VOCAL MUSIC
WELCOME TO THE VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Vocal music students receive vocal training in classical style (four years) and are required to take music theory (Sight singing and music reading and writing, four years), a choir (four years chosen from: Female Ensemble, Male Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Styles, Chamber Singers, Show Choir) and class piano (sometimes combined with music theory). Electives include Opera Workshop, Dance Orientation, Introduction to Acting, Songwriting, Music Composition, Music Technology, Music History, and African-American Music History. Students are required to attend elective classes as chosen or assigned. Students perform occasionally as soloists (as designated by their teachers) on recitals, and if they demonstrate excellence in their semester jury, on Honors Recitals, and prepare a solo recital in the senior year.
A NOTE FROM THE
VOCAL MUSIC CHAIR
Greetings!
It is with humility and honor that I lead and welcome you to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Vocal Music Department. I speak for the vocal music faculty when I say there is no greater joy than teaching, inspiring, and encouraging our young minds to rise to their greatest potential.
We want to nurture our students' inherent gifts and talents and brighten their horizons through education and professional exposure.
However, it is not only our intention to affect our students artistically. We strive to create successful men and women who will positively impact society.
We have an excellent and committed staff whose ultimate goal is to develop musical skills and knowledge and to wholeheartedly support our students' musical journeys while at Ellington.
During students' tenure at Ellington, we work on building a solid foundation in music theory, music history, ear training, sight singing, and vocal technique. We also explore varied musical styles and genres through participation in various vocal ensembles and student recitals.
Again, what an honor it is to have YOU join the ranks of all who have graced the halls of this great institution. We look forward to an exciting year as we chart a new future in academic and artistic excellence.
PATRICK LUNDY
VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT CHAIR
"You can cage the singer, but not the song."
- Harry Belafonte
MISSION STATEMENT
In the Vocal Music Department of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, it is our vision to develop a community of vocal musicians who are talented, passionate, and willing to explore all possibilities of the art of singing and performance.
To that end, our students study the following significant components of technique: breath management, ease and efficiency of tone production, vowel placement, diction across multiple languages, stage deportment, and vocal health. Students become experienced in all aspects of solo performance; this includes stage presence, auditioning, and musical style. Our four core curriculum classes are classical vocal technique, choir, piano music theory, and sight singing.
We focus on holistically training young emerging artists so they may be positive and productive members of society within their communities and worldwide.
STAY IN THE KNOW
VOCAL MUSIC FAQS
UPCOMING EVENTS
INFORMATION ON STUDIO ART FEES
Duke Ellington students are required to pay a yearly activity
fee of $200, which directly benefits the arts department in which they are enrolled. This fee should be paid at the time of registration but can be paid in installments. Money orders and checks should be made payable to DESAP (in the memo portion of the check: Vocal Music Department).
These fees help the vocal department rent production equipment, bring guest artists in for master classes and workshops, costuming, etc.
