Music Instruction

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Academy Symphonic Band and/or permission of the Instructor, NYSSMA Level IV-VI performance standards.

Wind Ensemble is an audition only select ensemble and is one of two concert bands at the Academy. Students study and perform high quality concert band literature of advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the program, each student receives instruction on his/her instrument in the form of weekly lessons. Additional requirements include participation in the Memorial Day Parade and performing a level appropriate solo at NYSSMA Solo Festival. Course enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in additional events such as All-County Band, Area All-State Band and Conference All-State Bands.

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 9-12

Symphonic Band is one of two concert bands at the Academy. This course is the sequential path for 8th Grade Band students, however also welcomes students in Grades 9-12. Students study and perform high quality concert band literature of moderate to advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the Academy Music program, each student receives instruction on his/her instrument in the form of weekly lessons. Additional requirements include participation in the Memorial Day Parade and performing a level appropriate solo at NYSSMA Solo Festival. Course enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in additional events such as All-County Band, Area All-State Band and Conference All-State Bands.

Full Year 1/2 Unit Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Current Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Chorus member. Auditions are required.

Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned instrumental ensemble that meets every other day for one period throughout the year. This ensemble performs music of medium to advanced difficulty, representing jazz styles such as fusion, jazz, rock, blues, Latin, swing, funk, and others. Students will be exposed to jazz improvisation during the course of the school year. Jazz Ensemble performs at school concerts, events and community sponsored activities. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day.

Full Year 1/2 Unit Grades 9-12

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 9-12

Symphony Orchestra is one of two string orchestras at the Academy. This course is the sequential path for 8th Grade Orchestra students, however also welcomes students in Grades 9-12. Students study and perform high quality literature of moderate to advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the Academy Music program, each student receives instruction on his/her instrument in the form of weekly lessons. Additional requirements include performing a level appropriate solo at NYSSMA Solo Festival. Course enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in additional events such as All-County, Area All-State and Conference All-State.

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Academy Symphony Orchestra and/or permission of the Instructor, NYSSMA Level IV-VI performance standards.

Chamber Orchestra is an audition only, select member ensemble and is one two string orchestras at the Academy. Students study and perform high quality orchestra literature of advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the program, each student receives instruction on his/her instrument in the form of weekly lessons. Additional requirements include performing a level appropriate solo at NYSSMA Solo Festival. Course enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in additional events such as All-County, Area All-State and Conference All-State.

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 9-12

Academy Mixed Chorus is an auditioned ensemble which performs high quality literature of advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the program, each student receives a weekly small group voice lesson. Membership allows students the opportunity to participate in ACDA and NYSSMA events such as Solo Festival, All-County Chorus, Area All-State Chorus, and Conference All-State Chorus and other select choirs.

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 9-12

Treble Choir is one of two Academy curricular choirs and performs treble choir music. This course is the sequential path for 8th grade choir students of the voice type, however includes students in grades 9-12. Students study and perform high quality literature of moderate to advanced difficulty. By enrolling in this course, students are committing to required performances outside of the normal school day. As an integral part of the Academy Music program, each student receives a weekly small group voice lesson. Course enrollment allows students the opportunity to participate in NYSSMA and ACDA events such as Solo Festival, All-County Chorus, Area All-State Chorus, and Conference All-State Chorus.

Offered in 2023-2024 (both semesters)

(Alternates years with Music Theory I and II)

Half Year ½ unit Grades 9-12

This course is designed for all students and has no prerequisite. If you have ever considered or wondered about the elemental forces behind mankind’s attraction to music, then this might be the course for you. Students will foster an understanding of music's structure and cultural significance through listening, creating and performing. Music of various styles will be employed to define the basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, texture and form. Through the use of technology and harmonizing instruments (keyboard, guitar, ukulele, etc.) we will develop basic skills in reading music notation as it relates to pitch, rhythm, meter, tempo, and dynamics, along with performance techniques and basic composition. Any student interested in participating, regardless of age or previous musical experience, is encouraged to register.

Offered in 2024-2025

(Alternates years with CA Music Lab)

Half Year ½ unit Grades 9-12

Music Theory I is a course that is appropriate for those students who have no or very limited musical knowledge. The goal of this course is to give the student basic reading skills involving all clefs, major and minor keys, time signatures and rhythms, beginning harmonic analysis, beginning melody harmonization, and beginning sight singing and melodic dictation skills.

Offered in 2024-2025

(Alternates years with CA Music Lab)

Half Year ½ unit Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Theory I or equivalent musical background and Music Department approval

The Music Theory II class explores in great detail the fundamental concepts of music composition, including form, texture, counterpoint, harmony, and melodic development. Students will also become familiar with technology used in music composition and production including recording equipment, sequencing tools, and music editing and notation software.

Full Year 1 Unit Grades 9-12

Modern Band teaches students to play keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums in genres like rock, pop, Latin, rap, R&B, country, and more. In this course, you will learn to play, perform, improvise, and compose using popular music as our guide, and there is room for you to select your own favorite songs. Evening concert performance opportunities are available, but not mandatory. No previous experience or purchase of these instruments is required.

Grades 10–12

Discover the world of film scores, contemporary music, and alternative orchestral styles in this exciting new ensemble! The Studio Orchestra provides instrumental students with a unique opportunity to collaborate, perform, and explore diverse genres beyond traditional repertoire.

Open to wind, brass, percussion, and string players, the course emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and musicianship through rehearsals, performances, and workshops with guest artists. Students will develop their technical skills while learning about the art of orchestration and arrangement in soundtrack and alternative music.

Performances include concerts throughout the year, and enrollment is open to students with prior ensemble experience (or by audition). Join us for a transformative musical journey that redefines the boundaries of orchestral music!