Music Program 2007-2008

For most groups the rehearsal/performance calendar for the 2007-2008 school year will be announced at the start of school in August.

AIS Symphony Orchestra for Primary, Middle, and Upper School students

Details: The AIS Symphony Orchestra is the newest and most prestigious instrumental ensemble at the school. Membership is by audition only. Membership in the Orchestra is also open, through arrangement with Dr. Howard, to interested and qualified parent/teacher/staff members of our AIS community.

Concerts will be performed throughout the year. The organization has an aggressive schedule planned for 2007-2008 and students interested in membership must be willing to commit to the time required for rehearsals as well as individual preparation. Students aspiring to membership in the AIS Symphony Orchestra should consider participation in the Orchestra as a major commitment for the entire school year and should not schedule any other school activities or events on Monday afternoons or on nights designated for concerts.

All instrumental students must take private or semi-private lessons. Please see the information on Private Music Lessons.

Auditions: All performers interested in membership in the AIS Symphony Orchestra are required to audition with Dr. Howard. The dates set aside for the auditions (which take approximately five minutes each) will be held during the Orchestra workshop weekend, Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8.

Bands for Primary, Middle, and Upper School students

Details: Band instruction at AIS begins in Grade 4 or 5. Students in Grade 6 and beyond may elect private study until an adequate level of proficiency is reached for joining one of the large performing ensembles. Students must audition for band (see above) or have a minimum of one year of experience. US Jazz Band membership is by audition and/or invitation only, based on ability/experience. Concerts will be performed throughout the year.

All instrumental students must take private or semi-private lessons. Please see the information on Private Music Lessons.

Special Note for Primary School Beginning Band: PLEASE DO NOT sign up for private study or commit to an instrument until the time of the first class meeting. Recruitment and demonstration week is set for September 17 to 21. Details will be announced in August. Dr. Howard and Mr. Soskin will demonstrate all available instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion) for beginning students. All students will have ample opportunity to try out all instruments.

Choirs for Primary, Middle, and Upper School students

Details: Primary, Middle and Upper School choirs will perform for the school and community several times throughout the year. Sight-reading, basic musicianship and vocal technique will be stressed during rehearsals. Chorus members must audition and/or have approval of the conductor for membership. Details will be announced in August and concerts will be performed throughout the year.

New this year is the Honors Chorus. Admittance is by audition only. Details about attendance contracts and audition criteria will be refined and honed during the first few weeks of school.

Strings for Primary, Middle, and Upper School students

Details: The Primary School string groups are open to all PS children from Grades 1 to 5 who take private lessons learning one of the following string instruments: violin, viola, cello or harp. Instructors teach using the Suzuki method. Private lessons are required because instead of learning new repertoires instructors work with the common Suzuki repertoire that the children then bring to group lesson. Participants will be grouped according to their level of playing: beginning, intermediate, or advanced. Students will improve their ensemble playing and accompaniment skills within their group and will also play together as a whole. Concerts will be performed throughout the year.

Middle and Upper School Strings students study appropriate literature in class settings and also are eligible and expected, through audition, to perform with the AIS Symphony Orchestra (see above.)

AIS Chamber Players for Primary, Middle, and Upper School students

Sing Along Class

Students will sing a variety of folk, popular, and classical songs and build a repertoire that will bring life long enjoyment, sharing with family and friends. Ms. Karen will meet the students on their floor in the primary school building and escort them to the music room. Parents meet their student in the foyer outside the music rooms in the SAC.