Arts

Music

Greetings, musicians! There are many opportunities for you to be involved in the music program at Williams, so be sure to take advantage of them.

Mr. Emanuel will be directing all of the ensembles this year. Please read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, you may email Mr. Emanuel at pemanuel@williamsschool.org.

Those students who are already members of an ensemble do not have to re-audition.

Music Theory

This course covers the basics of music for the beginner: standard notation, intervals, chords (triads & sevenths), chord progressions, and song form. As their knowledge accumulates, students analyze various pieces of music (through sight and sound) for their harmonic and functional content. Ear training (the identification of rhythms and pitches) also occurs.

AP Music Theory

The syllabus of this course is structured with the Advanced Placement exam in mind. Complex chords, ear training, and analysis are covered in greater depth than possible in the introductory Music Theory course. Compositional techniques are a significant portion of the work. Students explore those techniques, analyze them, and write their own compositions based upon their learning. Successful completion of Music Theory is a prerequisite for AP Music Theory unless a student is able to test out of Music Theory. (Please be advised that an AP Exam fee will apply.)

Music Composition

Students utilize the knowledge they have gained through the two previous courses in order to focus on composing their own music. The assignments help students acquire fluency in a variety of compositional techniques as well as develop their own style of composition. Students in this course must be proficient in musical ability, whether vocal or instrumental. Successful completion of AP Music Theory or special permission of the department head is a prerequisite for this course.

Band

Band is open to all students who own and play a band instrument and who also read music. The repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary. Performances occur at Winterfest and Spring Concert (1/2 credit).

Jazz Band

Membership in this instrumental group is by audition only. Auditions are held in September and January. The repertoire ranges from standard to contemporary. Performances occur at Winterfest and Spring Concert (1/2 credit).

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Music Auditions

Acabellas (females) Our female singing group has taken a new direction and will be focusing on a cappella music. We are looking for new members from all grades to join in the excitement. Auditions will be on Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15, in the music room. See Mr. Emanuel to schedule a time. Be ready to sing a song of your choice without
accompaniment, sing a major scale (“do-re-mi” etc.), and match pitches that you hear played on a piano. C’mon, you know you wanna sing!

Acafellas (males) Our male a cappella singing group is also looking for new members from all grades. Auditions for Acafellas also will be on Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15, in the music room. See Mr. Emanuel to schedule a time. Be ready to sing a song of your choice without
accompaniment, sing a major scale (“do-re-mi” etc.), and match pitches that you hear played on a piano. C’mon, you know you wanna sing!

Pit Band for Into the Woods – As always, the pit band for the spring musical will consist entirely of student musicians. This year’s musical will be Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, which will require string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. If you’re interested in being a member of this auspicious group, please speak with Mr. Emanuel during the first week of September.

Compchorea Music – The emphasis for this year’s music will be on variety, so your song should be distinctive in style and instrumentation and as complete as possible if you plan to audition for the show. Auditions will be held during the week after Thanksgiving. See Mr. Emanuel for details.