“Music is the manifestation of the human spirit, similar to language. Its greatest practitioners have conveyed to mankind things not possible to say in any other language. If we do not want these to remain dead treasures, we must do our utmost to make the greatest possible number of people understand their idiom.”
- Zoltan Kodaly, Composer
The study of music contributes to the quality of every student’s life.
Through singing, playing instruments, and composing, students can express themselves creatively, while their knowledge of notation and performance skills enables them to learn new music independently throughout their lives. Spirituality is uplifted and best expressed through singing. Playing an instrument requires discipline and is rewarding, challenging, exciting, and relaxing. Theory, music technology, and composition courses enable students to intelligently create and execute musical ideas. Skills in analysis and evaluation are critical because music is an integral part of human history. The ability to listen with understanding makes it possible for students to gain a broad cultural and historical perspective. Our students’ adulthood is enriched by the skills, knowledge, and habits acquired in the study of music. Our courses provide the foundation for lifelong participation and enjoyment in music.
This required participatory singing class, in conjunction with the Judaic Studies department, encourages spirit through learning and singing liturgical and contemporary Jewish folk songs. 1 session weekly for 1 semester.
This introductory course is designed to broaden the experience and understanding of the listener, and encourage the interest and participation of the student musician. This course includes basic elements of music, composers and their musical styles, creative interpretation, music as a mirror of society, and guest demonstrations by artists-in-residence. Music literature of the baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th century are studied. Our online media library, as well as DVDs, CDs and textbooks provide music and materials. Website listening sources are suggested. 2 sessions weekly for 2 semesters.
This elective course is offered to juniors and seniors. It explores the history and literature of Jewish music. The course includes music of the synagogue, the concert stage and Yiddish theater, Klezmer music, songs from the early State of Israel, contemporary songs of peace and prayer, composers and their music, and guest demonstrations by artists-in-residence. Our online media library will provide music and materials. Website listening sources are suggested. 2 Sessions weekly for 2 semesters.
The history, harmony, and theory of jazz is explored through “hands on” student compositions, recordings, DVDs, and live performances by artists-in-residence. This is an introduction to the basic structure of music. Elementary jazz theory, harmony and dictation, ear training, musical forms and analysis are explored. 4 Sessions per Week for 1 Semester. Prerequisite: Basic Music Theory or placement exam.
Fundamentals of notation, dictation, ear training, harmony, analysis of pitch, rhythm, dynamic, timbre, instrumentation, form, and composition are taught in an organized and progressive manner. Each student uses interactive music theory computer software as part of the curriculum. This course includes developing active and deep listening skills. It provides a sound foundation which enables students to understand how music is written while building a working music vocabulary to accurately describe music. This knowledge is essential to the development of the musician as a performer and composer. 5 Sessions per Week for 2 semesters.
A continuation of Basic Music Theory, this course concentrates on preparing the student for the AP Music Theory exam. Class time is divided between written, theoretical/compositional exercises and listening/aural/vocalizing exercises. The repertoire and framework of the course focuses on music and procedures based in the Common-Practice rules of tonality, cadences, melodic and harmonic processes, rhythms and meters, phrase structures and modulation to closely related key signatures. 5 Sessions Weekly for 2 semesters. Prerequisite: Basic Music Theory or placement exam.
The Finale music software is the industry standard, and an invaluable tool for all composers and arrangers. Finale is used for notating simple one-line melodies as well as arranging complicated vocal and orchestral scores, and it enables the musician to write and play back music efficiently – and the “playback” is heard using authentic voices and instrumental timbres. Through the use of a computer, electronic keyboard, and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), students can play and notate their music simultaneously. 4 Sessions per Week for 1 Semester. Prerequisite: Basic Music Theory or placement exam.
Students create, sequence, and record instrumental and vocal tracks in our state-of-the-art recording studio laboratory. Students learn techniques of sound engineering using a multi-track mixing board. 2 Sessions per Week for 1 Semester. Prerequisite: Basic Music Theory or placement exam.
Each performance course provides experience in creating, performing, listening to, and analyzing music. The repertoire studied represents diverse genres and styles, including Jewish music. A variety of performance opportunities throughout the school year provide the students with achievement goals.
The Symphonic Choir is a mixed-voice SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) 60+ voice ensemble. Auditions are required for admittance. Acceptance criteria include pitch and interval recognition, and singing comfortably within SATB ranges. Music literature includes classical, contemporary, and Jewish choral music arranged for 4-part mixed choir. Students are taught to sight-sing and read a choral score. Fundamentals of voice production are taught. Grades are determined by participation and achievement. Performance venues include New York City concert hall events, CD productions, New York museums, inter-school choral festivals, school and community-wide events, NSHA Dinner, Evening of Excellence, and fundraising events. 1 – 2 sessions per week for 2 semesters.
This select group of experienced singers with superior vocal ability is chosen from the choir. Acceptance criteria include: exceptional vocal, aural, and rhythmic blending ability. In addition to performing with the choir, the chamber choir studies technically challenging works for small ensembles as well as contemporary a cappella material. A professionally produced CD is recorded every four years. 1 session per week for 2 semesters.
This select group of experienced singers with superior vocal ability is chosen from the choir. The Glee Club studies technically challenging works for women’s voices. Acceptance criteria includes exceptional vocal, aural, and rhythmic blending ability. A professionally produced CD is recorded every four years. 1 session per week for 2 semesters.
This performance band class is a continuation of Introduction to Band Class. Performance venues include NSHA Dinner, Evening of Excellence, Salute to Israel Parade, and fundraising events. All music literature materials are provided. Assistance with instrument rentals and purchases are provided by the instructor. Prerequisite: audition. 5 sessions per week per year.
A performing ensemble of experienced musicians, this jazz combo is featured at such venues as the NSHA Dinner, Evening of Excellence, Battle of the Bands, and school and community events. Students study a varied repertoire of jazz standards and explore basic improvisation and jazz theory. Prerequisite: audition. 1 session per week.
A performing ensemble of experienced musicians, this dance band is featured at such venues as Jewish holiday celebrations and Shiriyah. A varied repertoire of Jewish music, including Klezmer selections, is studied. Prerequisite: audition. 1 session per week.
A performing ensemble of experienced violinists, pianists, and woodwind players, the Chamber Ensemble performs baroque and classical music at the NSHA Dinner and Evening of Excellence. Prerequisite: audition. 1 session per week.
The Music Conservatory, a member of NAFME and NYSSMA, is an after-school program offering students the opportunity to study with world class musicians in a conservatory setting. Open to beginners and experienced musicians, the music conservatory offers private and small class instruction on voice, piano, electronic keyboards, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, violin, viola, cello, upright bass, flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, and percussion instruments. Evaluation interviews assure proper placement. Practice rooms are available to students of the music conservatory during the school day. Students participate in NYSSMA music festivals. Students receive grades and merit music credit. Assistance with instrument rentals and purchases are provided by the instructor. 20 sessions per year.
This introductory class for 9th graders explores and develops the skills required to perform on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument (to be determined by the instructor). Students learn basic music theory. Ensemble skills and techniques are addressed to ensure a musically cohesive band. Successful participants have the opportunity to continue as members of this growing and ongoing program, increasing the proficiency and enjoyment of the musicians. All music literature materials are provided. Assistance with instrument rentals and purchases are provided by the instructor. Prerequisite: Music aptitude interview. 5 sessions per week/year.
This introductory class for 10th graders explores and develops the skills required to perform on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument (to be determined by the instructor). Students learn basic music theory. Ensemble skills and techniques are addressed to ensure a musically cohesive band. Successful participants have the opportunity to continue as members of this growing and ongoing program, increasing the proficiency and enjoyment of the musicians. All Music literature materials are provided. Assistance with instrument rentals and purchases are provided by the instructor. Prerequisite: Music aptitude interview. 5 sessions per week/year.
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