Wind Ensemble
This
ensemble performs advanced level wind and percussion repertoire and requires
all players to have strong skills in all facets of performance on their
instruments. This ensemble follows a one player per part tradition, so
all members must demonstrate consistently reliable attendance and the ability
to prepare music individually and perform well under pressure. The
numbers of players of each instrument will be limited to balance the ensemble
sound correctly.
Students
can qualify for this ensemble by consistently demonstrating knowledge and
application of proper rehearsal and performance behavior and a high level of
technical and musical skill for their grade level. Students must also
demonstrate consistent appropriate conduct, grades, and attendance in all MMA
classes. A competitive audition will be required to qualify for this
ensemble. Except in extraordinary circumstances, membership in this
ensemble is reserved for students who have been at MMA at least one
semester. This class meets every other day for 90 minutes.
Symphonic Band
This ensemble provides the opportunity for students to
develop the musical skills needed to play in a large ensemble. Symphonic
Band is traditionally a large band, and performs music appropriate for
that instrumentation.
Members of Symphonic Band are expected to maintain
appropriate conduct and passing grades in their Music and academic
classes. They must demonstrate consistent improvement in their
instrumental performance skills in the context of the large ensemble, and
demonstrate knowledge and application of proper rehearsal and performance
behavior. This ensemble rehearses every other day for 90 minutes.
Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion Technique
These
classes are grouped by instrumental family. Students will develop their
technical and musical skills and increase knowledge of repertoire on their
instruments. The class focuses on skills playing in small chamber music
and solo settings. All skills and materials covered in this class will be
directly applicable to performance in a large ensemble. Topics to be
covered include appropriate physical warm-up to prevent injury, good tone
production, development of good practice habits, development of listening
skills, development of musical expression on your instrument, development of
facility in all keys on your instrument, and selection of repertoire. All
students will perform for their peers as well as work with specialists on their
instruments. This class meets every other day for 90 minutes.
9th Grade Magnet is a year-long
course of study that is open to first-year only woodwind, brass, and percussion
students who audition to be in the class. The repertoire is chosen from the
standard literature according to the level of ability.
Concert Band is a year-long course
of study that is open to first and second-year woodwind, brass, and percussion
students who are selected by the music faculty. The repertoire is chosen from the
standard literature according to the level of ability.
Music Theory 1, Instrumental– Music Theory
1 introduces students to music fundamentals such as musical notation, modes,
and scales. Students learn the different qualities of triad chord construction
and the beginning of four-part harmonic writing. Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic
dictations, as well as ear training exercises, are an integral component of
this course of study. This class is taught in the Magnet 9 and Concert Band
class.
Music Theory 2, Instrumental – Music Theory 2 begins with the
basic concepts of triad chord inversions and figured bassline and soprano line
harmonization using inversions. Students are introduced to the 7th Chords and
the complete and incomplete versions of the Dominant 7th Chord. Topics covered
include the second inversion chord progressions and the secondary triads of the
scale. Basic concepts of cadences and cadence chord progressions are begun.
Non-harmonic tones are also covered. Ear training, sight-singing, and dictation
continue to be an integral component.
Music Theory 3, Instrumental – Music
Theory 3 covers the concepts of modulation as well as the modulations to the
key of the dominant, to the key of the sub-dominant, to the key of the relative
major/minor, and to the key of the parallel major/minor. In addition to the
secondary dominant 7th Chords and the cycle of Dominant 7th Chords, the
augmented 6th Chords, Italian, German, and French Metropolitan chord major and
minor modes are taught. Ear training, sight-singing, and dictation continue to
be an integral components.