Department Head:

Ray Baldwin

General Information:

A wide selection of full year, musical elective choices are offered at Whitman for the beginning to the more advanced student. Traditional choir, band, and orchestra classes are offered as well as a special homeroom for students that qualify through auditioning for the jazz ensemble.

The choir and orchestra classes are instructed by Ms. Megan Cleary.

Choir: Course provides training in two and three part singing using arrangements suitable for adolescent voices. Students receive instruction in vocal techniques, music reading and interpretation and the skills and disciplines of ensemble singing. Students become familiar with basic rehearsal techniques and the etiquette of public performance.

Beginning Orchestra: This course provides training for students interested in learning to play string instruments. It includes bowing, tuning and podium disciplines. No previous experience is required.

Junior Orchestra: Prerequisite-Elementary orchestra or private instruction. Course continues beginning string instruments training. Additional attention given to rhythmic and tonal problems, tuning, podium discipline and bowing.

All band classes are instructed by Mr. Ray Baldwin.

Beginning Band: Provides beginning band training for students who have no previous training or for those who are not sufficiently advanced to participate in Junior or Senior Band. The class includes basic wind and percussion instruction, routine tuning and podium discipline.

Junior Band: Prerequisite-Elementary band or private instruction. Course continues beginning instruments training. Additional attention given to rhythmic and tonal problems, tuning, podium discipline and introduction to styles and periods in music. Simplified arrangements prepared for public performance.

Senior Band: Prerequisite-Permission from Mr. Baldwin. Course continues instrumental training through daily practice and learning new songs. Appropriate arrangements are prepared for public performance.

Jazz Band: This is an extracurriculur group. Students audition for a place in the jazz band. The band practices during homeroom time and after school. The Whitman Jazz band takes a trip to Idaho for the Jazz Festival.

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