LONG TRAIL SCHOOL Founded 1975

THE ARTS - MUSIC

Long Trail’s strong visual and performing arts offer it all.  From silk-screen printing to building a set or singing in a musical, there is an artistic opportunity for everyone.  The arts are central to our curriculum, teaching students to think outside the box, to empathize with others and to express themselves in new ways.  Most of all, students have fun being creative.  We offer 27 courses in art, drama and music as well as other art-based activities in which students can participate.   Options range from studio art, ceramics, and photography to classes in acting, music, and technical theatre.  Students exhibit in local art galleries and perform in local, regional, and state music and drama festivals as well as in the community.  The flexibility of electives allows them to explore new interests, gain new skills, and experiment.

Long Trail music groups perform throughout the year and add a great deal to school life.  Students may choose to join the Middle School Band, Chorus, or Chamber Group.  All three are full-year courses that offer valuable experience in musical training and performance technique.  In grades nine through 12, two bands perform along with the Upper School Chorus and Chamber Music Group.  During activity periods, students may play with a garage band or the advanced jazz and rock band.  Long Trail also offers private and group lessons in guitar, bass, bagpipes, and piano after school.

Long Trail has been invited to play at the Vermont All State Music Festival, gathering student musicians from Vermont's high schools to perform in a band, orchestra, chorus, or jazz ensemble under the direction of some of our nation's finest conductors.  Three days of intensive rehearsals lead up to a series of performances involving all four groups.

Pictures from the Spring 2007 Instrumental Concert

THE ARTS FACULTY

THE ARTS - MUSIC OFFERINGS

  Full year 1/2 credit
CHORUS is a continuation of MS Chorus, moving into more advanced technique and a wide range of styles, including 3- and 4-part singing as appropriate.

Full year ½ -1 credit, prerequisite: instructor recommendation/audition
SELECT CHORUS exposes students to challenging music from both the classical canon and the jazz world. Performance opportunities outside of Long Trail will be expected; students need to be able to make the commitment of extra time. Select Chorus members must participate in at least one of the two weekly meetings of US Chorus.

Full year ½ -1 credit
CONCERT BAND
For those students who play woodwind, brass, keyboard, and percussion instruments. In this course, students will be challenged to develop individual skills on their instruments while learning about playing as a member of an ensemble. Students will also explore music theory, solo/small group playing, and improvisation techniques through many styles of music: classical, jazz, multi-cultural, rock, and pop.

Full year ½ -1 credit
ROCK MUSIC LAB
For those students who play instruments traditionally found in Rock Bands (acoustic or electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drum set, vocals). This course will challenge students to continue to develop individual skills on their instrument through the study of music theory: rhythm, melody, and harmony. A wide variety of rock music styles will be required for exploration. Students will have the opportunity to connect with others in the class for group playing/performance.

1 st Semester ½ -1 credit
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MUSIC COMPOSITION
Students will learn about techniques in writing music through the study of major trends in theory and composition throughout history. Each writing project will begin with a basic concept and be developed by the individual student to suit their interests and to fit their instrument of choice. Students will learn to use Sibelius music writing software to generate final written copies of their compositions.

2 nd Semester ½ -1 credit
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN AMERICAN POPULKAR MUSIC, A REFLECTION OF THE TIMES
Students will explore popular music styles and their place in the social culture of the times. Learning experiences will include listening to examples, singing and playing, and writing original compositions for each of the styles we study.

1 st or 2 nd Semester ½ -1 credit
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BAND
For students who play a band instrument but cannot fit band into their schedule, or for those in band who desire extra playing time to increase their skills or to study a new instrument.

1 st or 2 nd Semester ½ -1 credit, 11th-12th grade
INDEPENDENT PROJECT IN MUSIC
Only for the exceptionally motivated music student! This course will allow the student to generate a project of their choice that is outside the scope of LTS’s musical offerings. The teacher will facilitate the student in creating an action plan for the project, will help secure needed materials, and will monitor the student’s progress.

Full year 1 credit
MUSIC THEORY is designed to solidify music theory basics and present some first-year college level material, providing students with a thorough grounding in theory.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY was designed so students could study computer-based music productions involving both synthesis and traditional instruments.  This is a project-based class in which students will create fully realized sound recordings.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES
SPRING BROADWAY REVUE is open to all who wish to participate in the annual musical, with emphasis on choral and character singing (offered in conjunction with drama).

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE is a classical music performing group, open to performers of all traditional classical musical instruments.

GARAGE BAND/CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE is open by audition or teacher approval to those wishing to play and sing contemporary music with a band, just for fun. Music includes student and teacher selections in pop, rock, jazz, and similar styles. Meets once a week for an Extended Activity period.

EXTRACURRICULAR MUSIC
BEGINNING PIANO offers private lessons after school.

VOICE

GUITAR & BASS offers private and group lessons after school to beginners and more experienced musicians.

PERFORMANCE REHEARSALS are held after school for various musical groups as needed.