CLASSICAL MUSIC AT MSA

MSA Classical Music Studies under the direction of Matt Verplaetse is a rich and diverse program with a number of vibrant and growing programs.

Chamber Music

Chamber music is extremely important for musicians; it teaches us to play together without the help of a conductor, to listen while playing, to adapt quickly to things we hear, to keep time and rhythm, and much more. We have provided a rare opportunity for students to study chamber music through performance in an academic setting, with ample rehearsal opportunities provided for students. Chamber Music consists of numerous small groups ranging in size from two to seven musicians, always operating without a conductor and with only one player per part. Instrumentation includes violins, violas, cellos, basses, flutes, clarinets, oboes, English horns, bassoons, bass clarinets, alto saxes, tenor saxes, baritone saxes, French horns, trumpets, trombones, baritone horns/euphoniums, tubas, string basses, tympani, and percussion.

Areas of study:

• The historical context of a variety of music genres.
• Vocal, instrumental and musical techniques to improve tone, accuracy of rhythm, ability to play music and the ability to play parts independently without support.
• Sight read with interpretation and expression.
• Music communication skills to include playing in time with other players, blending, balancing, and tuning instrumental parts.
• Lead and conduct, organize and rehearse ensembles and work together cooperatively.
• Understanding the principles of a variety of musical styles and their related techniques.
• Use correct musical vocabulary.
• Write, read and interpret a musical score.
• Music theory to increase knowledge of musical structure, form and composition.
• Analyze and critique musical works, develop interpretations of the music performed.
• Learn to work in small musical groups.
• Train with working professional musicians.
• Prepare for careers in the field of chamber music, as desired.
• Opportunities to perform at monthly public events and concerts.

Concert Band

The MSA Concert Band is an advanced concert band with up to 40 members with standard instrumentation (flutes, clarinets, oboes, English horns, bassoons, bass clarinets, alto saxes, tenor saxes, baritone saxes, French horns, trumpets, trombones, baritone horns/euphoniums, tubas, string basses, tympani, and percussion). Students are exposed to music covering different styles and periods from Baroque to Modern; the ensemble performs music that is appropriate for an advanced high school or intermediate college band. Students work on a variety of skills that include characteristic tone, effective balance and blend, discerning intonation, rhythmic accuracy, distinct articulations, directional phrasing and style awareness. Members of the MSA Concert Band perform in the community and at festivals; students are expected to make time available for all performances and festivals. Students are to practice outside of class so that time in class may be devoted entirely to the ensemble rehearsal.

Wind Ensemble

The MSA Wind Ensemble provides students with an opportunity to study, rehearse and perform in small to larger groups. Students will have an opportunity to participate in local festivals and competitions, as well as perform in concerts on and off the Novato High School campus.

Students will:

• Listen to, analyze and describe music terminology.
• Read and notate music.
• Develop performance skills in order to perform a varied repertoire.
• Compose and arrange music and improvise melodies and variations.
• Perform in a large group and in small ensembles.
• Describe, analyze, interpret, and derive meaning from musical works.
• Develop criteria, then make critical judgments about and determine the quality of musical experiences and performances based on elements and principles of music
• Apply what is learned in music to learning in other subject areas.
• Develop competencies in problem solving, communications skills, collaborative peer work and time management.

String Ensemble

Students will work with faculty to develop skils in both large and small group ensembles. Students will develop performance skills in order to perform a varied repertoire, as well as compose and arrange music and improvise melodies and variations.