Music

Concert Bands: In sixth grade, students have the opportunity to learn a wind instrument: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or baritone. Seventh- and eighth-grade bands build on the individual and ensemble musicianship skills developed in sixth grade. Band students in all three grades play popular, concert, and folk music as well as other repertoires appropriate for their level of skill. Attention is given to developing musicianship through the study of fundamentals such as proper sound production, articulation, intonation and technique. Scales and technical exercises are important parts of the curriculum; further skills are developed through the playing of different styles and forms of music. Students interested in playing the piano, acoustic guitar, or drums must have private lessons and be able to read music. Seventh- and eighth-grade students interested in starting an instrument should take private lessons in order to participate in their grade-level band. The band concerts in December and May, an integral part of the curriculum, demonstrate the emphasis on the learning process and cumulative nature of the band program at Trevor.

Choruses: The Sixth-, Seventh-, and Eighth-Grade Choruses are open to anyone who loves to sing and is interested in improving his/her singing. Basic vocal techniques, singing in harmony, music reading and artistic expression through singing are emphasized. The choruses sing repertoire ranging from classical to jazz and pop and perform two or three times a year in evening concerts and sometimes at special events, such as singing the National Anthem at Shea Stadium every spring.

Troubadudes: Troubadudes is a singing ensemble for seventh- and eighth-grade boys. Troubadudes sing songs in many styles arranged specifically for boys with changing voices, and they perform in the fall and spring concerts.

Recorder Ensemble/Advanced Recorder Ensemble: The recorder ensembles are open to sixth through eighth graders. Interested students will be placed in one of the ensembles according to their skill level. Recorder Ensemble meets during quiet reading and before school and does not conflict with band or with chorus. An extra class, it provides continuity of study for students who were members of the Elementary School’s Recorder Consort. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance music to jazz.