St. Maria Goretti High School &
Cumberland Valley School of Music
An innovative collaboration in arts education!
Cumberland Valley School of Music (CVSM) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, now in our 18th year of serving the Cumberland Valley. With 53 highly qualified faculty members, the school teaches nearly 600 students from the tri-state area at locations at Wilson College and the Montessori Academy in Chambersburg, the Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, St. Andrew School and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, and St. Maria Goretti High School in Hagerstown. Our classes, camps, ensembles, concerts, workshops, and special events all exist to help us fulfill our mission of sharing our enthusiasm for the arts with students of all ages.
At Goretti we are currently teaching several classes for school credit during the day, including Introduction to Music, Choir, Musical Theatre, and Dance/Choreography. We also coach a String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, offer private lessons on several instruments and voice, are planning a Voice Class, and assist with the school musical (in 2007 this was “Guys and Dolls” -- we will be presenting Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" on April 11 and 12, 2008). In the near future we are hoping to offer additional ensembles, classes, and other programs. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about musical activities, please contact Andrew Sussman or Paula Hepfer at CVSM. We would love to hear from you! For information about CVSM teachers at St. Maria Goretti High School click here To visit the St. Maria Goretti High School website click here
CVSM CLASSES AT GORETTI
For the 2007-2008 school year, students are enrolled in the following classes:
Introduction to Music Year 9-12 CP Required
This innovative course introduces students to a wide variety of different musical styles and techniques. Topics covered include: Elements of music (basics, how to listen, rhythm, melody, harmony, and participatory conducting and computer composing segments); classical music (the Greeks through Modern Music, instruments of Europe, influences of classical music to contemporary music, film composers); Evolution of Jazz (origins, improvisation, great musicians, listening), and World Music (non-European systems, instruments of the world, build your own instruments). Twice weekly, the class will be supplemented with professional musicians and experienced educators through our “Music in Action” series. This provides students with a unique opportunity to witness live performances in an intimate surrounding, and discuss music with those who make it.
Choir/Choral Performance Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
Meeting three times per week, this course will help students develop the musical tools necessary to sing in harmony, while also learning proper vocal techniques. The choir will sing both religious and secular music, and be expected to perform for school functions, including religious services and school concerts.
Musical Theatre Year: 9-12 CP Elective
In conjunction with the Choir class above, this class will meet two days per week. Students will learn musical theatre singing and acting techniques and perform at the end of the semester in a cabaret-style show. No experience necessary.
Jazz, Ballet, Modern Dance Technique Class & Choreography Class
Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
Students will begin with a warm-up, proceed to center work and end with crossings. Classes will focus on alignment, vocabulary and style. Combinations will be given on a regular basis. Students will work towards at least one performance. For choreography, students will learn the basic elements of dance, chorographical compositions, and will gain an understanding of the theme and variations being presented. By using the many tools available to present a finished piece which they themselves created.
Additional class possibilities are listed below. Some electives require basic music skills and may be subject to permission from the instructor. All electives must have a minimum of 5 students in order to offer the class. Whether courses are offered for two or three days per week may be subject to change, as courses will be combined to fill a five day school week scheduled period. Students should pick two or more of the courses offered below and rank them according to interest; actual scheduling will be based on student interest and teacher availability. It is possible that some ensembles and classes may be offered after school if scheduling does not permit during the school day. If you are interested in only one ensemble, please let us know – we may be able to schedule it for one or two days after school, without being linked to any other classes. School credit will be offered for most classes.
Music Seminar Year: 9-12 CP Elective
Professional musicians will meet with, perform for, and engage students two days a week in this innovative seminar. Students will have an opportunity to learn from a wide range of musicians, covering many styles and musical techniques, including classical, jazz, blues, world music, and folk music. An end of semester report will be required or performance will be required.
String Ensemble Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
This class for stringed instrument players (violin, viola, cello, string bass) will meet twice weekly, and will focus on ensemble skills, musicianship, and technique. Students will be expected to perform for school functions, and must have their own instrument and have achieved at least intermediate level proficiency on it. Private lessons are strongly encouraged and may be used for extra credits.
Jazz-Rock Ensemble Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
This performance oriented class will explore a variety of jazz and rock compositions. Students will meet twice weekly and will focus on playing together as a group, improvisation, and technique. Students will be expected to perform for school functions, and must have their own instrument and have achieved at least intermediate level proficiency on it. Private lesson are strongly encouraged and may be used for extra credit.
Band Performance/Pep Band Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
This performance oriented class for traditional band instruments will focus on music to perform for Goretti sporting events, as well as other band literature depending on the instrumentation and size of the group. Students will meet twice weekly, be expected to perform for school functions, and must have their own instrument and have achieved at least intermediate level proficiency on it. Private lesson are strongly encouraged and may be used for extra credit.
Percussion Ensemble Year: 9-12 Semester I and II CP Elective
This class for percussion students will focus on a variety of ensemble possibility, depending on the size of the group and available instruments. Drums and percussion instruments of all kinds may be used in the ensemble, including hand percussion (such as djembes, congas, bongos), mallet instruments (xylophones and marimbas), and trap set. Students will meet twice weekly and will focus on playing together as a group. Students will be expected to perform for school functions, and must have or be willing to purchase at least one instrument. Private lesson are strongly encouraged and may be used for extra credit.
Private Lessons Year 9-12
Students may receive credit for studying an approved course of lessons with a Cumberland Valley School of Music approved teacher. Practice charts, teacher evaluations, and recitals at Goretti activities will be required. Private lesson credit is subject to approval.
CVSM-Goretti Teacher information