Music Course Descriptions

ECS FINE ARTS CURRICULUM

“I would like to teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the
patterns of music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” ~ Plato

MUSIC

Music Instruction: Evangelical Christian School offers music lessons to students in two formats: Private Lesson (One 30 minute lesson per week - individual student), Music Class (One 40 minute lesson per week - multiple students). Private lessons and music classes are taught during the school day at non-academic times - like PE, recess, study hall and immediately before or after school. Areas of instruction include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, guitar and voice. Piano instruction is available to students in Grade 2 or higher. String instruction is available to students in Grade 3 or higher. Woodwind, brass and percussion instruction is available to students in Grade 4 or higher. Voice instruction is available to students in Grade 5 or higher.

Music Instruction Enrollment Form
Music Instruction Policy

Beginning Strings: (Grades 3 and 4) This  entry-level music instruction class is for students who want to play violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Taught once a week at a non-academic time, this class focuses on the fundamental skills required to play a stringed instrument. The students will learn the proper posture for sitting, standing, and holding an instrument, 1st position for violin and viola, 1st position and extensions for cello, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions for bass. In addition, students will develop the basic skills  in the areas of music reading, musical terms and theory. An end-of-the year performance is considered a part of the course.

Music Instruction Enrollment Form
Music Instruction Policy

Beginning Band: (Grade 4) This is an entry-level music instruction class for students seeking to play a band instrument (woodwind, brass or percussion). In this course, taught once a week at a non-academic time, students acquire the skills necessary for playing a traditional band instrument and reading basic music notation. The students will learn to demonstrate proper posture, breathing, tone production and instrument technique. In addition, students will develop basic skills in the areas of music reading, musical terms and theory. An end-of-the year performance is considered a part of the course.

Music Instruction Enrollment Form
Music Instruction Policy

Sentinel Symphonia: (Grades 5 and 6) This course is designed for students who have completed the Beginning Strings or Beginning Band course, or have achieved equivalent proficiency. The Symphonia provides an introductory orchestral experience, during which students learn ensemble playing skills and how to follow a conductor. They also continue to develop their individual playing skills. Performances are considered a part of the course and include two concerts and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition.

Young Sentinel Singers: (Grades 5 and 6) This choral group is open to students who enjoy singing. Chorus members will learn note reading skills, two-part harmony singing, and blending their voices into a unified sound within a large group. They will also learn responsibility and how to work toward group goals. Performances are considered a part of the course and include two concerts and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition.

ECS Concert Band & Orchestra: (Grades 7 and 8) The goal of this course is for the intermediate-level students of orchestral instruments to study and perform a wide variety of music. Music reading and  music theory skills are also developed. Emphasis is placed on the study and performance of selected skill-level appropriate band and orchestral literature representative of a wide range of styles, composers, forms, periods and nationalities. Performances and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition are considered a part of the course.

Sentinel Concert Choir: (Grades 7 and 8) The goal of this course is for the student to develop his singing ability and musicianship in the choral setting. Emphasis is given to proper vocal technique, choral technique, and music reading. The student will learn rehearsal and concert etiquette, and responsibilities associated with membership in a performing organization. Choral literature of various forms and genres will be performed. Performances and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition are considered a part of the course.

ECS Symphonic Band & Orchestra: (Grades 9 through 12) The goal of this course is for the advance-level students of orchestral instruments to study and perform a wide variety of music. Emphasis is placed on the study and performance of selected skill-level appropriate band and orchestral literature representative of a wide range of styles, composers, forms, periods and nationalities. Performances and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition are considered a part of the course.

Masterpiece Chorale: (Grades 9 through 12) In this advanced-level choir, students develop proper vocal technique, choral technique, and music reading. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate musicianship,  including rehearsal and concert etiquette, and responsibilities associated with membership in a performing organization. Choral literature of various forms and genres will be performed. Performances and an annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition are considered a part of the course.

Sentinel Sounds: (Grades 9 through 12) This audition-only ensemble meets weekly, after school, to develop challenging a Capella jazz arrangements for performance and competition. Participation in the annual FACCS (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) competition is expected.

Basic Music Theory: (Grades 9 through 12)  The goal of this course is for the student to learn the fundamental concepts of musical composition. Topics of study include pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals, chords and harmony.

Introduction to the Arts : (Grade 10) The goal of this course is for the student to observe and identify the common elements in the visual and performing arts and how they reflect values of different cultural and historic periods. The course  includes a survey of themes, genres, and representative works from the eras of the Renaissance to the early twenty-first century.