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Band and Orchestra Winds and Percussion

Students playing wind and percussion instruments will perform in one major ensemble. Students in the Senior High Institute may elect to perfom in a second ensemble based on audition. Orchestra, jazz ensemble, chamber ensemble, or another band will be elected according to the student’s interests, abilities, and instrument. Participants will also be able to choose from our extensive list of electives courses.

Strings

Students playing orchestral stringed instruments will have the opportunity to perform in both a string and full orchestra. In addition to their large group experiences, they will also be given the opportunity to perform in jazz band, band, or chamber ensembles. Participants will also be able to choose from our extensive list of electives courses.

Voice

Vocalists will be challenged in a variety of ensembles including full choir, voice classes, musical theatre, and vocal jazz ensemble. Participants will also be able to choose from multiple electives courses specific to voice instruction. Curriculum includes several large and small group vocal options, vocal theatre, music theory/ appreciation, performance critique, sight-reading, and stage movement.

Students may also elect to receive instruction and coaching on the Missouri and Kansas All-State Choral Audition Music. This will give students a head start in the preparation for their upcoming all state auditions.

Electives

Students may elect courses and ensembles outside their areas of study as time and abilities permit. Opportunities at the Junior High level include jazz ensembles, music theory/appreciation, rhythm techniques, jazz improvisation, conducting, and private lessons.

The Senior High level offers auditioned performance opportunities in band, orchestra, jazz ensembles, and chamber ensembles. Class electives include music theory, rhythm techniques, music appreciation, jazz improvisation, conducting, and private lessons. The following is a brief description of the electives classes.

Music Theory: A basic overview of music theory. This class will concentrate on the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic building block of music.

Music Appreciation: An examination of 20th century contemporary music of classical, jazz, and rock genres. This class will utilize extensive listening and class instruction.

Rhythm Techniques: This class is designed to aid students in their rhythmic reading abilities. The class will review simple and compound rhythms in an effort to build and improve their musical reading skills.

Jazz Improvisation: A basic approach to jazz improvisation. Through listening, transcribing, and performing, students will be presented the techniques to build their improvisational skills.

Conducting: An introduction to basic conducting.

Marching Band Leadership Students

Leadership Camp students will spend the week studying leadership with Frank Troyka. Mr. Troyka, a recognized authority on student leadership, teaches campers the elements of leadership, motivation, and musicianship. Time is spent in classroom activities, music and marching rehearsals, and in group discussions. The Leadership Camp will provide students principles and practice for positive leadership in the high school band program.

Drum Major

The drum major track is integrated within the leadership track and will include all leadership training workshops in addition to instruction specific to the position of drum major. Working with Mr. Troyka in this track is Russell Smith, a music educator in the Dallas, TX area and former drum major and brass instructor with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. This track is designed to provide Drum Majors the skills they need to succeed as conductors and effective leaders, while interfacing seamlessly with the leadership skills other students are learning.

New Marcher

The new marcher track is designed to give incoming students a highly positive experience with marching band, as well as teach basic (and generic) skills. New marchers will gain confidence and experience, preparing them to be positive contributors to the marching band experience.

Workshop Activities

Each day will be filled with music instruction and social activities. Workshop activities will include:

1. Step-by-step strategies for helping students become effective in their role in the band
2. How to work effectively and enthusiastically with directors and other student leaders
3. Rehearsal procedures and rehearsal etiquette
4. How to work with peers who resist learning
5. Leadership by example
6. Supporting the efforts of the director and the other student leaders