DESA | ARTS | INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Course List & Sequencing
Upon entrance, each instrumental student will be assigned a technique teacher with whom she/he will study throughout his or her tenure at Ellington. All students will be re-auditioned annually. Only TOP performers will be selected for the traveling ensembles, which include the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Jazz Orchestra. Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra members will be selected from the Wind Ensemble and String Ensemble (exception: vocalists, piano and guitar instrumentalists must audition separately for the respective Director). Students not selected for the Wind Ensemble or Orchestra will be assigned to the Preparatory Ensemble (Concert Band).
In addition, all students will be evaluated and assigned to a Music Theory class, which is usually Piano/Theory for first-year students. Those who are more advanced in music reading and writing will be placed in a higher-level Theory class. All instrumental music students must take one year of piano. With the exception of String instrumentalists, (Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass), all instrumentalists must successfully complete Intro to Sight Singing. Every year instrumental students take courses in these four areas:
Applied Music: Instrumental Techniques I - IV
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Major Classical Ensemble: Wind Ensemble*/Concert Band (for first-year students)/Guitar Ensemble/Piano Ensemble/Orchestra/String Ensemble**
Music Theory: which can include elements of sight singing***, ear training, harmony, composition, improvisation, and beginning piano.
Small Ensemble: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Percussion, Trombone, etc
*BOLD PRINT INDICATED REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION
YEAR 1
APPLIED INSTRUMENT TECHNIQUE
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PIANO THEORY I
Or as assigned through testing.
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PRIMARY CLASSICAL ENSEMBLES I
(Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble), primary or secondary instrument.
Piano or Guitar Ensemble is required for all piano and guitar instrumentalists who are not selected for a primary ensemble.
Radical Elite is a requirement for all Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Students.
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SIGHT SINGING I
(Except Strings who are required to take String Ensemble as a secondary ensemble, not including Guitar) Secondary Ensemble 1 -could be an additional primary ensemble or (i.e. Flute ensemble, Clarinet ensemble, etc..)
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YEAR 2
APPLIED INSTRUMENT TECHNIQUE II
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THEORY II/ENSEMBLE
(Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String) or as assigned through testing. If the student tests out of this course an elective course will be assigned. Piano/Guitar Majors will be assigned to fulfill Theory 2 in Percussion Ensemble/Theory 2
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PRIMARY CLASSICAL ENSEMBLES II
(Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble) primary or secondary instrument. Piano or Guitar Ensemble is required for all piano and guitar instrumentalists who are not selected for a primary ensemble. Radical Elite is a requirement for all Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Students
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SECONDARY
ENSEMBLE II
Could be an additional primary ensemble or (i.e. Flute ensemble, Clarinet ensemble, etc.) String Ensemble is required secondary ensemble for all string instruments except Guitar.
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YEAR 3
APPLIED INSTRUMENT TECHNIQUE III
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THEORY III, AP THEORY
(Must have successfully completed Theory 3 and pass proficiency exam), Composition (elective course must have successfully completed Theory III) Jazz Combo 1 (Audition). Conducting (Audition)
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PRIMARY CLASSICAL ENSEMBLES III
(Orchestra, Wind Ensemble) primary or secondary instrument. Piano or Guitar Ensemble is required for all piano and guitar instrumentalists who are not selected for a primary ensemble. Radical Elite is a requirement for all Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Students
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SECONDARY
ENSEMBLE III
(Could be an additional primary ensemble or (i.e. Flute ensemble, Clarinet ensemble, etc.) String Ensemble is required secondary ensemble for all string instruments except Guitar.)
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YEAR 4
APPLIED INSTRUMENT TECHNIQUE IV
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AP THEORY
COMPOSITIONS
Elective course must have successfully completed Theory III), Jazz Combo 2 (Audition). Conducting (Audition)
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PRIMARY CLASSICAL ENSEMBLES IV
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble) primary or secondary instrument. Piano Ensemble is required for all piano or guitar instrumentalists who are not selected for a primary ensemble. Radical Elite is a requirement for all Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Students
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SECONDARY
ENSEMBLE IV
Could be an additional primary ensemble or (i.e. Flute ensemble, Clarinet ensemble, etc.) String Ensemble is required secondary ensemble for all string instruments except Guitar.
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