CLASSES > Overview
Marin Academy Music Classes
(All classes are by audition with the exception of Chorus)
American Roots Music
The American Roots Music class focuses on providing students with a working knowledge of the primary influences and styles that are considered to be at the heart of modern American music since the early 1900s. With a particular focus on music from Northern Europe and Western Africa, the class explores how these influences combined to create the music we know as Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Blues, Folk, and Rock 'n Roll (both acoustic and electric formats are offered and encouraged).
Chorus/Vocal Workshop
Open to all students with some vocal ability who are serious about singing, this is a performance-oriented class that emphasizes the development of individual vocal technique and confidence as well as the singing of harmonies and the creation of a strong group sound. We will work a cappella (unaccompanied), with piano or guitar, and with a full band. A portion of class time will be devoted to developing small vocal ensembles within the larger group. This class may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
World Music and Rhythm
This class focuses on (1) developing a strong sense of rhythm and syncopation through the learning of traditional rhythm patterns and percussion instruments with West African roots, and (2) creating small ensembles that perform a wide variety of pieces, including music of Latin America, Europe and Africa. U.S. rock and pop music are not included in this curriculum. This is an ensemble performance class; special care is taken to create a group with a workable balance of instruments and voices. A high level of participation and collaborative effort is expected from each student.
Students will work on a number of percussion-related projects. Three small groups will also be created, including one acoustic ensemble, to allow students to work at a level appropriate to their experience and interests. This class may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
Advanced Chamber Ensemble
This course is intended for students who have a deep interest in Chamber Music and have demonstrated a high level of commitment to musicianship and music performance. Students play a wide variety of music selected to provide a range of technical and interpretive challenges. The ensemble(s) formed within this class perform regularly on and off campus, including MA's open houses. This class may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
Jazz Band
A workshop class that draws from the traditional and contemporary large small-group jazz repertoire, this class also includes instruction in improvisation and stylistic interpretation, as well as jazz harmony, rhythms, and melodic line. While most pieces are learned from written music, the class will also take advantage of the oral tradition of jazz, particularly with respect to soloing. Extremely advanced and committed jazz players may also audition for the advanced small groups that meet as part of this class period. This class may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.
Contemporary Music Seminar
This course offers a workshop format for students who are interested in learning about music through the study and performance of a variety of rock, rhythm and blues, folk, pop, funk, and blues styles. The course includes lecture, demonstration, and discussion of general ideas such as song structure, rhythmic "feels," as well as a variety of live and studio recording projects. Regular in-class critiques challenge students to be more active listeners and more musically complete players and singers. New areas of exposure include the influence of Bach and Mozart, and the influence of early blues. Three small groups (two electric and one acoustic) will be created within the class to allow students to work at a level appropriate to their experience and musical interests. There is plenty of "hands-on" time for rehearsing these student-driven ensembles; self-direction and self-motivation are prerequisites for the class. These groups participate in the winter and spring concerts as well as occasionally performing outside of school. This class may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor.