Music

Form IV Music Survey

The purpose of the Music Program is to help each boy discover and develop his natural love of music.

The Form IV Music Survey course is a required one-trimester course that covers Western European music from Gregorian Chant in the Middle Ages to the atonal and serial compositions of the twentieth century. Aspects of musical form, compositional qualities, and cultural influences are explored. Students complete weekly homework assignments, covering the material to be discussed the following week. This information is further elaborated upon through class lectures and guided listening activities (a CD set is given to each boy), and a weekly test culminates the investigation of that week’s material.

Form IV Computer Composition

The third trimester elective for Form IV Music is a computer composition class using the sequencing program LogicExpress. Using this software allows the boys to download from the Web music stored in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files. The boys then manipulate these music files to create their own compositions based on the sound bytes contained in the particular MIDI file. The software also has a notation feature that gives the option of composing original music by “dragging” notes to an empty score. Students are required to compose a work in Rondo form containing sources with contrasting stylistic features. See our page at the Browning Web site (www.browning.edu) to hear our music!

Forms V-VI: African Drumming

The African Drumming course is a half-credit elective for boys in Forms V and VI. The class is designed not only to develop technical skill in playing the conga and djembe, but also to build a sense of community and generosity among the boys. Proficiency on the instrument is calculated into the grade but is secondary to the development of a serious attitude toward mastering the technique and sensitivity to the varying levels of ability found in the group. The Drumming Circle performs each year for such events as the Spence School’s multicultural event, “The Bridge”, Chapin School’s Spring Music Concert, various Browning events, and fundraising for charities in the greater community. Because this is a performance-based class, regular attendance is imperative for success.

Forms III-VI Upper School Chorus

The Browning Upper School Chorus is a yearlong half-credit performance elective open to all boys in the Upper School without audition. Basic singing technique is emphasized through the study of music ranging from popular to musical theater to classical. Three-part arrangements for men’s (changed) voices are the standard, but mixed-choral arrangements (SATB) are sung with the sister independent schools in joint concerts held during the academic year. The Browning Chorus performs for a number of school functions throughout the year, as well as special concerts for non-school organizations (e.g. December 2001 concert at The White House).

Forms III-VI Browning Chamber Ensemble

The Browning Chamber Ensemble is a yearlong half-credit performance elective open to all Upper School boys with permission of the instructor. Boys study technique on their particular instruments and work together to create a unified and balanced ensemble sound. Chamber music from the standard classical repertoire, arranged for the particular complement of instruments in the class, is studied and brought to performance level for a concert in the late spring.