The Music Department is dedicated to developing an understanding of music, both as an art form and as a valued part of our society and culture. The department provides for all levels of musicians and believes that students should experience music through participation. Music enhances emotional, social, psychomotor, and psychological skills and, through performance, develops self-discipline, confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The music program at Walker's is rich with opportunities for our students to learn and express themselves.
Courses in this department:
Required in Grades 6-8
Includes singing and choral activities, folk dancing, rhythm training, music theory, musical theatre/theatre exercises, sight singing, and audition preparation. There is continued emphasis on listening and skill development as well as music appreciation.
Required for all students in Grades 6-8
All Middle School students participate in this choral group, which performs in the Holiday and Spring Concerts as well as all-school chapels.
Open to Grades: 6-8, without audition
This ensemble is for Middle School students who are interested in preparing and performing orchestral music. The Middle School Orchestra rehearses after school on Mondays and performs at Middle School concerts. This experience will prepare the musician for the Upper School Orchestra.
Open to Grades: 9-12, open without audition
Credit: 1
A full Arts credit is given for this course; it will fulfill the graduation requirement but is not figured into GPA. Choir is a full–year course and the group performs regularly at many school functions and presents two major choral concerts.
Open to Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1
A two–semester course that can be taken as a lesson or a credited course. The course is taught at the level of the student and progresses according to her capacity. It presents the basics of music theory, dictation and notation, and ear training. The advanced student may study composition and musical analysis.
Open to Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1
Credit is given to students who wish to take two private lessons a week or two music disciplines, not including Choir. A half credit is given along with grades and comments for each semester. Music Majors are expected to perform during the school year.
Grades 6-12, additional fee
Extra-curricular Activity
Private lessons, as well as ensemble and duet lessons, are offered on many instruments. Group lessons create chamber groups that perform regularly on campus. There are many recitals and chapels that involve the Music Program, and public performance in these events is encouraged.
Financial Commitment: Private lessons are billed through the Business Office. Please refer to the booklet that contains all financial agreements and return the completed information form. The Music Instruction Agreement must be returned before lessons can be given to a student.
Open to Grades: 9-12, by audition only
Extra-curricular Activity
The chamber ensembles afford the serious musician the opportunity to perform fine works. Students must be proficient on their instrument and enjoy working in a focused, musical environment. These ensembles are called upon to perform at many functions throughout the school year.
Open to Grades: 7-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
The Gospel Choir is a lively vocal ensemble that incorporates musical styles from the spiritual, blues and gospel genres. This ensemble demands a willingness to participate in the appropriate style that this music commands.
Open to Grades: 9-12, by audition only
Extra-curricular Activity
This vocal ensemble is an a cappella singing group. Only members of the Choir may audition. Singers perform off campus to earn community service credits required for graduation. This ensemble performs music from the folk, pop, jazz and Broadway genres. Auditions take place at the beginning of the school year and include a simple sight-singing exercise, presentation of a piece that best shows the singer's voice and a group piece that determines vocal blend and intonation.
Open to Grades: 9-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
This course provides beginner to intermediate piano students with an opportunity to improve their keyboard skills. The classes allow each student to progress at her own pace. Students are invited to participate in recitals at the end of the year.
Open to Grades: 6-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn and improve vocal technique and to experience a repertoire of various styles. Enrollment in choir is not required. A fine vocal ensemble, Voce Felice, is formed from members of this class. Individual singers have the opportunity to perform as soloists at the close of the year.
Open to Grades: 9-12, without audition
Extra-curricular Activity
The bell choir performs for many events on campus and can be taken as a music discipline for Music Majors. This course teaches a basic understanding of rhythm and note reading and allows students of all levels to perform in an ensemble.
Open to Grades: 9-12
Extra-curricular Activity
Open to instrumentalists who are capable of individual preparation and working toward a standard of musical excellence in a group setting. Rehearsals are not frequent and attendance is crucial. This is a wonderful environment to develop technique and broaden the musical experience.
