This course is open to musicians of all levels interested in developing their skills in music creation using the computer. Students will primarily use Soundtrap and Logic for Digital Audio Workstations, and MIDI keyboards. In addition to creating original compositions using software instruments, samples, and audio effects, students have the opportunity to program virtual analog synthesizers, develop their keyboard skills, and create covers of their favorite songs. Students do not need to understand how to read music notation or play an instrument to be successful in this class. 

Available Levels: I, II, III

OFFERED: Winter, Spring

This is a trimester-long course open to all students who want to learn or review the fundamentals of guitar playing. Students will learn how to play chord progressions from popular songs, and explore the basics of harmony and structure present in contemporary music. Students will have the option to explore ukulele, and electric bass in this class. 

Available Levels: I, II

OFFERED: Fall

This is a trimester-long course open to all students who want to learn the fundamentals of modern keyboard playing. Working in our new keyboard lab, students will learn how to play chord progressions from popular songs. Students will explore the basics of harmony and structure present in contemporary music and be able to create arrangements individually and collaboratively that incorporate melody, chordal harmony and bass lines. 

Available Levels: I, II

OFFERED:  Spring

This rock band style class for instrumentalists and vocalists meets for one trimester and plays repertoire from genres including blues, country/folk, R&B/soul, pop, and rock. Students should come to this ensemble having achieved some level of proficiency on their primary instrument (all instruments are welcome), and be serious about improving their skills in the context of a performing group. Students will develop the tools and techniques required of modern musicians, including creating their own chord charts and lead sheets, learning material by ear, arranging, ensemble playing, songwriting, and improvisation. With the exception of drummers and pianists, students are expected to bring their own instrument. The philosophy of this ensemble emphasizes teamwork and playing with clarity and intent over individual virtuosic display.
OFFERED: Winter 
Available Levels: I, II, III, IV

Modern Music Studio is a class that is open to all students including instrumentalists, vocalists, and those who have an interest in electronic music and music production. Students in Modern Music Studio will work individually, in small groups, and as a collective to build their skills as music creators, producers, and performers. Students will develop their ideas in a project-based environment that encourages experimentation and innovation at every stage of the creative process. 

OFFERED: Spring
Available Levels: I, II

Throughout history and across the world music has been a driving force for social change and awareness. In this class we will explore how songs from musicians in folk music, rhythm and blues, rock, and hip hop have become anthems for social justice. Through a deep dive into ethnomusicology we will work towards understanding the role of music across cultures and how it has been a driving force in pushing forward social justice here in the United States and across the world.
OFFERED: Winter

This course is open to students who are already proficient on an instrument. Students will study and perform folk, Celtic, classical, and contemporary music. Emphasis will be placed on ensemble skills and musical interpretation, and the participants will study elements of music theory and history relative to the pieces they perform. The class may perform off-campus at assisted living facilities in the community and perform on campus at special events during the year. Students will also perform at the December and May school concerts. Any student who intends to audition for the Maine District I Music Festival or The Maine Allstate music festival ensembles must let the instructor know within the first two weeks of school and must be enrolled in a performing ensemble to audition.

This Pinnacle* course is to award credit to our serious music students who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the ensemble of their choice. This higher-level ensemble seeks to develop and enrich a student’s performance capabilities, music perceptivity, artistic sensitivity, and overall musicianship. Pinnacle courses are offered simultaneously with their non-pinnacle counterpart.

Prerequisite: 3 subsequent years of the same performing group, demonstrated readiness, and instructor approval
Open to Grade 12 Only