Barrie Prep -Grades 6-12
Performing Arts
Music Program
In the Barrie Prep Music program, students participate in the process of selecting music, learning songs on a variety of instruments, and preparing for performances throughout the year. Students also develop the ability to read tablature and notation as needed, and they are expected to develop and train their ears to recognize changes that determine musical structures. Close listening activities are a key part of this process. Although students have varying levels of experience, individuals may continue to build upon their skills or try out an instrument they have never played before. Students may or may not have access to their instrument at home, so there is no expectation that they rehearse outside of the time provided in class.
The Music program for students in grades 9-12 is elective based. Electives vary from one year to the next in response to interest and the interests of students. Advanced Band is the one course that runs consistently each year. Much like the program in grades 6-8, students in Advanced Band select and rehearse material in preparation for performance. There is an expectation that students in Advanced Band rehearse outside of class. Finally, the Music program at Barrie Prep values student voice and choice when determining content. Students have a significant role in selecting material to examine, and the role of the instructor is to help determine the best options based on student input.
Voice Program
The Voice & Movement class at Barrie Prep covers the following areas in grades 6 through 8:
- Drama (Monologues; Scene Studies; Script Analysis; Character Development; Dramatic Composition; and Playwriting);
- Public Speaking
- Voice for the Singer
- Dance and Movement (Expression without words)
Content for the Voice and Movement class reflects grade-level themes. For example, monologues selected for 6th graders address content that speaks to Respect for the Environment, while the 8th grade class performs a song or scene that is a lyric or story about respect for people less fortunate than themselves.