MUSIC

Across the musical spectrum, students focus on developing fluency in musical language, performance, and compositional artistry and technique. We are looking for students who are passionate about the study of music, open to many musical styles and cultures, and eager to cultivate their unique musical voice.

Students divide their time in the afternoons between music seminars and small non-conducted ensembles. Seminars, which change quarterly, focus on a wide range of musical topics including theory, musical styles, history, improvisation, vocal music interpretation, and music production.

The small ensembles of the arts high school foster the development of a personal musical voice by enabling students to choose ensemble members and music, and by encouraging a collaborative approach to rehearsal. Ensembles are challenged each quarter to write at least one original composition as part of their set for the concert. Music generated in ensembles is performed during the quarterly Sound Works series. View past Sound Works music concerts here.

Music students also end the year with an independent project. They are tasked with submitting a project proposal and then working with an instructor-advisor to work through the logistics and details of the project to fruition. These projects – chosen from the options of a performance, a recording, or a research project – are presented during the last month of school as part of a two-week showcase. This gives students the opportunity to dive deeper into a subject that they may not encounter during their time at Perpich.