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INSTRUMENTALS
In this ensemble, students begin to systematically build upon the instrument foundations learned at camp and private lessons. They’ll be guided towards excellent fundamentals, aimed at laying a solid foundation which can be built on reliably and successfully! Rehearsal time will cover central issues like instrument care and maintenance, embouchure, articulation, successful practice habits, breathing, posture, reading pitches and rhythms, following a conductor, and development of tone. And of course, fun band music! Novice Band performs at Christmas and spring concerts.
Please see pgs. 15 in the Course Catalog for more details.
Novice Band
Welcome to our Select Band, the next destination for students after meeting the standards covered in Novice Band and Percussion. In Select Band, students rehearse and perform alongside all of the families of instruments - brass, woodwinds, and percussion together in the standard "band" configuration! In this more diverse musical setting, they learn to balance their individual contributions by supporting an exciting, multi-faceted team. Students explore and learn more about what their particular instruments do in an ensemble and the characteristic roles of their particular instrument and others. Students routinely work from method books, and will also receive pieces across the semester.
In rehearsal, students are led through the challenges of the music, given focused pointers to practice at home, and encouraged towards personal responsibility and development all under the watchful eye of our esteemed and experienced conducting staff. All of these efforts culminate in a performance each semester that celebrates the students' hard work and development.
Please see the Course Catalog for more details.
Select Band
Jazz Band
This ensemble is designed to guide students in an exploration of jazz through both performance and research of its history, iconic compositions and performers.
Students gain familiarity and orientation in the rich history of jazz and its associated subgenres as they study and perform music from the rich library of the jazz tradition, from Louis Armstrong and New Orleans' "Second Line" to Miles Davis and the Birth of the Cool, from big band swing to bebop, Cuban music, R&B and beyond! Our primary focus is on improvisation, as students learn to express themselves according to their imagination and unique musical voice. Students receive tools to train their ears and minds to realize and perform their own creative intentions as they work to cultivate an authentic jazz "voice", which means developing a personal and expressive tone, emphasizing rhythmic feel and timing, and studying transcriptions of great solos.
They also study popular song forms, including the 12 bar Blues format, and the 32 bar Great American popular song style. Advanced students can expect to be offered gigs outside of Nashville Notes regular concert programming.
Please see the Course Catalog for more details.
Prelude Strings
Prelude Strings is a beginner orchestra for students ages 7 and up who have been playing violin, viola, cello, or double bass for a minimum of 2 months. We perform levels 1 and 2 works for strings that are designed to guide players through the fundamentals, develop their musicality, and foster ensemble-playing skills.Although this is ensemble is non-auditioned, there is a lot of intricate technique required when learning a stringed instrument, which is difficult to adequately address in a large group setting. Therefore, all students are required to take private lessons for a minimum of 2 months leading up to enrollment, and throughout their participation in Prelude Strings.
Andante Strings
Andante Strings is an intermediate orchestra for students ages 8 and up who have been playing violin, viola, cello, or double bass for a minimum of 1 year. There is a lot of intricate technique required when learning a stringed instrument, which is difficult to adequately address in a large group setting. Therefore, all students are required to take private lessons. We perform levels 1.5 and 2 works for strings that are designed to help students at the intermediate level hone their skills in rhythm, intonation, and ensemble-playing. This ensemble is not a required pre-requisite to String Orchestra, though it is a great fit for students who are new to playing in an orchestra to get the experience they need to thrive in String Orchestra in the future.
String Orchestra
String Orchestra is an advanced orchestra for students who have been playing violin, viola, cello, or double bass for a minimum of 2 years. We perform levels 3 and 4 works for string orchestra, which makes an excellent adjunct to private studies once a student reaches level 3 proficiency or higher. String Orchestra is perfect for students who have some experience playing in an orchestra and can handle more advanced repertoire as well as a longer rehearsal time. Students at this level should be able to tune their own instrument, shift into both second and third positions, and use vibrato.
Please see the Course Catalog for more details and audition requirements.