Lower School Music

The Lower School music program includes opportunities for singing, playing, listening, critiquing, and performing. In addition to curricular classes, many Lower School boys elect to participate in co curricular opportunities such as the Treble Chorus, Beginning Band and Intermediate Band, and an instrumental lesson program.

In fourth grade, students actively participate in a wide variety of musical experiences. Emphasis is placed on developing proper vocal technique, basic note reading, and keyboard playing. Games promote critical listening and strong note reading skills. Discussions and listening lessons chosen from the works of classical, popular, and non-Western musicians prepare students to apply basic musical terminology and theory to effectively critique and describe music. Music history components focus on the Baroque and Classical eras and representative composers, and non-western music is also introduced. Students prepare for and participate in a final evening choral performance at the end of each semester.

The fifth grade music program utilizes a variety of classical, popular, folk, and non-Western music to build upon skills and knowledge acquired in the fourth-grade. Vocal technique, music reading, listening skills, and critique are reinforced. Boys sing in two- and sometimes three-part harmony. Continued keyboard instruction allows boys to play simple melodies, learn basic chords, and participate in ensemble playing. Music history elements focus on the Baroque and Romantic eras and representative composers. Performance continues to be an important goal of the fifth-grade program. Students participate in an end-of-term evening choral concert.

Middle School Music

Sixth grade music students build upon skills and knowledge acquired in the Lower School program. Composition and music analysis becomes the focus in the Middle School. Note reading skills and principles of form, unity, contrast, and texture are applied through musical composition. Boys create several pieces, both collaboratively and individually, using Sibelius and Garage Band computer software. Boys present these original compositions in class and critique one another’s works, applying proper musical terminology.

Seventh grade music students study multiple genres of music within historical context. The course primarily focuses on the history of western music from the Middle Ages onward, but some nonwestern genres are included in the curriculum. Garage Band and Sibelius composing programs are utilized to demonstrate an understanding of musical texture, orchestration, harmony, and form. Boys create and share individual and collaborative projects, including a harmonization of the famous Pachelbel Canon. 

In addition to the curricular music program, boys may elect to enroll in The Fenn Band, The Fenn Marching Band, jazz ensemble, string ensemble, and on-campus lessons in wind band instruments, percussion, and guitar.

Upper School Music

The Upper School program presents opportunities for composition, instrumental music, and vocal music. Offerings are designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests, abilities, and confidence levels. Admittance into classes is not by audition, but a willingness to take risks and a commitment to improve one’s skills is expected.

Music offerings vary by term, but include Composition, Steel Drums, Rhythm Ensemble, Dance, Introduction to Guitar, and an annual musical. In addition to the curricular music program, boys may elect to enroll in The Fenn Band, The Fenn Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble, and on-campus lessons in wind band instruments, percussion, and guitar.