Performing Arts - The Gunston School
Source: http://www.gunston.org/arts/performing-arts
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:25
Performing Arts - The Gunston School
Performing Arts
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
As part of their introduction to Gunston’s program, ninth grade students engage in short courses in Art, Technology, Music, and Wellness.
The Introduction to Music
component familiarizes students with the basic concepts, historical eras, and vocabulary in the major field of music. Instruction focuses on fundamental elements of music and notation, critical listening, and historical/cultural influences. Students have opportunities to try their hand at the piano, the guitar, and music composition, to help determine their course selections for the coming years.
Once completing Introduction to Music in the ninth grade, students have the opportunity to enroll in the following elective courses:
Guitar Lab
Guitar Lab is a dynamic, hands-on course designed for students at any level of guitar ability, from beginners to advanced players. In this class, students will explore various musical styles, learn essential techniques, and develop their own unique sound. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine your skills, this course offers personalized instruction and collaborative opportunities to play and create music. Through practice, performance, and creative projects, students will build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the guitar and its role in music.
Piano Lab
Piano Lab is an inclusive and engaging course designed for students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced pianists. In this class, students will explore a wide range of musical genres while learning fundamental piano techniques and music theory. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your playing abilities, this course provides individualized instruction and opportunities to perform and create music. Students will work on solo and ensemble pieces, develop their ear training, and build confidence in their musical expression.
Intro to Music Theory
Introduction to Music Theory is a foundational course designed for students interested in understanding the building blocks of music. This class covers the essential elements of music, including notation, scales, intervals, chords, and rhythm. Students will learn to analyze and compose music, gaining insights into the structure and language of various musical styles. Through engaging lessons, practical exercises, and listening activities, students will develop the skills needed to read, write, and appreciate music on a deeper level. Whether you're a performer, composer, or simply a music enthusiast, this course provides the tools to enhance your musical knowledge and creativity.
Contemporary Ensemble
Contemporary Ensemble is a performance-based course designed for students who are proficient on a musical instrument and eager to collaborate in creating dynamic ensemble music. This class adapts to the unique instrumentation of the students enrolled, allowing for a diverse and creative approach to ensemble work. Students will explore various contemporary music styles, arrange pieces, and compose original works, all while honing their skills in a collaborative setting. Whether you play strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, or any other instrument, this course offers an opportunity to contribute to a unique ensemble sound. Contemporary Ensemble is ideal for students who enjoy teamwork, creativity, and performance in a group setting.
Intro to the Music Industry through Songwriting
Introduction to the Music Industry through Songwriting is an innovative course that combines creative expression with practical knowledge of the music industry. Students will explore various career paths in music, including songwriting, production, management, and more, by engaging in hands-on songwriting projects. Through composing original songs, students will learn about copyright, music publishing, marketing, and the business side of music. This course offers a unique opportunity to understand the industry from the inside out, while developing songwriting skills and exploring the many ways music can become a professional career. Perfect for aspiring musicians, producers, or anyone interested in the business of music, this class provides a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant world of the music industry.
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Performing Arts
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
As part of their introduction to Gunston’s program, ninth grade students engage in short courses in Art, Technology, Music, and Wellness.
The Introduction to Music
component familiarizes students with the basic concepts, historical eras, and vocabulary in the major field of music. Instruction focuses on fundamental elements of music and notation, critical listening, and historical/cultural influences. Students have opportunities to try their hand at the piano, the guitar, and music composition, to help determine their course selections for the coming years.
Once completing Introduction to Music in the ninth grade, students have the opportunity to enroll in the following elective courses:
Guitar Lab
Guitar Lab is a dynamic, hands-on course designed for students at any level of guitar ability, from beginners to advanced players. In this class, students will explore various musical styles, learn essential techniques, and develop their own unique sound. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine your skills, this course offers personalized instruction and collaborative opportunities to play and create music. Through practice, performance, and creative projects, students will build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the guitar and its role in music.
Piano Lab
Piano Lab is an inclusive and engaging course designed for students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced pianists. In this class, students will explore a wide range of musical genres while learning fundamental piano techniques and music theory. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your playing abilities, this course provides individualized instruction and opportunities to perform and create music. Students will work on solo and ensemble pieces, develop their ear training, and build confidence in their musical expression.
Intro to Music Theory
Introduction to Music Theory is a foundational course designed for students interested in understanding the building blocks of music. This class covers the essential elements of music, including notation, scales, intervals, chords, and rhythm. Students will learn to analyze and compose music, gaining insights into the structure and language of various musical styles. Through engaging lessons, practical exercises, and listening activities, students will develop the skills needed to read, write, and appreciate music on a deeper level. Whether you're a performer, composer, or simply a music enthusiast, this course provides the tools to enhance your musical knowledge and creativity.
Contemporary Ensemble
Contemporary Ensemble is a performance-based course designed for students who are proficient on a musical instrument and eager to collaborate in creating dynamic ensemble music. This class adapts to the unique instrumentation of the students enrolled, allowing for a diverse and creative approach to ensemble work. Students will explore various contemporary music styles, arrange pieces, and compose original works, all while honing their skills in a collaborative setting. Whether you play strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, or any other instrument, this course offers an opportunity to contribute to a unique ensemble sound. Contemporary Ensemble is ideal for students who enjoy teamwork, creativity, and performance in a group setting.
Intro to the Music Industry through Songwriting
Introduction to the Music Industry through Songwriting is an innovative course that combines creative expression with practical knowledge of the music industry. Students will explore various career paths in music, including songwriting, production, management, and more, by engaging in hands-on songwriting projects. Through composing original songs, students will learn about copyright, music publishing, marketing, and the business side of music. This course offers a unique opportunity to understand the industry from the inside out, while developing songwriting skills and exploring the many ways music can become a professional career. Perfect for aspiring musicians, producers, or anyone interested in the business of music, this class provides a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant world of the music industry.
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