When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses,
then it has missed the point. ~ Maria Callas~

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are
all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. ~ Billy Joel ~

There is something suspicious about music, gentlemen. I insist that she is, by her nature,
equivocal. I shall not be going too far in saying at once that she is politically suspect.  ~ Thomas Mann ~

Overview

The Ensemble II class provides an opportunity for experienced student musicians to come together and use their musical skills to make music as a group. All players of orchestra and band instruments who have studied and played for at least two years are welcome to participate. They may or may not have experience with a school band or orchestra, but it is necessary that all members of Ensemble II be familiar with the basics of music notation. Familiarity with notated rhythms from whole notes through 16^th-notes is highly recommended, as well as familiarity with the concepts of key signature, meter signature and major- and minor-scales. Through exercises in class we will work to strengthen our abilities to read music. We will work with high quality musical literature which is drawn from traditional classical sources as well as 20th-century and contemporary compositions.

All members of Ensemble II are strongly encouraged to study their instrument with an outside teacher.

I believe we all want to make the best music we can make and to have fun in the process. So please be assured that the following expectations for Ensemble II are designed to maximize the quality of the work and to ensure that Ensemble II is a pleasurable and rewarding experience for all of us.
 

Expectations

• The full ensemble meets twice a week: 8th period on Tuesday and 7th period on Friday. Ensemble I and II combine for a rehearsal on Tuesday 9th period.

• Ensemble members are expected to arrive to class on time and should be completely prepared to begin rehearsal no later than 3 minutes after the start of class.  This means:

• Instruments are assembled
• Brass and woodwind players are blowing warm air into their horns, buzzing mouthpieces, etc. to prepare for tuning
• Strings replaced, bows rosined if necessary
• Percussion players have assembled all necessary equipment

• In order to meet our responsibilities to each other and to the composers whose work we are interpreting, ensemble students are expected to practice at least 90 minutes a week. A weekly practice record detailing the student’s practice time for the week must be signed by both the student and a parent, and returned every other Monday. The first practice record is due September 15.

• There are three concerts scheduled for this year. All ensemble members are expected to play in these concerts.

Ensemble students do not receive a letter grade, but will be given a credit/no credit assessment.

Credit for the class is earned by:

- class participation

- concert performances (near the end of each trimester)

- weekly practice records signed and turned in