Vocal Techniques and Performance offers students who have a passion and talent for singing an opportunity to perform as members of our RE Vocal Ensemble. Vocal ensemble will focus on developing solid vocal technique, musicianship and artistry in various musical styles including Classical, Musical Theater, Pop and Jazz. The objective of this class is to build advanced ensemble techniques and performance skills that will improve the presentation, musical interpretation, and artistry of the student vocalist. The goal of the course is to encourage students to take healthy risks, explore new possibilities in their performances, build expressive communication skills, and analyze and employ the skills and traits that will help them succeed as a more skilled and competent musician. Students in this ensemble will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year. Students are encouraged to perform in the Upper School musical and other school events as part of the curriculum for the course. Performances outside of school will serve as experiential learning opportunities in support of the course curriculum. After-school and weekend rehearsals may be required depending on the performance schedule.

This advanced vocal performance course is devoted to learning from the Great American SongBook; immersive study of jazz, pop and contemporary musical styles.  The course includes vocal technique, performance, lead sheet preparation, interpretation, phrasing and the development of skills in leading and interacting with a rhythm section. The course trains jazz vocal students to develop the aural foundation needed to successfully navigate common jazz melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements, utilizing numerous exercises focusing on identifying intervals, chord quality, scales, extensions and alterations, common rhythms and meters and chord progression recognition. Students perform multi-voice arrangements in the jazz idiom, including large and small ensembles, in concerts at the end of each semester. Students have additional opportunities to record and perform off campus as well as being a collaborative training ensemble for the Frost School of Music jazz vocal program.

The jazz band and RE Combo are auditioned jazz ensembles that exist in the same class period to provide maximum flexibility in creating ensembles based on the experience and abilities of the aspiring jazz musician. The course develops a wide range of musical skills, including sight reading, ensemble playing, and rigorous technical  development on each student’s instrument; including articulation, tone, rhythm, and musicianship. Students learn advanced jazz theory, chord-scales and improvisation, and they study diverse styles and genres of this uniquely American art form. As an added educational benefit, students in this class are required to perform with the Combined Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competition as well. Frequent outside of school performing, competing, and touring is expected.

The jazz band and RE Combo are auditioned jazz ensembles that exist in the same class period to provide maximum flexibility in creating ensembles based on the experience and abilities of the aspiring jazz musician. The course develops a wide range of musical skills, including sight reading, ensemble playing, and rigorous technical  development on each student’s instrument; including articulation, tone, rhythm, and musicianship. Students learn advanced jazz theory, chord-scales and improvisation, and they study diverse styles and genres of this uniquely American art form. As an added educational benefit, students in this class are required to perform with the Combined Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competition as well. Frequent outside of school performing, competing, and touring is expected.

In this course, students look at dance as an expression of human culture. Focusing on the interpretation, critique and usage of dance as a movement-based language, students learn to communicate emotions, experiences, viewpoints and creative narratives through the art of dance. Students learn about stretching and workout techniques, nutrition, body positivity and building self-confidence and skill through immersion and analysis of modern dance styles. Exploration of improvisation as well as partner and group work and student choreography will be a highlight in this course. Students have the opportunity to perform and choreograph pieces both in our dance shows and in various showcases throughout the year.

This advanced level dance course is designed for upper school students who want to expand their movement vocabulary as well as examine in more detail the fundamentals of dance technique and principles of dance composition. This course will expand upon the skills and concepts learned in the introductory Art of Dance course. The class will focus on the essential components of the art of dance with an emphasis on jazz and ballet technique and be introduced to other styles of dance. Students learn about proper stretching, conditioning, nutrition and body positivity and build skills through immersion and analysis of modern dance styles. Exploration of improvisation as well as partner/group work will be a highlight in this course with the opportunity to choreograph and teach pieces to other students. Performance of various styles of choreography, including student and individual pieces, will culminate in two showcases at the end of each semester.