Music - Nansemond-Suffolk Academy | Private School

Lower School

In Lower School, music is used in the classroom as a tool for teaching a variety of concepts and to introduce and develop the simple joy of listening to music and making music collaboratively. Beginning in pre-kindergarten, students attend music classes where they develop singing skills, play instruments and learn musical concepts, including melody, harmony, rhythm, form and musical expression. Students share what they have learned through formal and informal performances throughout the year. After-school clubs provide students with additional opportunities to explore their interests and build upon the skills taught in the classroom.

Middle School

Exploration continues in the Middle School, where students have the opportunity to discover their interests and passions in the visual and performing arts. In the sixth grade, students participate in a yearlong exploratory course where they spend each trimester studying art, band or chorus. In the seventh and eighth grade, they are able to choose a yearlong course in their area of interest.

Sixth Grade Beginning Band

In this nine-week beginning band course, students begin receiving instruction on a wind or percussion instrument of their choice with guidance from the teacher prior to enrollment in the course. In the beginning stages, students learn how to properly assemble and care for the instrument. Students will learn how to read, interpret and perform musical notation. A significant emphasis in this course is the foundation of learning how to play a wind or percussion instrument and then how that translates into being a part of an ensemble. Music theory and music history are also actively incorporated in the classroom instruction. Students perform in three concerts and participate in the adjudication trip in the spring.

Seventh Grade Intermediate Band

This course allows for Middle School band students to continue their study of band literature with the emphasis on the continual development of skills. Throughout rehearsals, the students are instructed in proper methods of performance, musicianship and self-discipline. Music theory and music history are incorporated in the classroom instruction. Students perform in three concerts and participate in the adjudication trip in the spring. In addition, seventh grade students may participate in Jazz Band.

Upper School Band (Grades 8-12)

This course is designed to expose students to a wider range of musical experiences and literature from previous experiences in the Middle School Intermediate Band. These experiences aim to prepare students for a deeper appreciation of and ability to participate in musical experiences in college and beyond. Students will learn advanced concepts in music theory, musical literacy, critical listening and ear training and gain an appreciation for musical aesthetics regarding wind ensemble literature and various performance styles. Concert Band students are required to perform in the Marching Band as part of their curricula. Additional opportunities to perform are given to Upper School Band students in groups such as Upper School Jazz Band as well as small student-led chamber ensembles, which are available upon interest. Skills and concepts learned in the various performing ensembles are showcased in multiple performances throughout the year.

Chorus

Beginning Choral Music is designed as an introduction to vocal production, music fundamentals and music appreciation. Students will experience opportunities to sing for personal enjoyment and to perform a variety of choral literature through which knowledge of form and historical context is acquired. One of the goals of instruction is the development of fundamental vocal technique including proper posture, breathing, diction, a free and clear tone, accurate intonation and singing in unison and harmony. Basic music reading skills are encouraged through theory and sight singing, enhancing the student’s ability to understand the mechanics of a music score. Students will also learn to demonstrate the expressive qualities of music, to evaluate music performances and to contribute to the quality of the ensemble.

Marching Saints performing at a football game

Upper School

The Upper School offers students many opportunities for enrichment through learning and performing music. There are two sections of chorus, the Intermediate Chorus, known as NoteWorthy, for all aspiring choral students, and the Advanced Chorus, known as VocalPoint, an auditioned group of sophomores through seniors. The students excel in all styles of music, participate in District Chorus and Honors Choir Auditions and perform throughout the Hampton Roads area.

In the Upper School Band Program, students are immersed in a musical experience that expands beyond the classroom setting. They are exposed to diverse musical experiences and literature aimed to prepare them for a deeper appreciation of and ability to participate in musical experiences in college and beyond. Students learn advanced concepts in music theory, musical literacy, critical listening, ear training, and gain an appreciation for musical aesthetics in regards to wind ensemble literature and various performance styles. All students in the Upper School Band also perform in the Marching Band, the Marching Saints, as part of their curricula. The Marching Saints perform at football games as well as in the community by participating in local parades. They are the only independent marching band in the area and foster school spirit and a special musical community for the students involved.

Additional opportunities to perform are offered to Upper School Band students in the form of extracurricular groups, such as the Upper School Jazz Ensemble, as well as small student-led chamber ensembles, which are available upon interest. These chamber groups can include, but are not limited to: flute choir, brass ensemble, jazz combo and percussion ensemble. Skills and concepts learned in the various performing ensembles are showcased in multiple performances throughout the year.

Upper School Band (Grades 8-12)

This course is designed to expose students to a wider range of musical experiences and literature from previous experiences in the Middle School Intermediate Band. These experiences aim to prepare students for a deeper appreciation of and ability to participate in musical experiences in college and beyond. Students will learn advanced concepts in music theory, musical literacy, critical listening and ear training and gain an appreciation for musical aesthetics regarding wind ensemble literature and various performance styles. Concert Band students are required to perform in the Marching Band as part of their curricula. Additional opportunities to perform are given to Upper School Band students in groups such as Upper School Jazz Band as well as small student-led chamber ensembles, which are available upon interest. Skills and concepts learned in the various performing ensembles are showcased in multiple performances throughout the year.

Year-long course
Prerequisite: Participation in Middle School Band, Prior instrumental experience, or approval from the instructor

Intermediate Choral Music: NoteWorthy

Intermediate Choral Music is designed as a study in vocal production, music fundamentals and music appreciation. Students will experience opportunities to sing for personal enjoyment and to perform a variety of choral literature through which knowledge of form and historical context is acquired. One of the goals of instruction is the development of correct vocal technique including proper posture, breathing, diction, a free and clear tone, accurate intonation, and singing in unison and harmony. Music reading skills are encouraged through theory and sight singing, enhancing the student’s ability to understand the mechanics of a music score. Students will also learn to demonstrate the expressive qualities of music, to evaluate music performances and to contribute to the quality of the ensemble. Students participate in extended school day rehearsals, performances and activities that support and extend learning in the classroom.

Year-long course

Advanced Choral Music: VocalPoint

Advanced Choral Music is designed as a study in vocal production, music fundamentals and music appreciation. Auditioned students will experience opportunities to sing for personal enjoyment and to perform a variety of choral literature through which knowledge of form and historical context is acquired. Instruction encourages the development of proficiency in ensemble singing and competency in individual performance. Music reading skills are encouraged through increased levels of difficulty of theory and sight singing. Students will also learn to demonstrate refined expressive qualities of music, to evaluate more complex music performances and to contribute to the quality of the ensemble. Students participate in extended school day rehearsals, performances and activities that support and extend learning in the classroom.

Year-long course
Prerequisite: Audition with teacher

Music Theory

Band parents association (BPA)

Parents are encouraged to join the Band Parents Association, a dedicated group of band parents who are responsible for coordinating all volunteer opportunities, including the concession stand at home football games, the Spirit Shop and other fundraising events throughout the year. The BPA also coordinates chaperones for trips and provides hospitality at concerts and events.

Band students in New York City on their annual trip

Beyond the Classroom

The Upper School Band travels domestically each year to perform, participate in clinics led by professional conductors and musicians, and participate in adjudications. Upper school music and theatre students also take an annual trip to showcase their talents and attend a professional theatrical performance. These experiences help the students grow as artists, learn valuable life lessons and grow in their connections with others.

Competitions and performances

Parents, family and friends are invited to attend performances throughout the year that build our students' confidence as artists and showcase their talents. Middle and upper school students audition for All-District and All-Virginia Band and Chorus and place competitively each year. Performances in the greater community foster school spirit and serve as another outlet for our students to give back to our community.