Middle and High School Programs

Classes

Jazz
Keyboard

Music Technology
Music Theory and Composition
Strings, Harp, and Guitar
Voice
Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
World Music and Music History

Ensembles

Jazz
Keyboard
Strings, Harp, and Guitar
Voice
Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

Classes by Department

(Ensembles begin halfway down this page.)

 

Jazz Studies

Jazz study in the Eastman Community Music School is offered on all instruments and in voice at all levels and for all ages. The following courses and ensembles are intended to give middle school, high school, and adult instrumental and vocal students a thorough background in the history, theory, composition, and performance of jazz. Diplomas can be earned with a concentration in jazz studies, by completing a required curriculum (see Diploma Center or contact the Eastman Community Music School office). The Community Music School also offers specialized private studio instruction for all instruments.

Jazz Theory I—Chords, Scales, Modal Forms, the Blues and Standard Chord Progressions

(formerly Jazz Theory 1 & 2)

Middle School–adults; 4 units

Howard Potter, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

This full year course begins with the modes of the major scale and explores the techniques and forms of modal jazz.  In the spring semester the course studies one of the mainstreams of jazz--the blues--as well as other common chord progressions. Early to late and major and minor blues will be studied.

Prerequisite: knowledge of most major scales, and good reading ability.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

Jazz Theory II—Rhythm Changes, BeBop, Coltrane and Beyond

(formerly Jazz Theory 3 & 4)

High School–adults; 4 units

José Encarnación, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

This full year course begins with one of the most important chord progressions in jazz--rhythm changes and how it evolved through the years. Spring semester focuses on the challenging repertory of John Coltrane and others. Class Details

Prerequisite: Jazz Theory I or permission of the instructor.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

Special Project in Jazz Theory

Half-hour private lesson; full year course.
Tuition: $480 per semester with instructor or $335 with intern

Jazz History

High school–adults; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at noon.

Examines the gamut of jazz through the 20th century. This full-year course is open to new students in the fall or spring semesters.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

Diploma Jazz Piano Class

High school–adults; 3 units
Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.

Tuition: $201 per semester;

$183 or less per semester with lessons.

Jazz Composition and Arranging

High school–adults; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Designed for high school and adult students who wish to learn the basics of composing and arranging jazz music. The class encourages writers of all backgrounds to discover and develop their individuality, whether arranging original music or jazz and pop standards. Emphasis will be placed on studying works of master composers and arrangers, encompassing influential small group charts and classic big band arrangements. Eight students (maximum) per class. Prerequisites: no prior theoretical knowledge required. Full year course.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

Contemporary Pop Composition

High school–adults; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Full year course.

Enjoy a historical survey of the development of classic contemporary popular music—music whose artists range from America to Zappa. This comprehensive study of pop, folk, rock and jazz-rock composition and arranging leads to students becoming intimately familiar with pop music's inspired stylistic subtleties. Each student's individual exploration of the joys of creative songwriting, while not required, is encouraged. Paul Hofmann, instructor, eight students (maximum) per class. Prerequisites: Willingness to learn about great music; no prior theoretical knowledge required. Full year course.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

New Inventions and Etudes

See Theory section

Transcribing Music

See Theory section

 

Keyboard

Diploma Piano

Grades 8–adult; 3 units

Matthew Robey, Instructor
Tuesdays. 4:45-5:30 p.m. or Fridays 5:30-6:15 p.m. or Saturdays 11:15 a.m.-12 noon

For school grades 8-adult. Designed for students already familiar with basic rhythm and note reading. No previous experience at the piano is necessary. Fulfills Piano requirement for Diploma program. This is a full year course.

Tuition: $201 per semester;

$183 or less with lessons, plus required text.

 

New!

Beyond Diploma Piano

Grades 9-adults; 3 units

Matthew Robey, Instructor
Saturdays 10:30-11:15 a.m.

A yearlong continuation of Diploma Piano.  Topics will center not only on piano repertoire, but also open choral score reading, transposition, and harmonization. Designed for non-piano majors enrolled in the Diploma program.

Prerequisites: completion of Diploma Piano or permission of the instructor.

Tuition: $201 per semester

$183 or less with lessons, plus required text.

Diploma Jazz Piano Class

3 units — See Jazz Studies

Piano Ensemble

See Middle School and High School – Ensembles – Keyboard section

Piano Performance Class

Level 3-4, Intermediate; 4 units
Level 5-6, Advanced; 4 units

Daniela Mineva, Teacher
Saturdays, 2-4 p.m.

This valuable class is appropriate for anyone who is preparing for recitals, competitions, juries and college auditions. Students will learn techniques to master performance anxiety, play in a variety of performance situations, discuss recital etiquette, programming and develop musical understanding with secure memorization.

Tuition: $268 per semester; $241 or less with lessons.

 

Music Technology

Electronic Music

Level 1: Fall Semester

Level 2: Spring Semester

Middle school-adults; 4 units

Brent Talbot, Teacher
Saturdays 12-1:15 p.m.

These semester long courses provide a two-level overview of basic electronic music production skills.  Learn to compose, record, mix, and produce your own music.  become familiar with a variety of softward programs including: GarageBand, Sibelius, and Finale; as well as hardware including turntables, mixing boards, synthesizers, sequencers, and more.  These courses will provide a general overview of the history of electronic music production and help students become familiar with a variety of electronic art and popular music genres, such as Techno and Hip-Hop.  Come with an open mind and leave with your own electronic music compositions, recordings, mixes, and the skills to perform them live. 

Requirements: Access to a Mac or PC computer (Mac preferred)

Recommended: 8GB flash drive

Tuition: $268 per semester; $241 or less with lessons.

 

Music Theory and Composition

 

What Is Music Theory?

Music theory is the study of the building blocks of music. A knowledge of theory is an essential tool for all musicians providing them with a common technical language and a means of understanding the organization of music.

Private lessons are offered in theory and composition. See Getting Started

Theory Placement Exams

New students are encouraged to attend a theory class that they think might be appropriate for them. During the first week of classes, each theory class will begin with an overview of that class (about 20 minutes) and then a general theory placement exam will be given to all new students in attendance. Once the placement exam is evaluated, the appropriate class for the new student will be confirmed.

Introductory Music Theory A

(formerly Fundamentals of Music Theory I)

Middle School; 4 units

Howard Spindler, Instructor
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

A course in theoretical rudiments. Topics will include notation of pitches in the treble, bass and C clefs, major and minor scales, rhythmic notation in simple and compound meter, transposition, intervals and triads, with correlated ear training. Recommended as a preparation to the high school level courses.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Introductory Music Theory B

(fiormerly Fundamentals of Music Theory II)

Middle School; 4 units

Margaret Henry, Instructor
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

This course expands upon the basic skills acquired in Fundamentals of Music Theory I including a study of the church modes and an introduction to first species counterpoint and composition. Prerequisite: Introductory Music Theory A or permission of the instructor.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Music Theory I: Theoretical Skills

High School; 4 units

Margaret Henry, Instructor
Fridays at 5 p.m. or Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.

A course in theoretical rudiments for high school students. Topics will include notation of pitches in the treble, bass and C clefs, scales and modes, rhythmic notation in simple and compound meter, transposition, intervals, triads and four-note chords and an introduction to first species counterpoint, with correlated ear training.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Keyboard Theory for Pianists

High School; 4 units

Michael Callahan, Teacher
Mondays at 5 p.m.

This course is intended for piano students who have not yet taken nor wish to take AP Theory, but have completed Music Theory I, and for those who are working toward a 2-year diploma in piano. The student will learn techniques of score reading, sight-reading, basic accompaniment, and learn music aurally at the keyboard.Prerequisite: Music Theory I and fluent keyboard technique.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Advanced Keyboard Theory for Pianists

High School; 4 units

Michael Callahan , Teacher
Mondays at 5 p.m.

This course is intended for students who have already taken at least Music Theory III and for those students working toward a 4- or 6-year diploma in piano. Concepts from the written theory course will be re-enforced through the use of the keyboard. The student will learn figured bass techniques, melody harmonization, improvisation, sight-reading, score reading, basic accompaniment, and an introduction to pop/jazz style lead sheet reading. Prerequisite: Music Theory III and fluent keyboard technique.  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Special Project in Theory

Half-hour private lesson; full year course.  Class Details
Tuition: $480 per semester with instructor or $335 with intern.

Advanced Placement (AP) Theory

High School–adults; 4 units each

Margaret Henry, Instructor

Advanced Placement (AP) Theory curriculum is a demanding course of study for high school students in grades 10-12 who wish to complete the equivalent of first-year college theory. Students are required to take two hours of class each week for two years. This program, designed by instructor Margaret Henry, has demonstrated its effectiveness in the extraordinarily high grades earned by our graduates in the standardized AP examinations

Music Theory II: AP Aural Skills

(formerly AP Theory 1B)

Tuesdays at 4:30, Thursdays at 5 p.m. or Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

An intensive ear training course devoted to the development of aural skills through the performance of rhythmic patterns in simple and compound meter, sight singing using solfege, conducting exercises, recognition of intervals, triads, and inversions of triads as well as rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation. Prerequisite: Music Theory I or Introductory Music Theory A and B. Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

 

Music Theory III: AP Diatonic Harmony

(formerly AP Theory 1A)

Thursdays at 6 p.m. or Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

Begins with an intensive study of Species Counterpoint leading to a study of the harmonic resources of the later 17th and 18th centuries, with an emphasis on the diatonic compositional practice from Bach through early Beethoven. Topics will include functional diatonic harmony, decorative (non-harmonic) tones and seventh chords, the Tonic-Predominant-Dominant-Tonic Phrase Model, including contrapuntal expansions and cadences. These skills will be developed through figured bass and melody harmonization in a four-part style and through analysis of a wide variety of literature. Prerequisite: Music Theory I or Introductory Music Theory A and B.   Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Music Theory IV: AP Advanced Aural Skills

(formerly AP Theory 2B)

Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Expands on the aural skills developed in AP Theory 1B including recognition of seventh chords and inversions and development of the ability to recognize the harmonic and formal resources studied in Music Theory II through aural identification in the literature, and melodic and harmonic dictation. Prerequisites: Music Theory II and III.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Music Theory V: AP Advanced Diatonic Harmony

(formerly AP Theory 2A)

Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Begins with a study of the formal procedures of the common practice period, including motivic, melodic and harmonic structure of the phrase, phrases in combination: the Period, Sentence Structure, the Double Period and the smaller forms: Binary and Ternary Form leading to a study of further harmonic resources of the common practice period, including applied chords, tonicization and pivot chord modulation. Emphasis in the final weeks of the course will be on preparation for the AP Examination in Music Theory. Prerequisites: Music Theory Ii and III.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

 

Music Theory VI: Chromatic Harmony and Form

High School–adults; 4 units

Margaret Henry, Instructor
Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Begins with a review of Period Structure and Binary and Ternary Form leading to a study of the larger forms: Composite Ternary, Rondo and Sonata Forms in conjunction with a study of the harmonic resources of the later 18th and 19th centuries, with an emphasis on the chromatic compositional practice from Beethoven through Brahms, Topics will include mixture,chromatic predominants, chromatic modulation and the 19th century processes of musical ambiguity and harmonic symmetry. Prerequistes: Music Theory IV and V

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

Music Theory VII: Counterpoint

High School–adults; 4 units

Michael Callahan, Teacher
Mondays at 6 p.m.

This course is an in-depth study of Counterpoint, and is divided into three parts: Strict Counterpoint, Modal Counterpoint, and Tonal Counterpoint. The student will do a number of compositions throughout the year, in addition to weekly contrapuntal exercises. Basic Counterpoint skills are an essential requirement for enrollment. Prerequistes: Music Theory IV and V  Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons, plus materials fee.

New Inventions and Etudes

Middle/High School–adults­; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Music lovers of all backgrounds can discover the joy of composition. Fundamentals of composition and theory are introduced in an integrated and logical way, with emphasis on unlocking the secrets of harmony. Ad-libbed student melodies are transcribed by the instructor; harmonies are added; and new compositions are the stimulating result. eight students (maximum) per class. Prerequisites: The ability to read music and to play a musical instrument; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn/create music! No prior theoretical knowledge required.

Tuition: $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

Transcribing Music

High School–adults; 4 units
Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Full year course. Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Prerequisites: The ability to read music.  This innovative course helps remove the mystery from musical notation, focusing on the interrelated functions of melody, chords and meter.  Ear training becomes an integral part of the process, and musical styles from classical to jazz to pop become much more easily notated. 

Tuition $268 per semester;

$241 or less per semester with lessons.

 

 

Strings, Harp, and Guitar

Guitar for Beginners

See Adult–Classes

 

Fretboard Harmony

High School–adults; 2 units

Staff Instructor
November 3 -January 12. Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Eight one-hour sessions

Designed for all guitar players – classical, jazz, folk, or pop. The focus is on the theory behind the scales and chords regardless of style. Knowledge of harmony on the guitar will enhance creative approaches to accompaniment, speed up memorization, and improve improvisation skills.

Tuition: $134; $123 or less with lessons.

Hammered Dulcimer Group Instruction

See Adult–Classes

 

Voice

Theatre for Singers

Middle/High School–adults; 6 units

Cecile Saine, Instructor
Saturdays, noon.-2 p.m.

Teaches singers by participation in the development and performance of scenes from musicals, operetta, and opera. This is a workshop for intermediate and advanced vocal students, youth and adult. It will develop skills in theatre dance, stage awareness, vocal interpretation, and ensemble techniques. Full year course. Auditions for new students will be held Saturday, May 17, and during the academic year by appointment with the instructor. Students will be asked to sing one song and do some improvisation and dance. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 10-minute audition.

Tuition: $402 per semester; $354 or less with lessons.

 

Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

Flute Technique Class

2 units
Jan Angus, Instructor
Alternate Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

For those ambitious and advanced flute students who wish to improve their technique, class is open to students who are performing at NYSSMA Level VI. Rigorous work will be done to master the full range of the flute through major and minor scales; major, minor, diminished and augmented arpeggios; interval work; mastery of articulation with emphasis on double and triple tonguing. Primary repertoire will be selected from standard daily exercises books of Kujala and Taffanel and Gaubert as well as passage work from the solo and orchestral repertoire. 16 classes. Class Details

Tuition: $134 per semester; $123 or less with lessons.

 

World Music and Music History

History of Western Music

High School–adults; 4 units
Lee Wilkins, Instructor
Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. or Saturdays at noon.

Class Details

Tuition: $268 per semester; $241 or less with lessons.

Hammered Dulcimer Group Instruction

          

See Adult–Classes

 

Ensembles by Department

Jazz Studies

 

Jazz study in the Eastman Community Music School is offered on all instruments and in voice at all levels and for all ages. The following courses and ensembles are intended to give middle school, high school, and adult instrumental and vocal students a thorough background in the history, theory, composition, and performance of jazz. Diplomas can be earned with a concentration in jazz studies, by completing a required curriculum (see Diploma Center or contact the Eastman Community Music School office). The Community Music School also offers specialized private studio instruction for all instruments.

Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra

High School; 3 units
Howard Potter, Director
Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.

Winners in the Essentially Ellington International High School Competition 2004, 2005, 2006

A unique, high-level jazz program which consists of the extended areas top high school (and the occasional middle school student) jazz musicians who show great promise in this genre. This ensemble's primary focus is on developing the student's technique, improvisational skills and deepening their understanding of jazz. A secondary goal is to participate in the Essentially Ellington International Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center under the artistic direction of Wynton Marsalis. Audition required.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 and Saturday, September 6, 2008. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 15-minute audition. Students should plan on playing a movement or excerpt from a classical piece (such as part of a NYSSMA level 5 or 6 solo) as well as playing over a blues of the student’s choice. Drummers will be required to play swing and Latin at a variety of tempos as well as solos. Besides great improvisers, we seek STRONG CLASSICAL PERFORMERS with an interest in jazz as well! Rehearsals begin Saturday, September 13.  Ensemble Details

Tuition: $201 per semester;

Free! if you are taking 6 units, or lessons and 3 units.

Junior High School Jazz Ensemble

Middle School; 3 units

Mark Filsinger, Director
Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.

This is an exciting large ensemble for students in grades 7-9 who are interested in learning more about jazz styles, improvisation, and ensemble musicianship. There are two primary focuses in the course: the development of aural skills in relation to individual improvisation and the exploration of standard jazz repertoire by ear; and the promotion of an excellent "big band," with music from traditional and contemporary jazz composers.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Jazz Youth Saxology

Middle/High School; 3 units

José Encarnación, Director
Mondays at 4 p.m.

This exciting ensemble is design for a saxophone section with rhythm section. The concept first formed in 1980 by Eastman saxophone professor, Ramon Ricker, as an offshoot of the professional group Supersax and offers the student a unique innovative way to explore modern jazz through a rich and diverse blend of repertoire and musicianship. The students will learn a variety of techniques such as blending, intonation, phrasing, colors, and improvisation to make them stronger playing in a saxophone section. no audition required. Ensemble Details

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Jazz Performance Workshops (jazz combos)

High School–adult; 3 units
Bob Sneider and Staff Directors

Designed to develop improvisation skills in a small combo/class setting. Emphasis is placed upon aural skills, hearing chord progressions, developing melodies, motivic and rhythmic development, and playing on changes. Students will be grouped in small ensembles according to experience level. Participating students receive free admission to all ESM collegiate jazz concerts and to workshops and clinics with visiting guest artists. One hour weekly.

Mondays at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 6 or 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

 

Latin Jazz Performance Workshop

High School–adult; 3 units

José Encarnación, Director
Mondays at 5 p.m

This ensemble, open to students in grade 9 and above, will rehearse and perform some of the most exciting rhythms of Latin jazz. From the fundamentals of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms to the most innovative rhythms, the students will be able to explore and develop ideas and techniques of how to play with different claves and styles as son-montuno, cha-cha, zamba, mambo, etc. Tunes in the style of Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Irakere, etc will be listened to and analyzed. This ensemble will consist of 3 percussionist (conga, timbale, bongo) or (drums, conga, bongo), piano, bass and any brass and/or woodwind combinations. No audition required. Ensemble Details

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

 

 

Keyboard

Piano Ensemble

Howard Spindler, Harriet Zimmerman, Catarina Domenici, Alla Kuznetsov, and other ECMS piano faculty. Piano students will improve their sight reading and musicianship skills in these fun, weekly ensemble classes with just 3 or 4 students per section. At the discretion of the instructors, students may join together at the end of each semester for a “monster concert”!

Level III Piano Ensemble

Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Middle/High School–adults; 4 units

Students playing ECMS level 3 repertoire (intermediate).are welcome to participate in this fun, weekly piano ensemble. The class will consist of 3 - 4 students and the repertory will consist of music for four and eight hands. In general, these are ensembles which encompass both semesters, but students may participate on a one semester basis. 

Level IV Piano Ensemble

Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Middle/High School–adults; 4 units

Students playing ECMS level 4 repertoire (upper intermediate) are welcome to participate in this fun, weekly piano ensemble. The class will consist of 3 - 4 students and the repertory will consist of music for four and eight hands. In general, these are ensembles which encompass both semesters, but students may participate on a one semester basis.

Advanced Piano Ensemble

Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Middle/High School–adults; 4 units

Students playing ECMS level 5-6 repertoire (advanced) are welcome to participate in this fun, weekly piano ensemble. The class will consist of 3 - 4 students and the repertory will consist of music for four and eight hands. In general, these are ensembles which encompass both semesters, but students may participate on a one semester basis.

Tuition: $268 per semester; $241 or less with lessons.

 

 

Strings, Harp, and Guitar

Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists

High School; 3 units

Diego Garcia, Director
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Offers opportunity to perform concerti grossi, solo concerti, and string chamber music repertoire in a small string ensemble setting. Students deliver professional caliber performances and showcase their individual skills in a way that sets this ensemble apart from larger orchestras. Auditions for new students will be held Saturday & Sunday, June 14-15, 2008 and September 4, 2008 and during the academic year by appointment with the director. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 15-minute audition. Students should plan two contrasting pieces, or contrasting movements from the same piece at NYSSMA Level 5 or 6 or comparable. No accompanist is necessary, sight-reading may be asked. Enrollment is limited. Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 4, 2008.

Tuition: $201 per semester;

Free! if you are taking 6 units, or lessons and 3 units

New!
Eastman Youth String Orchestra

Middle/High School; 3 units
Matilda Hofman, director
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m.

For string students who play NYSSMA level 4-6. New students should contact the director for an audition at 585.201.6289 or matildahofman@hotmail.com. Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 11.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Eastman Kaleidoscope Community Orchestra

Children and adults; 3 units
Karine Stone and Diego Garcia, Directors
Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Eastman Kaleidoscope Ensemble is the musical experience of a lifetime! Children and adults learn the elements of symphonic playing through rehearsing and performing great works of classical music. Kaleidoscope makes performing challenging music accessible to everyone. Music is specially arranged to meet individual ability levels, when needed. Commitment, teamwork, and the joy of performing give each player an opportunity to sparkle. Anyone age 8 and older with a minimum of one year of private instruction, who plays string, woodwind, brass or percussion at NYSSMA Levels 1-6, is welcome. No audition. Permission of director required. Contact the director at 585.314.8716 or karineviolin@yahoo.com. Rehearsals begin Friday, September 12.  Limited enrollment.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Free! for parents of ensemble members.

Chamber Music for Strings

Middle/High School–adults; 4 units
Janet Milnes, Director
Saturdays at Noon.

String students (violin, viola, cello) who have taken an ECMS jury/exam and have passed at least a level III, are welcome to participate in a weekly chamber ensemble at their corresponding level. These ensembles will consist of 3–4 students grouped by standard instrumental combinations. Students who have not taken a jury at ECMS are welcome to audition for the appropriate chamber music level. Auditions will be held Saturday & Sunday, June 14-15, 2008, Thursday, September 4 and during the academic year by appointment with the director. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 15-minute audition.

Level III Chamber Music for Strings
Level IV Chamber Music for Strings
Advanced Chamber Music for Strings

Tuition: $268 per semester; $241 or less with lessons.

Eastman Youth Violin Ensemble

High school; 3 units

Jeremy Zhu, Director
Saturdays at noon.

This weekly one-hour ensemble is highly focused to develop advanced chamber, ensemble performance techniques, and beginning orchestral performance ability as it opens the path for students to all forms of performance. Students will learn a variety of musical styles from baroque to contemporary, including orchestral excerpts, as well as explore techniques of individual performance skills needed to lead chamber, ensemble, and orchestras. NYSSMA Level 4 to 6 or equivalent, Audition or permission of instructor required. Ensemble Details

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Cellissimo! Cello Ensemble

Middle/High School; 3 units
Diego Garcia, Director
Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.

Audition or permission of instructor required.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Harp Choir

Middle/High School–adults; 3 units

Nan Gullo Richmond, Director
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Open to all students of harp, both lever and pedal. Repertory consists of pieces for both beginning and more advanced harpists. No audition required.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Advanced Harp Choir

Middle/High School–adults; 3 units
Nan Gullo Richmond, Director

Fridays at 4 p.m.

Audition required.  Contact the director at 585.274.1286.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Eastman Youth Guitar Ensemble

2 units

Petar Kodzas, Director
Saturdays at Noon

Seeing other students play, and making music with them is enriching and fun and an extraordinary opportunity for guitar students to develop ensemble playing skills. Students in these classes develop note-reading and aural skills, in addition to practicing instrumental techniques. Permission of director required. Contact the director at pkodzas@esm.rochester.edu. 

Tuition: $201 per semester; $185 or less with lessons.

Hammered Dulcimer Ensemble

See Adult– Ensembles

 

 

Voice

Eastman Youth Chamber Singers

High School; 3 units
Karie Schroer Templeton, Director
Saturdays at 9-10:30 a.m.

A chamber (small) chorus for select high school singers. The chorus sings a wide range of repertory from vocal jazz to madrigals and performs three to four concerts a year. Requires participation in or completion of Music Theory I. Auditions for new students (required) will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 and Saturday, September 6, 2008. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 10-minute audition. Students should plan on singing a simple song (folk song, musical theater, classical or hymn - no pop music) a cappella or accompanied. Please bring the music to the audition. Requires participation in or completion of Music Theory I. Rehearsals begin Saturday, September 13.

Tuition: $201 per semester;

Free! if you are taking 6 units, or lessons and 3 units

Eastman Children’s Chorus

Grades 5–8; 4 units
Karie Schroer Templeton, Director
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.-noon

This program offers singers in grades 5-8 a wide array of music from diverse cultures. The chorus performs several times throughout the school year at Eastman and in Western New York. Each chorus member will participate in a weekly rehearsal and a weekly theory musicianship class; generally, for the younger children this means Theory in Motion and Introductory Music Theory or Music Theory I for the older children. Auditions for new students (required) will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 and Saturday, September 6, 2008. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 10-minute audition. Students should plan on singing a simple song (folk song, musical theater, classical or hymn—no pop music) a cappella or accompanied. Please bring the music to the audition. A parent/student meeting will be held Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Rehearsals will begin Saturday, September, 20.  All parents and students should attend the first session of Theory in Motion September 6 at 9:40 a.m. 

Tuition: $268 per semester (includes the required theory/musicianship class); $241 or less with lessons.

 

Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

New! 6-week sessions

Eastman Youth Chamber Winds

High School; 3 units

Bill Tiberio, Director
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

Session 1: September 17-October 22

Session 2: November 5-December 17

Session 3: February 4-March 11

Sign up for one session or all three!  This ensemble, for outstanding wind and percussion players at the advanced high school level (open to grades 8-12) will focus on small group wind playing. Instrumentation will be flexible, and emphasis will be on exposing students to the broad range of instrumental music composed for chamber wind ensemble and full band. Performances will be scheduled regularly within the facilities of the Eastman School of Music, as well as in the community at large. Fairport High School Music Educator Bill Tiberio, who conducts the top wind and percussion ensemble at Fairport High School, will direct the ensemble. Auditions required for new students.  Contact the director at btiberio@frontiernet.net or 585.880.9821 for an audition time. Students should plan to play a movement or excerpt from a classical piece (such as part of a NYSSMA level 5, or 6 solo).  Ensemble Details

Tuition: $67 per session;

Free! if you are taking private lessons at ECMS.

 

Eastman Kaleidoscope Community Orchestra

See Middle and High School – Ensemble - Strings

Krusenstjerna Scholarship Flute Choir

High School; 3 units
Sophia Gibbs Kim, Director
Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

An ensemble created for advanced high school flutists. Repertory is chosen from standard and original flute choir music as well as transcriptions from all periods and styles of music. The choir performs frequently on concert series around Rochester. NYSSMA level 6 and audition required. Contactl the director at 585.274.1961 or skim@esm.rochester.edu for an audition.

Tuition: Free

Clarinet Choir

High School; 3 units
Angela Occhionero, Director
Saturdays at 2 p.m.

The ECMS clarinet choir is an exciting new ensemble open to clarinet students performing at NYSSMA levels 4 through 6.  We will cover music from the standard and original clarinet choir and chamber music repertory as well as transcriptions from all styles and periods. Students will learn how to blend within an ensemble while focusing on intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, historical context and performance practice.  Performances will be scheduled at the Eastman School as well as within the Rochester community.  Please contact the director at angelao@gmail.com or 585-274-1400 to arrange an audition.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Trumpet Ensemble

High School; 3 units
Wes Nance, Director
Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

Open to trumpet students NYSSMA level 5 and 6 by audition with the instructor. Contact the director at wnance3@rochester.rr.com or 585.671.1396 for an audition.  The trumpet ensemble is a practice laboratory where we will work on ensemble playing, intonation, blending, and rhythmic study. The group performs in public several times a year, including the Eastman Community Music School Homecoming and Graduation.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Trombone Choir

High School; 3 units
Andrew Chappel, Director
Saturdays at 3 p.m

Students who can comfortably play Grade 5 or 6 NYSSMA solos are especially encouraged to audition.  Contact the director at 713.816.4003 or bigboneAMC@yahoo.com for an audition time. Rehearsals begin Saturday, October 4.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Drum Joy (percussion ensemble)

High School; 3 units
Ruth Cahn, Director
Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m.

This ensemble is open to advanced students who perform at levels V and above.  Students would normally be expected to play in all 3 major areas of orchestral percussion: snare drum, timpani and keyboard percussion.  On occasion students will be accepted who are at an advanced level in only two of the areas.  The ensemble repertory will include traditional percussion and world music ensembles, keyboard percussion ensembles, and hand drumming.  Attention will be given to refining the techniques on a wide variety of orchestra percussion instruments.  The ensemble is always delighted to perform compositions written by ensemble members. Skill in non-jazz improvisation would definitely be a plus.  Students should be willing to work independently to prepare their parts so that rehearsal time can be spent on developing the musical aspects of ensemble playing.   Permission of the director is required.  Contact the director at 585.274-1419 or rcahn@esm.rochester.edu   The group usually plays two ensemble concerts per year (one in December and one in May) and often collaborates with other groups within the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.

Rhythm Adventure (percussion ensemble)

Middle School; 3 units
Ruth Cahn, Director
Saturdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/16

The ensemble is open to intermediate level students who perform at levels III or IV. Students would normally be expected to play in all 3 major areas of orchestral percussion: snare drum, timpani and keyboard percussion.  On occasion students will be accepted who are at an advanced level in only two of the areas.  The ensemble repertory will include traditional drumming skill based ensembles, keyboard percussion ensembles, body percussion and hand drumming.  Attention will also be given to developing good tone and techniques on triangle, tambourine, bass drum and cymbals.  Students should be willing to work independently to prepare their parts so that rehearsal time can be spent on developing the musical aspects of ensemble playing.   Permission of the director is required.  Contact the director at 585.274-1419 or rcahn@esm.rochester.edu   The group will play a final concert during the Spring semester.

Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.