School of Music
Music Programs
Instrumental Music students receive classical training in applied music, music theory (reading and writing), piano, and participate in performing ensembles. Major ensembles include: Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra. Smaller ensembles draw from students in each studio.
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Vocal Music students are immersed in the fundamental elements of music, such as theory, musicianship, history, diction, and piano classes, as well as classes focused on solo and ensemble singing, such as art song literature, music of the theatre, opera scenes, choral ensembles, and class voice.
In each of our program's, students benefit from the knowledge, experience, and high caliber education of the faculty, consisting of music professionals, most of whom have a master’s degree in music and/or ten years or more of experience in the professional music industry. In addition, renowned guest artists, university faculty, and industry leaders visit the school’s campus to share their expertise and creativity through residencies, master classes, lectures, performances, presentations, and hands-on training. Each program offers a number of unique and exciting performance opportunities, including monthly solo recitals.
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Piano Program
The Piano Program augments the training of students in grades 6 through 12, whose goals include a performing or academic career. In addition to instrumental music theory, history, and the musical elective curriculum, the Piano Program offers classes in solo performance training, piano skills and style topics, score and sight-reading, piano ensemble, and chamber music. World-renowned visiting artist teachers offer regular coaching to students in the Piano Masterclass.
Strings and Orchestra Program
The Strings & Orchestra Program provides students the opportunity to perform orchestral repertoire of all time periods. The program’s college-preparatory curriculum is designed for its students to receive training in strings and take a wide variety of music courses, including composition, music theory, and music appreciation. Aside from the orchestral experience, students will have many performance opportunities in master classes, sectionals, and chamber music. The students are exposed to renowned guest artists, university faculty, and industry leaders who visit the school’s campus to share their expertise and creativity through master classes, lectures, presentations, and hands-on training. In addition, students in the Symphony Orchestra have the opportunity to participate in an international tour.
Wind Studies Program
The Wind Studies Program is designed specifically for middle and high school instrumentalists who play flute, oboe, clarinet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, trumpet, french horn, or bassoon. The Wind Studies program offers students live instruction in orchestral, solo, and chamber music styles, specific to each student’s instrument. Students experience a challenging range of lessons, master classes, clinics, lectures, rehearsals, and performances led by a faculty of today’s most prominent woodwind and horn teachers and performers. Further, the Wind Studies Program exposes students to the many skills, careers, and passions represented by Floretta P. Carson's faculty and prepares them for success in college auditions and beyond.
Vocal Program
The Vocal Program challenges students to grow as a complete singer in both solo and ensemble opportunities. Through singing in a small chorale and a large festival choir, students will enhance their vocal technique and musical expression. The program also features private voice lessons and masterclass opportunities for all singers to develop their solo voices in the classical and musical theater cannon. Students will work on skills such as healthy tone production, dramatic expression, sight-singing, musicianship, vocal technique and leadership skills. The program builds towards a final solo and chamber performance.
Percussion Program
The Percussion Program is designed specifically for students in grades 6 though 12. This program offers students hands-on instruction in orchestral, contemporary, and world music styles. Participants experience a challenging range of master classes, clinics, lectures, rehearsals, and performances led by a faculty of today’s most prominent percussion teachers and performers. The Seminar exposes students to the many skills, careers, and passions represented by faculty and prepares them for success in college auditions and beyond.
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