Director's Page
Jason Rose
Syllabus Available for Download
September 2011
| syllabus_11-12.pdf |
Hello, all!
I've been asked to write a little something concerning the focus and vision of the music department here at Richland High.
The most important thing to realize when thinking about the shape of the program is that there is a central focus, with "extra" groups which extend out from that focus. The focus of what we do at RHS are the concert groups. These are the Concert Band, the Wind Ensemble, The String Orchestra, the Concert Choir, the Chamber Choir, and the Treble Choir. You'll notice that left off that list are jazz groups and the marching band.
The reason we focus on those groups is that those groups are where we teach the basics of our instruments, whether that be percussion, violin, or voice. We also learn basic group concepts such as intonation, dynamics, balance, blend, and other areas that are needed to perform artistically. These concepts are universal to all types of music, and need to be instilled in all music performers. Without these concepts, other types of music (as well as in these concert groups!) just don't sound they way they should.
The groups outside of the focal area are jazz band, jazz choir, marching band, symphony orchestra, basketball band, the pit for the musical, and percussion ensemble. Some of these are classes, and some are activities. It is important that these groups don't take over the focus of the department, because in those groups we use skills that are being developed in the concert groups and applying those to different styles of music (sometimes varying wildly within even that group).
Just as important as the skills learned in these focal groups is also the fact that these groups are, by their nature, able to include many more students (aside from marching band, of course!). These being in the center of what we do keeps an inclusive environment in the department, which is maybe the most important aspect about music at RHS; the last thing we want to do is have students feel like they aren’t welcome in our music groups.
As we move forward through this year, and different activities in the department are beginning and ending, the students understand that if they are interested in participating in activities other than the focal group, they do indeed need to be enrolled in the classes which are at the center of our department. This will keep our department healthy and growing into the future.
Jason Rose
November, 2009
