Upper School Music
The Philosophy
The mission of the Arts & Design department is to provide high quality mentorship, structure, and space that fosters bold creative expression, discovery, and applied design thinking within the Derryfield student experience.
Concert Choir (F, W, S)
Open to: Grades 9-12
This choral ensemble is for any student who has a desire to sing (no previous experience required). Concert Choir members learn vocal techniques, how to sing in multiple voice parts, healthy singing habits, music reading, and group dynamics. The repertoire is chosen from many different eras and with differing styles from sacred and spiritual text to modern popular or musical theater pieces. There are three required performances (one per term) at our concerts, as well as field trips and smaller performances throughout the year. Students in the class will also have the opportunity to audition for the NH All-State Chorus, and all students will participate in the All New England Choral Festival at Plymouth State University in November. Instrumental Ensemble and Concert Choir meet during the same block. Students may enroll in this course multiple times over their time at Derryfield with permission of the instructor.
Instrumental Ensemble (F, W, S)
Open to: Grades 9-12
This course is designed to improve your skill as an ensemble and solo performer. Students will have lessons emphasizing music literature from various periods of history. The ultimate goal of the ensemble course is for all students to perform at a high level while being exposed to a variety of musical literature. The course is designed to be flexible with the opportunity for student-driven small group ensembles. Through mentorship, leadership, and musicianship, this community grows together and prepares music for All School Assemblies, talent shows, school concerts, and other on and off-campus activities. Individual attention will be given to students in preparation for music festivals, solo, and small ensemble performances. This course is open to anyone with two or more years of experience on their instrument, or with the approval of the instructor. Instrumental Ensemble and Concert Choir meet during the same block. Students may enroll in this course multiple times over their time at Derryfield with permission of the instructor.
Instrumental Composition Honors (F, W, S)
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: By audition with the ensemble director. Students must be enrolled in Instrumental Ensemble.
Taught concurrently with Instrumental Ensemble, students enrolled will be expected to create warm up routines for the regular ensemble and to lead these routines. These students will be assigned as section leaders and lead sectional rehearsals. They will be expected to create original compositions and/or musical arrangements appropriate for the full ensemble, or as a collaboration with their fellow honors students in a separate ensemble. Students are required to keep a practice log and to commit to 90 minutes of personal practice time per week. Students may enroll in this course multiple times over their time at Derryfield with permission of the instructor.
Concert Choir/Instrumental Ensemble Combined (F, W, S)
Open to: Grades 9-12
The Combined Concert Choir/Instrumental Ensemble program allows ninth through twelfth grade students, beginner through advanced, to all meet during the same period, and learn about and make music together. Throughout the week, there are large ensemble rehearsals, small group coaching sessions, and the opportunity for student driven small group ensembles. Through mentorship, leadership, and musicianship, this community grows together and prepares music for All School Assemblies, talent shows, concerts in the winter and spring, and other on and off campus activities. US Instrumental Ensemble and Concert Choir meet during the same block. Students may enroll in this course multiple times over their time at Derryfield with permission of the instructor.
