Welcome to the Chorus and General Music Page here at The Academy. My name is Beth Brooks and I am excited about the 2023-2024 school year! With an extensive background as a professional performer, as well as over 20 years of experience teaching music literacy, vocal pedagogy, and beginning piano and ukulele, I strive to expand my students’ musical experiences while building their confidence, their communication skills, and their appreciation for the arts. Each grade level course that I teach has been tailored to do just that.
6th Grade
General Music - Students receive an introduction to some of the basic fundamentals in music literacy, as well as beginner ukulele and piano techniques. (9-weeks course)
Semester Chorus - Students begin to build a solid foundation in note reading and vocal pedagogy while exploring a wide variety of culturally diverse choral literature. (Semester course)
7th Grade
General Music 1 - Students learn and explore music literacy fundamentals such as music vocabulary, note reading, and composition. They will also be given opportunities to experience improvisation and performance in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere within the classroom. (Semester course)
Spring Chorus - Students learn sight-reading skills and choral singing techniques through a wide variety of culturally diverse choral literature. This class is for those students that enjoy singing without the pressure of competing in festivals. Students should expect to participate in an informal showcase at the end of each 9 weeks. (Semester course)
Academy Chorus - Students that love to sing will enjoy being Chorus Majors in our 7th grade Visual and Performing Arts Company. These students focus on vocal pedagogy, sight-reading skills, and choral singing techniques through a wide variety of high quality, culturally diverse choral literature. This class is for dedicated singers that are expected to perform for various events/occasions throughout the year, as well as compete in annual music festivals in the spring. (Year-long course)
8th Grade
General Music 1 - This course is for those students that did not take General Music 1 in 7th grade. Students learn and explore music literacy fundamentals such as music vocabulary, note reading, and composition. They are also given opportunities to experience improvisation and performance in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere within the classroom. (Spring semester course)
Spring Chorus - Students learn sight-reading skills and choral singing techniques through a wide variety of culturally diverse choral literature. This class is for those students that enjoy singing without the pressure of competing in festivals. Students should expect to participate in an informal showcase at the end of each 9 weeks. (Semester course)
Academy Chorus - Students must audition to be a Chorus Major in our 8th grade Visual and Performing Arts Company. These students continue to focus and improve on vocal pedagogy, sight-reading skills, and choral singing techniques through a wide variety of high quality, culturally diverse choral literature. This class is for dedicated singers that are expected to perform for various events/occasions throughout the year, as well as compete in annual music festivals in the spring. (Year-long course)
