feature
Continued from page 65
Vocal Music
When Dr. Hosler was hired in 1991, Owen-Withee had no junior or senior high chorus due to lack of student interest. A small chorus was started outside the nor- mal class schedule, and next year chorus was back in the schedule. Rebuilding the choral program started by building on enthusiasm at the elementary level, and by 1999 the high school choir was singing class A literature. In the early 2000s, the junior and senior high were combined into one 7-12 chorus. In addition to performing as an SATB chorus, a selective SSA choir performs at the WSMA choral festival. Both choirs currently perform in class A. In recent years, numerous students have been selected to WSMA state honors choirs.
At the elementary level, music instruction includes one class each week for each classroom and a second class with the
entire grade level. This frees up teacher time for voice lessons, which are offered to grades 6-12, and creates a chorus-like atmosphere for grades 4-6.
The chorus performs one concert each quarter. A select group, the O-W Sing- ers, functions as an a cappella group first semester, and performs as a show choir in the spring. Additionally, about 70% of chorus students participate in the district solo and ensemble festival. Solos are strongly encouraged, and two larger groups, an SSA madrigal and an SATB vo- cal jazz ensemble, performed at this year’s festival. There is a very popular spring vo- cal variety show, “Vocal Extravaganza,” in which students chose their own, mainly pop, selections.
The choral program relies on several fine accompanists, and paying accompanists is the top budget priority each year. With limited teacher time to work with solo and ensemble performers, accompanists also
serve as assistants, helping students learn their music.
Instrumental Music
“Perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated!” Prominently posted in the band room, this idea drives everything we do. Our bands have achieved high levels of success. At WSMA festivals, the senior band earned 13 class A firsts over the past 16 years and the junior band 16 class C firsts over 18 years. The majority of high school students qualify for state solo and ensemble each year, and many students have been state honors musicians.
Sixth grade beginners receive weekly individual or small-group lessons, but do not have a full band experience. Grades 7-8 junior band meets daily, as does the 9-12 senior band. Grades 7-12 receive weekly individual lessons, most scheduled during study halls, some as pull-outs and some before and after school. An extra- curricular jazz ensemble usually rehearses on Monday evenings, and many students play second instruments to participate. We offer an “Advanced Independent Music” course for grades 11-12, to offer theory, composition, digital recording, etc. As a guided independent-study course, sched- uling and minimum class sizes are not problems.
Our central philosophy is a concert band emphasis. Marching band consists of a homecoming show and local summer parades. Pep band music is rehearsed for two weeks each fall. We play four concerts each year, participate in the WSMA band festival, and the senior band performs at graduation and Memorial Day.
Solo and ensemble festivals are significant in the curriculum. Typically every student participates. Many perform solos. Small ensembles are assembled with little regard to traditional instrumentation. Students are grouped by ability and practice schedules, and many ensembles play music adapted for them or arranged by the teacher. Large ensembles are emphasized. Each band has brass, woodwind and percussion ensem- bles and African drum groups. The senior band includes a polka band. Ensembles
66
April 2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76