Music

At St. Johnsbury Academy, we offer a wide variety of musical groups for all levels of performers.  The Music department consists of the large ensemble band and chorus, as well as several smaller ensemble groups, including string, guitar, jazz, and an a cappella group.  We also offer courses in music theory and composition.

Listen to selections from our 2007 Holiday Concert, performed on December 19, 2007 in Fuller Hall.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Academy Jazz Band)
arr: Sharp

Halleluja Chorus (Academy Chorus)
Handel

Arirang
arr:  Jennings
Solo by Chris Lim

Hilltones in Chapel 

Music

The core offerings of the music program at St. Johnsbury Academy are the large ensemble Band and Chorus. In addition, several small ensemble groups, both curricular and extracurricular, are available.

Band (Standard)

1 Credit (8801/8802)

Band may be taken multiple times for credit

Students will rehearse and perform music ranging widely in style and difficulty, with an emphasis on broadening their knowledge of the repertoire and developing technical ability.

First year band students will develop an understanding of basic music theory and musicianship. Advanced students enrolled in Band will have the opportunity to audition for select small ensembles. These small ensembles will provide experienced students with focused, individual instruction and performance opportunities as they explore more challenging repertoire in their area of interest, which can range from Classical to Jazz. Rehearsals for these small ensembles will occur during a sizeable proportion of regular band periods; it is expected that small ensemble members will have the skills and motivation sufficient to keep current in the large ensemble’s repertoire, as well as that of the small ensemble.

The band will perform four concerts per year, play at home football games and march in selected parades – students are expected to reserve these times for performances.

Chorus (Standard)

1 Credit (8811/8812)

Chorus may be taken multiple times for credit

Chorus provides students with an introduction to many styles of choral literature. Students will work to develop their reading and singing skills in an ensemble environment.

Advanced students enrolled in Chorus will have the opportunity to audition for select small ensembles. These small ensembles will provide experienced students with focused, individual instruction and performance opportunities as they explore more challenging repertoire in their area of interest, which can range from Classical to Jazz. Rehearsals for these small ensembles will occur during a sizeable proportion of regular Chorus periods; it is expected that small ensemble members will have the skills and motivation sufficient to keep current in the large ensemble’s repertoire, as well as that of the small ensemble.

The Chorus will perform four concerts per year and participate in other special performances in the community – students are expected to reserve these times for performances.

Jazz Band (Accelerated)

1 Credit (8803)

Prerequisite – by audition. Jazz Band may be taken multiple times for credit

Students in the Jazz Band will explore the classical and modern jazz repertoire in this select ensemble. Development of musicianship and improvisational skills will be encouraged. The Jazz Band will perform many concerts throughout the year. It is expected that those in the Jazz Band will keep current in the concert band’s repertoire and participate in the large ensemble as needed.

The Jazz Band participates in many concerts throughout the year – students are expected to reserve these times for performances.

String Ensemble (Accelerated)

1 Credit (8806)

Prerequisite – by audition. String ensemble may be taken multiple times for credit

The String Ensemble will provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in playing violin-family instruments as they prepare music in a small ensemble environment. Students will be involved in extracurricular performances and rehearsals.

Guitar Ensemble (Standard)

1 Credit (8805)

Prerequisite: none. Guitar Ensemble may be taken multiple times for credit

Students will strengthen their skills in playing guitar-family instruments as they prepare music in a small ensemble environment. Students will be involved in extracurricular performances and rehearsals.

Music Appreciation and Theory (Standard)

1 Credit (8815)

Prerequisite: by permission

Students will explore music literature from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Modern periods, including Jazz, and discuss its contribution to our cultural development. In addition, the class will build on the basics of music theory and harmony, with advanced study in notation, interval recognition, scale construction, form, harmonic structure and analysis, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Students will apply their understanding by composing musical works and participating in the Vermont MIDI project. Students should have some familiarity with music, notation, and some experience with keyboard instruments prior to signing up for this course.

AP Music Theory

1 Credit (8819)

Prerequisite: by permission

Motivated music students who wish to sign up for the AP version of Music Theory will explore the ideas in the Music Appreciation and Theory course in an accelerated manner.