Breathing for Better Music-Making
Description: This class explores the process of breathing in order to build better brass players, woodwind players, and vocalists. Throughout "Breathing for Better Music-Making" we will dispel some of the common myths about breathing, learn a collection of specialized exercises to help with air control, and work to incorporate healthy breathing practices into your performance. Remember, the key to a great sound is great breathing - now's your chance to level up your music-making! Instructor – David Earll
The Collaborative Sound Recording Experience
Instrumentalists and vocalists will collaborate to produce and record a song by the end of the week. Students will follow a predetermined song form developed by the instructor and be given the opportunity to contribute artistically throughout the recording process. The final recorded product will be presented at the final concert on Saturday afternoon. Instructor – Tyler Ogilvie
Introduction to Composition
In Introduction to Composition, students will experiment with new ways of thinking about compositional techniques, sound, and notation through looking at musical traditions that span the Baroque era to the present day. The course will also teach foundations of music notation software including Finale, Sibelius, and GarageBand, and will provide the opportunity to create a final project written for any of these programs or an acoustic instrument(s). Instructor – Jacob Walsh
Elements of Jazz Through History, Style, and Improvisation
Students will be introduced to defining elements of jazz through learning a bit of history and by listening to representative jazz artists. Students will learn to perform several jazz standards while concentrating on the elements of jazz style and will learn the steps to improvise on these songs. Instructor – Michael Treat
Music Theory Fundamentals
Students will delve into the fundamentals of music theory as well as receive an introduction to sight-singing. The study of fundamentals is designed to enhance each student’s overall musicianship by expanding reading and analysis abilities, and will strengthen each student's visual and aural understanding of music. Instructor – Emily Ickes
Beginning Conducting Techniques
Students will learn basic conducting technique including various meters, styles, and dynamic ranges. Members of the class will also function as an ensemble and each student will gain experience conducting their peers. This course will be taught by an experienced ensemble director and conducting teaches. Instructor – Benjamin Rochford
Introduction to the Piano
Students who have limited experience playing the piano will have the opportunity to learn the basics. Open to band and orchestra students only. Instructor — Mary Holzhauer
Introduction to the Guitar
This course is designed for students with little or no background in playing the guitar. Students will obtain a functional understanding of the guitar, as well as tools for the continued exploration of the instrument beyond the scope of the class. Emphasis will be placed on right and left hand technique, basic chord shapes, and reading skills. Guitars will be provided. Instructor — Peter Guarino
Introduction to Stage Combat
In this safety-driven class, students learn to glorify technique rather than violence. Students will begin with learning the basics of control: tucks, checks, and timing that are the ground rules for any safe and exciting stage fight. They will then learn hand-to-hand, basic weaponry techniques (staff, swords) and simple rolls and tricks (tumbles, lifts, falls, throws). Students will also create their own sequences! We hope to have a huge battle to record at the end. Instructor – Holly Adams
Introduction to World Music
This class explores the wide variety of music practices from around the globe. Throughout "Introduction to World Music" we will learn about some of the musical traditions of: Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Africa and the Middle East, Central Asia, India, & Eastern Asia. We will discuss some of the fundamentals of Ethnomusicology, which studies the relationships between cultures and musical activity, and will help prepare you to discuss unfamiliar music and traditions in a respectful manner. This class allows you to take a musical journey across the world! Instructor – David Earll
Basic Synthesizer Programming
The course will teach the basic elements of subtractive “analog” synthesis — oscillators, filters, and modulators. Both hardware and software instruments will be used to demonstrate and teach the concepts. Guest performers will also come to demonstrate their equipment and answer questions. Instructor — Josh Oxford
West African Drumming and Dance
Students will have the opportunity to explore first-hand the exciting traditions of West African drumming and dance on authentic instruments. No prior experience in drumming or dancing required. Instructor – Baruch Whitehead
SMA Klezmer Experience
Klezmer was originally the ritual and celebratory music of the Yiddish-speaking Jews of Eastern Europe, where it developed over the course of many centuries. Brought to North America with the Jewish immigration wave from Russia and other Eastern European countries during the turn of the 20th century, a modern klezmer tradition developed in the urban centers, particularly in New York City. Since the 1970s, a dynamic revival of this tradition has been taking place. It has since become one of the most visible transnational music and culture movements involving thousands of participants on five continents. The SMA Klezmer Experience will welcome students to a trove of ancient melodies and a communal sense of folk music-making. We’ll learn tunes both by ear and off the page. All instrumentalists are welcome, regardless of previous experience, cultural identity, or instrument. Instructor — Ryan Zawel
Improvisation for All
A course which will foster musical creativity and improvisation and is open to all instrument areas. Instructor — Dan Shaut
Introduction to Learning the Art of Magic
Students will work with and learn magic with everyday objects: newspaper and paper, playing cards, money magic with coins and bills, rubber bands, paper clips, corks, dice, etc. They will work on puzzles, deductive and inductive reasoning, and thinking outside the box. Students will start to learn how to interact and entertain an audience by using patter and stories with the mechanics of the magic. Instructor – Mike Stanley