course will span the last 100 years of music history. Students will have the opportunity to practice songs independently and perform them in class.
CHORAL ENSEMBLES
Women’s Choir (Grades 11 and 12 by audition)
This choir will focus on SSAA music of many genres, ranging from classical to pop, jazz, and Broadway. Singers must read music at a high level and have excellent sight-singing skills.
11/12 Choir (Grades 11 and 12)
Upperclassmen will continue their study of choral music in this choir, working on fine-tuning their listening, score-reading, and sight-singing skills. This choir embraces diverse styles of music such as Renaissance, Contemporary, Gospel, Jazz and World Music.
Touring Choir (all grades by auditions)
Members of the Touring Choir serve as ambassadors of LVPA through numerous community performances. Touring Choir performs a wide variety of musical styles, with an emphasis on a cappella singing. Singers must have excellent score-reading and sight-singing ability.
9/10 Choir (Grades 9 and 10)
This chorus explores the basics of choral singing, including rehearsal etiquette, breathing, warm-ups, and the importance of the individual singer to the success of the ensemble. This chorus will study and perform a wide variety of musical styles.
Men’s / Women’s Choral Sectional (sight reading)
Beyond the mandatory 11th and 12th Grade Choral Ensembles, this section has been dedicated to additional rehearsal time for any Choral Ensemble or Vocal Techniques repertoire. Additionally, the students present within each sectional rehearsal will have the opportunity to create smaller vocal ensembles and prepare separate literature under the instruction of the sectional conductor. Juries will be administered on all literature prepared.
MUSIC HISTORY COURSES
Antiquity Music History (Grade 9)
This course examines the music of antiquity through the baroque era in cultural and stylistic context. The course develops informed listening skills so that the student can make educated opinions regarding the music made by composers and performers of this era.
Classical Music History (Grade 10)
This course will explore the time period of the Classical era and how the different cultural, religious and social aspects influenced the Western art music produced during this time. The lives of famous composers will be explored along with the music they produced, with a focus on listening, discussion and analyzing of pieces.
Romantic Music History (Grade 11)
This course will focus on Western art music of the Romantic era, along with the composers who produced these pieces. Discussion, listening, analyzing and research will be included in the classroom experience.
20th Century Music History (Grade 12)
This course will explore Western art music of the 20th century, along with the cultural, social, and political aspects of this time period. How these aspects influenced the lives of the composers who produced the pieces will also be considered.
Vocal Tech & Rep
This chorus explores the rudiments of good singing technique and the development of sight-reading skills. Through the rehearsal of repertoire, singers learn to work as an ensemble, improving their listening and interpretative skills.
MUSIC THEORY COURSES
Music Theory 1
Topics to include: Rhythm, Melody, The Keyboard, Major Scales and Keys, Intervals, Minor Scales and Keys, Other Scales and Modes. Also includes basics of rhythmic and melodic dictation, intervallic recognition (aural and written), basic sight-singing, conducting patterns, major and minor scales, basic keyboard harmony, solfege.
Music Theory 2
Topics to include: Review of concepts learned in Music Theory 1; C Clef, Triads, Tonality, Harmonizing a Melody, Four-Part Vocal Writing, Secondary Triads, Non-chord Tones, Diatonic Seventh Chords. Also includes rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic dictation, triad recognition (aural and written), sight-singing, keyboard harmony, and solfege.
Music Theory 3
Topics to include: Review of concepts learned in Music Theory 2; Transposition, Orchestration, Score Reading and Analysis, Study of Form. Also includes a development of harmonic dictation skills, sight-singing, score reading.
Music Theory 4
Topics to include: Review of concepts learned in Music Theory 3; Secondary Dominants, Modulations, Advanced Harmony, Introduction to Counterpoint, Cumulative Composition projects. Also includes the development of harmonic dictation and analysis skills.
AP Music Theory
This class is designed to prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam. Topics include: Review of all concepts learned in Theory IV, Advanced Melodic Structures, Advanced Chromatic Harmony, Advanced Voice Leading, Pantonality, Advanced Form, Advanced Chordal and Motivic Analysis. Intense Ear Training and Sight Singing, and several major composition projects.
Independent Study (all grades)
Students may propose a course of study or specific project to study with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Topics for independent study projects must be approved by either one of the Artistic Directors of Music.
MUSIC ELECTIVES
Bach Seminar
In this course students will study and perform the life and musical works of J.S. Bach. The class will examine music in both sacred and secular genres - excellent sight reading and fluency with your voice/instrument are required.
Mahler Seminar
This course examines the life, music and significance of the late-Romantic Austrian composer Gustav Mahler. The course focuses on listening and analysis of the symphonies, but also touches on his songs. Coursework involves essays, in –class discussion, at-home listening and orchestral score reading.
Shostakovich Seminar
This course examines the life, music and significance of the twentieth-century Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovich. The course focuses on listening and analysis of the symphonies and strings quartets, but also touches on his songs and other orchestral works. Coursework involves essays, in-class discussion, at-home listening and orchestral score reading.
World Music Choir
This chorus explores the basics of good singing technique, the development of sight-reading skills, and singing in different languages through repertoire that focus on music from around the world. In past years, the choir has performed music from the Netherlands, Africa, Spain, Ireland and the Caribbean.
Film Music History
This course will explore how music is used in film from the age of Silent film up until present day. Many examples will be observed during class, and class discussions will ensue! This course will cross-over elements of music and elements of film, and will examine the relationship between them.
Pop Music History
This course will explore the origins and roots of contemporary popular music. Its influence on society and society’s influence on music will be considered and discussed through study and listening of pieces from this genre.
Introduction to Conducting
Basic instruction and practicum in conducting both choral and instrumental music. Students will learn and practice fundamental patterns and gestures required to lead a group of their peers. The course will reinforce the practices of sight singing, solfege, transposition, arranging, and healthy approach to the student’s chosen instrument (including voice). Topics of instruction range from score reading and study to conveying mood through gesture and facial expression. Self assessment through videotaping will accompany peer critiques and formal assessment by the teacher. Instrumentalists are required to bring their instrument to each class. We need a group to conduct! Vocalists will sing or play a secondary instrument.
Jazz Music History and Improvisation
Prerequisite: Instrumental Music Major, Enrollment in Music Theory II or higher
A multifaceted experience, this course is not recommended for the faint of heart. Practice will be required between each class. However, no jazz experience is required. The LAST class day of each week (Thurs. or Fri. as determined by the rotating day schedule) will be dedicated to the study of Jazz History and listening. Topics to be covered will range from early vaudeville and Dixieland to free jazz and fusion. The journey towards improvisation will begin with practicing fundamental patterns and chord progressions. Application of knowledge to standard jazz tunes, class participation, and two solo transcription projects will be the basis for assessment. The teacher may also devise written quizzes, exams, reading assignments, and critical response activities to supplement assessment.
Listening & Analysis
Students will listen to and study a variety of music from different eras and cultures. CDs, videos, and live performance will be utilized. Included will be a project in which students will present to the class an analysis of a composition of their choosing.
Movement for Musicians
The students will strengthen the body and enhance body awareness through various techniques such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, lyric dance, modern dance and Alexander technique. Students will explore ways to look and feel relaxed in performance situations through group work and in-class improvisational activities.
Music Technology
Students will learn the basics of music notation, sequencing and recording through various computer programs which include Finale, Cakewalk Home Studio, Garage Band and Digital Audio. Both PCs and Macs will be used for this class, and will culminate in a final project demonstrating understanding of each program used during the semester.
Renaissance Ensemble
This performance-based course will explore the instrumental and vocal music of the 14th to the 16th centuries. Music performed will span the major composers of the period, and works will be performed in standard AND period notation. No prior knowledge is required, however some instrumental experience is helpful (a mix of vocal and instrumental students would work best). Students may be required to purchase their own student model soprano or alto recorder. Other instruments will be provided. Come with an open mind, and be ready to have fun! Huzzah!
Songwriting
Students will explore the process of how to write a song. The students will examine hit songs and discover what made them successful, popular songs. Students will learn the process of writing lyrics and writing music. Students will explore the collaborative way to compose songs and writing songs solo!
Vocal Non-Major Choir (all grades)
In this course, instrumental and vocal music students will sing standard choral repertoire, as well as popular, movie, and Broadway songs while improving sight reading skills and general musicianship.
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