Music

List of 21 frequently asked questions.

• AP Music Theory 

  The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music as both a performer and listener. The curriculum to achieve these goals will involve understanding the fundamentals of aural and analysis using listening, written, and/or performance exercises. A prerequisite for the AP level class is successful completion of the Music Theory course and/or approval of the Director of Music. Any student who is enrolled in either level of Music Theory must be enrolled in an ensemble (i.e. Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Guitar).

• Music Theory 

  This course will concentrate on laying foundations in music theory, history, score reading, and aural skills. Classwork will include learning the fundamentals of score analysis, listening comprehension, and the ability to discuss musical works and basic music theory. Successful completion of this course will make a student eligible to take AP Music Theory the following year. Any student who is enrolled in either level of Music Theory must be enrolled in an ensemble (i.e. Band, Orchestra, Chorus or Guitar)

• Jazz Band I

  This group is dedicated to performing Jazz Standards of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Students will learn to develop an appreciation of Jazz music. Students will learn to read and understand more advanced elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, chordal structure, improvisation, and tempo. This group performs the highest level of music and is by audition only. This group is involved in the community doing outreach at nursing homes, community events, and school functions.

• Jazz Band II

  This group is for the aspiring Jazz musician. Students will learn to develop an appreciation of Jazz music. Students will learn to read and understand basic elements of Jazz music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, chordal structure, improvisation, and tempo. This group also is dedicated to performing Jazz Standards of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Students in this group are being trained to audition for Jazz Band I.

• Select Band 

  This group is our highest level group and is committed to performing our most challenging band repertoire. Students will learn to play and understand large ensemble skills and literacy as well as learn elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo. This group does community outreach at local events in the greater New York area.

• Concert Band 

  This is our largest group which is made up of intermediate-level musicians who are fine-tuning their musical skills. Students will learn to read more advanced elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo. Students will learn to play and understand large ensemble skills and literacy. Some experience is needed to be accepted into the group.

• Symphonic Band 

  This is our beginning level band. The group is open to any student who has a desire to learn a band instrument. Students will learn to handle their given instrument, care for the instrument, read basic elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo. This course is only offered to incoming freshmen but can accept upperclassmen if it can fit their individual school schedules. Students who show ability will be moved to more challenging, higher-level performing groups as per the music directors’ recommendation at regular intervals throughout the school year.

• Repertory Band 

  This group is made up of beginning to intermediate-level musicians who are fine-tuning their musical skills. Students will advance their learning of reading basic elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo. Some experience is needed to be accepted into the group.

• Pep Band 

  This group is open to any interested student who performs at the Concert Band level or above. This group performs at school sports events throughout the year.

• Drum Line 

  This group is open to any students enrolled in Xaverian. This group has a beginning and advanced component. Students learn the rudiments of drumming applicable to a marching drumline. The students perform at various times throughout the year. Biannual concerts, performance exams, and mandatory performances are part of the learning process.

• Beginning Orchestra 

  In this group, students will learn to develop an appreciation of music, build skills for efficient practicing and playing of their instrument, follow a conductor, and increase music literacy - including music reading, understanding musical terms, and collaborating with other members of the music ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on exposing each student to a variety of performing experiences and music.

• Concert Orchestra

  In this group, students will learn to develop an appreciation of music, build skills for efficient practicing, follow a conductor, and increase music literacy - including music reading, recognizing articulations, and musical styles, and understanding musical terms. Emphasis will be placed on exposing each student to a variety of performing experiences and music. This group plays an intermediate-level repertoire.

• Select Orchestra 

  In this group, students will learn to develop an appreciation of music, build skills for efficient practicing, follow a conductor, and increase music literacy - including music reading, recognizing articulations and musical styles, and understanding musical terms. Emphasis will be placed on exposing each student to a variety of performing experiences and music. This group will play the most challenging repertoire of all Xaverian Orchestras.

• Harp Ensemble 

  Students in the Harp Ensemble learn to play the harp through exploration of musical literature, technical studies, and the experience of playing as a team. Harp Ensemble provides an outlet for creativity, personal expression, and artistic drive. It also offers students lessons in discipline, structure, cooperation, leadership, and rehearsal/performance etiquette. A variety of styles of music are covered, including classical and pop, with an emphasis on Celtic folk music.

• Chorus 

  The Chorus is a large, multi stylistic vocal performance group for students in grades 9 through 12. Students are separated into voice classifications (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc.). While the priority of the course is to prepare the group for performance, the overall goal is to develop students’ singing voices, musicianship, and knowledge of their vocal instruments. Ear training and sight singing also form a core component of the course. Through the study of choral music, students will gain literacy of musical form and patterns. This knowledge directly affects the development of their “ear” which is the ability to know how music sounds just by looking at the printed score. Students are expected to have a thorough understanding of note reading and basic music literacy after completing one year of the course.

• Beginning Guitar 

  In this group, students will learn the basic elements of playing guitar and playing in an ensemble. Topics included are how to hold the guitar, proper playing technique, how to tune the guitar, care for the instrument, read music in standard notation and TAB, read chord diagrams, lead sheet chord symbols, and scales. Students learn to read basic elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo at a beginner level. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. Students explore topics through individual and collective perspectives and are required to perform in the Mid-Year Concert.

• Intermediate Guitar 

  In this group, students are expected to have a basic understanding of how to read music in standard notation and TAB, chord diagrams, chord symbols, and scales, and basic elements of music. Students will gain a better understanding of how to play in an ensemble through intermediate-level pieces and exercises. Students will learn fingerpicking, moveable triad shapes, seventh chords, barre chords, and arpeggios. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. Students explore topics through individual and collective perspectives. Students are required to perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.

• Advanced Guitar 

   Students are expected to have a thorough understanding of how to read music in standard notation and TAB, chord diagrams, chord symbols, and scales, and basic elements of music. Students will gain a better understanding of how to play in an ensemble through advanced level pieces and exercises. Genres covered will range from rock, classical, contemporary, pop, fingerpicking, and more. Students will become fluent in using moveable triad shapes, seventh chords, barre chords, and arpeggios. Students will be guided in becoming independent learners and players. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. We will explore topics through individual and collective perspectives. Students are required to perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.

• Beginning Guitar Ensemble 

  Students learn the basic elements of playing guitar and playing in an ensemble. Topics included are how to hold the guitar, proper playing technique, how to tune the guitar, care for the instrument, read music in standard notation and TAB, read chord diagrams, lead sheet chord symbols, and scales. We will learn to read basic elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulation, and tempo at a beginner level. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. We will explore topics through individual and collective perspectives. Students are required to perform in the Mid-Year Concert.

• Intermediate Guitar Ensemble 

  Students are expected to have a basic understanding of how to read music in standard notation and TAB, chord diagrams, chord symbols, and scales, and basic elements of music. Students will gain a better understanding of how to play in an ensemble through intermediate-level pieces and exercises. Students will learn fingerpicking, moveable triad shapes, seventh chords, barre chords, and arpeggios. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. We will explore topics through individual and collective perspectives. Students are required to perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.

• Advanced Guitar Ensemble 

  Students are expected to have a thorough understanding of how to read music in standard notation and TAB, chord diagrams, chord symbols, and scales, and basic elements of music. Students will gain a better understanding of how to play in an ensemble through advanced level pieces and exercises. Genres covered will range from rock, classical, contemporary, pop, fingerpicking, and more. Students will become fluent in using moveable triad shapes, seventh chords, barre chords, and arpeggios. Students will be guided in becoming independent learners and players. All students will be required to record their playing using an app such as GarageBand or BandLab. The ensemble will explore topics through individual and collective perspectives. Students are required to perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.