MUSIC
12th Grade
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In their senior year, Symphonic Band, Percussion, Viking Orchestra and Viking Choir students will become part of an ensemble of the highest quality musical repertoire. Students will continue with private instruction, as well as performing collegiate level literature in their private lessons, chamber ensembles and musical ensembles. The program is not based on written examination: if you participate in the program, you will be required to submit a portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the school year. This work involves significantly more time and commitment than most high school courses; the program is therefore, intended for students seriously committed to studying music.
Students will take the Collaborative Arts seminar where they will be grouped with other MVP students from different concentrations to produce artifacts that highlight their skills in the specific fields and their ability to collaborate with other artists.
9th & 10th Grade
Freshmen and sophomores will not yet be part of the academy, but they will be working on the content used for entrance into the academy. In 9th grade, students will take Woodwind / Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and/or Bel Canto / Viking Male Chorus/ Guitar to lay groundwork for a focused study in music. Level 1 music students are acquainted with basic vocabulary, music history and theory, instrumental and vocal techniques and basic ensemble skills. Students will perform in 4 -6 concerts and will have opportunities for ensemble participation.
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In 10th grade, students will participate in second level courses where they will develop basic skills into more polished and professional works. In Wind Ensemble, Percussion, Sinfonia Ensemble and Concert Choir, students will use previously learned knowledge to develop their instrumentation and in the larger ensemble. Students will develop chamber music and solo skills and perform a higher level of literature. Students will perform 4 - 6 concerts per year and will have opportunities for ensemble participation. Students will explore career opportunities in the field of music. Students will continue private lesson instruction. At the end of the year, a portfolio review will take place in which the student’s yearly progress will be assessed.
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11th Grade
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In the first year in the MVP program, students will take third level music courses in their chosen music track. Symphonic Band, Symphonic Band Percussion, Viking Orchestra and Viking Choir courses are designed to allow the self-directed serious music student the ability to explore various individual music, chamber and ensemble techniques. Students are required to produce a minimum of five quality recordings per semester. The influence of basic music history, research, critical, and aesthetic issues will be presented to students on a weekly basis. Students will be required to meet all project deadlines, to participate in class critiques and to develop an electric exit portfolio.
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Students in the first year of the academy will enroll in Aesthetics & the Creative Process Across the Arts, an MVP exclusive course. At the end of the year, there will be a portfolio review where the student’s development in music skills, both individual and with an ensemble, will be assessed.
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Extra Curricular Opportunities
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Tri-M (National Music Honor Society) âš« Various school and community sponsored performance opportunities âš« Pit Orchestra âš« Musical Jazz Band âš« Illinois Music Educators Association Festivals âš« Private Instruction âš« Community Music Ensemble Participation âš« Viking Ensemble Participation âš« Symphonic Strings Participation âš« Tri-M Honor Society