High School Ensemble

Overview:

The high school ensemble is an in-depth support for the technical and musical training a percussionist will encounter in the band room and other musical settings. The class will take students beyond the limits of their school band program and allow them to take a central role in the overall ensemble sound. Small classes of up to 7 students mean plenty of individual attention and greater opportunity for musical growth.

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Students in the high school ensemble will have opportunities to hone a variety of techniques and skillsets on mallet instruments, hand percussion, and orchestral percussion. We approach music notation and music reading through both Eurocentric written traditions and by rote (sharing & learning music by ear). The class will perform at the end of each quarter. 

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You will:​

• Develop a wide range of technical abilities across all instruments

• Develop your sense of pulse and musicianship through a variety of musical endeavors, including groove-based pieces and exercises 

• Learn the etiquette and discipline needed to be a listening and contributing member of an ensemble

• Deepen your understanding of written music and listening by learning with notated music and with the ear​