Music Department

A Joyful Noise

This class is a creative and active learning experience for our younger singers!  Students will learn healthy vocal technique through vocal exploration, games, echo songs, and folk songs from around the world.  As a class we will engage with many styles of music through rhythmic and creative movement as we listen, sing, and use rhythm instruments.  The goals of the class are for students to have fun while gaining a strong foundation in steady beat, rhythm, and melody with a strong emphasis on correct use of the singing voice.

Rhyme Time

​In this class, students will learn and sing some famous and some not-so-famous nursery rhymes! We will use toys, books, and simple crafts to help students learn about music, rhythm, characters, and storytelling, with classic nursery rhymes like Hickory Dickory Dock, Three Little Kittens, The Muffin Man, and more! For ages 4-7. Taught by Miriam Belli. Click here to learn more about our instructors.

High Notes 1

High Notes – part one- is a singing class for anyone who loves to sing as well as those who are brand new to singing! Students will learn vocal technique basics like good posture, efficient breath control, and healthy singing tone as we play music games, learn folk songs (and some silly songs, too) and learn some basic music theory. The goals of the class are to provide a foundation and love for singing within the comfort of a group setting that will prepare students for High Notes (part two!) choir as we learn in even more depth about rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, tempo, form, and tonality through a variety of music styles. 

High Notes 2

This intermediate level choir will give students the opportunity to grow and develop more advanced musical and vocal skills in a true choral setting. No music reading skills are required to join this class, but basic music theory, ear training, and vocal technique will all be taught as we rehearse our songs. Students will enjoy learning to sing more challenging, yet age appropriate music, including learning to harmonize through use of ostinato, partner songs, and canons and later advancing to 2 part choral arrangements and combining with our older Illuminate Choir to perform. It is recommended that students take both the Fall and Winter Sessions of this class.

the illuminate choir

In its fourth year, the illuminate Choir will build upon skills for those who have been singing for many years but is also open to those who wish to improve their vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble singing. All choral groups function as a team and in this group we will individually strive for excellence and work together to express beauty, love, and hope through our music. This more advanced choir will sing in 3 and 4 part harmony in a variety of musical styles and genres and primarily acapella. Directed by Cassie Hanudel.

Group Guitar

In this class, students will learn the basics of guitar playing and chord structure. Beginners and intermediates welcome!

Intro to Violin

This introductory violin class is a fun and engaging way for the younger crowd to be introduced to learning to play a string instrument. From the very first day they will be playing the simplest of melodies. Students will also learn the basics of reading sheet music, how to play a scale on their instrument, and will learn to play a song that they will perform at the end of the semester for an audience! The class will introduce basic music theory concepts including: melody, rhythm, and note-reading.  We will play both familiar tunes as well as learn new exciting ones! 

Intro to Violin

This introductory violin class is for older students who want to explore if a string instrument is for them! Students will learn how to read sheet music, the basics of violin technique, how to listen and play by ear, and the importance of form as a violinist. Students will work both in a full group setting as well as in smaller groups.  We will prepare a few pieces to perform at the end of the semester for an audience! The class will introduce music theory concepts including: rhythm, notation, and simple melodies.

Beginner Violin

Prerequisite: Intro to Violin 8-11 (or equivalent violin background – a short audition may be held if a student wishes to take this class without having taken the prerequisite)

The beginner violin class for younger students will take students from playing simple tunes and melodies to slightly more difficult pieces. Classes will consist of learning to play by ear (listening!), introducing harmonies, as well as learning how to play in smaller formats (duets, trios, etc). This class will also introduce sight-reading and playing in 3rd position! We will be preparing a few pieces to perform at the end of the semester for an audience!

Music Theory 2

Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 (or equivalent music theory background – short placement quiz is available to see if this class is appropriate for the student). 

This class will build on the foundations of music theory as taught in Music Theory 1. The class will have a special focus on composition, and students will further their understanding of theory concepts through working on composing a short form piece that will be presented at the end of the semester. Specific topics covered include: musical forms, melody, counterpoint, harmonic progressions, and more!