Music - New York Private School | The Green Vale School

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The Sweet Sound of Teamwork is what parents hear when they attend concerts in Harris Theater.

Beginning in 3rd Grade, all students participate in both chorus and instrumental performances twice a year: just before the winter holidays and late in spring. While the concerts are impressive and festive occasions, the real benefits of music education lie in the daily lessons and rehearsals, the false notes, the gradual coming together of the collective sound when everyone is playing (or singing) their part.

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Chorus

Chorus

Green Vale’s choral program is a fun yet purposeful celebration of music appreciation, self-expression, and teamwork through singing. The power of an individual voice amplified through combination with others, and ultimately the inclusion of an audience, makes for a transcendent shared experience. In conjunction with the broader arts curriculum, Green Vale students see their own capacity to put forth beauty.

From Nursery through 2nd Grade, students attend specialized music classes once or twice weekly. In homeroom-sized groups, we emphasize replication of melodies and coordinating movement with music. Rhythm, ear, and pitch training, and exposure to instrumentation are appropriately introduced in an atmosphere that fosters positive social interactions, enjoyment, and respect for space, equipment and group dynamics.

3rd Grade commences music class as a rehearsal for an eventual performance. Thoughtful song selection allows music literacy, historical and cultural context, and music appreciation to be woven into the program meaningfully. (For example, a jazz piece will dovetail with an English class study of the Harlem Renaissance.)

Green Vale’s institutional commitment to music is evident through the calibre of the departmental faculty as well as the accelerated opportunities seized by our students at a rate that exceeds other schools. Led by Choral Director Jessica Chen (BA Music, Yale University), these include:

NYSSMA* solo festivals
NYSSMA major ensemble competitions
NYSSMA Honor Choir Festival (Carnegie Hall)
Performing the national anthem at Citi Field & Barclay's Center
Music in the Parks (New Jersey)
Green Vale Voices (extracurricular advanced chorus for 5th Grades and up)
ACDA Honors Choir (Albany)
ACDA Regional Honors Choir (Boston)

* New York State School Music Association

Ensemble & String Instruments

Ensemble & String Instruments

At the start of 4th Grade, students choose a string or band instrument with the help of Ensemble Director (and professional musician) Eric Huckins. Excitedly for many, nervously for some, and noisily for all, they embark on a program of small group lessons, full ensemble rehearsals, and strongly encouraged home practice. The music program in younger grades has primed 4th Graders for understanding rhythms and reading music.

The consistent success of the ensemble’s effort and output stem in part from customized arrangements created in-house according to the group’s ability. Students enjoy tackling a range of styles, from Herbie Hancock to Holst’s “The Planets” to rock ballad “The Final Countdown”.

Highly motivated musicians seeking additional challenge and involvement may elect to integrate with members of the music faculty to form a pit band for the annual Middle School play.

7th and 8th Graders choose chorus, instrument, or both. It’s a testament to both the choral and instrumental programs that most students continue with both.

Even if students don’t play an instrument beyond Green Vale, the foundation for understanding and appreciating the skills and nuances required for mastery of various instruments, and how sounds from diverse instruments work together, is indelible. There are also lasting benefits from exposure to practice, performance, and teamwork.

Popular Links

All School Fall Open House

Resource

Popular Links

Chorus

Ensemble & String Instruments