Music Department Course Offerings

MUSIC HISTORY

This course will examine the trends in music, style, social institutions, and cultural events that defined the nature of Early, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and twentieth century music. The lives and works of important composers will be studied along with those of individuals whose careers had a significant influence on the music and musical culture of the era. There is no prerequisite music training necessary to take this course. Grades are not based on musical ability, but on the students' interest, enthusiasm, class participation, and completion of all class and homework assignments. Homework is assigned in this class on a regular basis.

FRESHMAN CHORUS

Freshman Chorus is the entry-level chorus for all 9th grade students who are interested in singing.  Members of Freshman Chorus will learn the fundamentals of vocal production and the basics of good choral ensemble singing.  Students will also learn basic sight-reading and music theory.  Students will explore music from a variety of musical periods and styles.  Freshman chorus meets for one semester (two quarters).  Each group will perform at least one concert. Grade 9 Chorus is a semester long class for ninth grade students only

THE MEISTERSINGERS

The Meistersingers is a mixed choir of male and female voices selected from the 10th, 11th and 12th grades.  As a member of the Meistersingers, the young vocalist has an opportunity to learn fundamental voice production, the artistry of solo and ensemble performance as well as basic music theory.  Meistersingers explore music of different musical periods ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.  As a Meistersinger you will also have the opportunity to perform many different styles of music ranging from "classical" arrangements to pop/jazz arrangements.  The Meistersingers are called upon for many concerts during the school year.  Sophomores must arrange an audition to try out for the Meistersingers.

CHORALEERS

The Choraleers is a select female choir of 10th, 11th and 12th grade girls.  As a member of the Choraleers, the young female singer is instructed in vocal production, the artistry of solo and ensemble singing and basic music theory.  Choraleers perform music from many different periods that range from the earliest forms of music to forms of the 21st century.  Styles of singing range from a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) arrangements to standard pop/jazz arrangements.  The Choraleers present many concerts during the year and have in recent years made several concert tours including the British Isles, Europe and Hawaii.  Sophomores must arrange an audition in order to try out for Choraleers.

CONCERT BAND 9

Membership in the Concert Band is based on a taped or live audition conducted by either or both of the directors, or through the recommendation of one of the middle school directors. Literature studied in the Concert Band will be used to develop the necessary skills and musical concepts for advancement into the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. As with the Symphonic Band, advancement will be based on diligent practice and a positive attitude. Like all other performing groups, the Concert Band performs four concerts each year, and performs at the state band festival. Additional festivals may be scheduled throughout the year (trips, etc.) at the discretion of the directors. Grade 9 Concert Band is a yearlong class for ninth grade students only.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Membership in the Symphonic Band is based on a taped or live audition conducted by either or both of the directors. Literature studied in the Symphonic Band will not be as technically demanding as that of the Wind Ensemble, but the same musical concepts will be explored. It is the goal of the Symphonic Band to prepare those students with the desire and attitude to move into the Wind Ensemble the following year. This goal can be achieved through diligent practice and a positive attitude. Like all other performing groups, the Symphonic Band performs four concerts each year, and performs at the state band festival. Additional festivals may be scheduled throughout the year (trips, etc.) at the discretion of the directors.

WIND ENSEMBLE

Wind ensemble is the premiere performing group at EPHS. Membership is based on taped or live auditions conducted by the directors. The goal of the Wind Ensemble is to study and perform the standard band literature as well as new works for wind ensemble. Topics will include studying the pieces based on their historical perspective, and their impact on other cultures and disciplines. Also included will be a study in compositional techniques as well as arranging and improvising within specified guidelines. The Wind Ensemble performs four concerts each year, and performs at various band festivals including the state festival

PIANO/KEYBOARD LAB        

Piano class gives the student an opportunity to develop his/her ability at the keyboard.  A piano lab enables students at different levels of ability to work independently and cooperatively, if desired.  Music fundamentals are included in the course content.  With twelve pianos available for student practice, the student is able to spend each day at the keyboard.

MUSIC THEORY

This course is designed for the serious music student. Topics will include the study of primary and secondary chords, inversions of chords, four-part voice leading, scales, and non-chord tones. Exercises will include the composition and harmonization of melodies, four-voice part writing, harmonic analysis, and analysis of musical form. Exercises will include the composition and harmonization of melodies, four-voice part writing, harmonic analysis, and analysis of musical form.  Also included will be the development of basic musical skills through sight singing and ear training.  Ear training topics will include tonal sight-reading of melodies with “solfege” syllables in treble and bass clefs.  These melodies will be in major and minor keys.  Also included in the course will be the study of rhythm with respect to meter (both simple and compound) and the division and subdivision of the beat.

GUITAR

This class will introduce the student to beginning guitar instructions. The course will cover tuning, playing simple melodies, primary chords and ensemble experience. Students will also gain knowledge of reading and understanding musical notation in both treble and bass clefs. This course will be limited to twelve students. Students must supply their own acoustic guitars. No electric guitars are allowed in this class.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

CHORAL ENSEMBLE

East Providence High School Choral Ensemble is a mixed a cappella choir of male and female voices.  Auditions are required.  Choral Ensemble works on music of a very high level.  They participate in All State Festival, Solo, and Ensemble and various festivals around New England.  Students involved will travel to various functions to perform.  Members of Choral Ensemble have participated in the Providence College Choral Festival, Hartt School of Music Invitational Chorus Festival, RIMEA All State Festival and have traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. 

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Jazz Ensemble meets every Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and has sectionals as needed. Performers are drawn from members of the Music Department whenever possible. The Jazz Ensemble performs four or five times a year. They also perform for adjudication at the RIMEA Jazz Festival and the Berklee Jazz Festival.

PRIVATE INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUCTION

One on one private instruction on most wind instruments and concert percussion is offered on an after-school basis.  Outstanding specialized private instrumental teachers are drawn from the New England area to work with students for a 30-minute lesson, once per week.  Lessons run from October to May and may be scheduled through the director.  The fee is usually $10 to $12 per week.

ENSEMBLES

Flute quartets, clarinet quartets, mixed clarinet quartet, brass quintet, woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, etc., meet to enter the solo and ensemble festival.  Occasionally, they perform during concerts.

"PRIDE OF EAST PROVIDENCE, TOWNIE MARCHING BAND"

The Marching Band consists of all the members of the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble.  Rehearsals begin during early summer months and intensify as the school year approaches.  A "pre-season" is scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM the last week of August. This "pre-season" is an intense training and organizational time, to teach and prepare movement and music for half-time before football games begin.