Students in the Junior School develop musical skills and literacy through singing, movement and instrumental playing. A Kodály-centered approach from Pre-kindergarten through Junior Four engages children in active music making, with their voices as the first and main instrument. Singing games and dances help to internalize music concepts and teach music in real-life situations. Song repertoire is drawn from a wide variety of cultures and contexts within each culture; students explore songs for work, play, ceremony and reflection. A series of Junior School assemblies feature group singing in a communal setting. Students in Junior Four begin to learn the recorder, an experience that supports the bridge connecting class singing and instrumental playing.

Students in the Middle School continue to explore and develop the essential skills that are necessary to be part of a musical ensemble. These skills include increased technical proficiency and expressiveness on an instrument or voice, self-discipline, personal organization and individual effort. Solo and small-group opportunities for performance also exist. The emphasis is on performing, but class activities also include regular ear training, listening, theoretical exercises and activities involving composition and improvisation.

The middle school program is based on the belief that middle school students should continue to be involved in active music making as they have since Junior A, with the shift in focus to more specific instrumental and group performance skills.

M1 INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL INSTRUCTION

In M1 students choose an ensemble instrument (voice, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and euphonium) to study as part of the larger ensemble program. The students meet once per week in specific instrumental group classes taught by highly skilled professional performer/teachers. The remaining two classes per week are divided into woodwinds, brass, string or vocal ensemble. These classes focus on developing group playing skills, learning to follow a conductor, elementary level repertoire, as well as ear training and general music theory. The rental of an instrument is a required additional expense. We have working relationships with two excellent rental companies: Music And Arts for wind and brass instruments, and Johnson Strings for violin, violas and cellos.

M2-M4 MUSIC OPTIONS

Students in M2 have the choice to continue with their instrumental ensemble, or participate in the chorus/general music program. In choosing to continue in band or string ensemble M2 students and their families are also making a commitment to private lesson instruction (at additional cost), as well as to the regularly scheduled ensemble class. Private lessons serve as an important co-requisite to the program in that the individual lessons target specific instrumental techniques necessary for the progress of each student. These lessons may be taken here at UNIS with our excellent adjunct faculty (if the student’s schedule permits), or with a private teacher elsewhere. In addition, UNIS band and string ensemble students participate in the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music benchmark exams at least once in their middle school career, usually M2 (strings) or M4 (winds). More information about this program can be found at www.abrsm.org. There are opportunities after school to participate in extra-curricular ensembles including the MS Jazz Band, and the M3-M4 Honors Band. Both are offered by audition or permission of the instructors.

If your child decides not to move forward with an instrument, he/she will be placed in a chorus /general music class. This class will include a variety of activities centered on vocal skills, musicianship (ear training, notation, sigh-singing/rhythm reading and music appreciation through guided listening. No private lessons are required for the general music/vocal course of study, although many students elect to take guitar, piano, or voice. The course activities vary slightly depending on the nature and interests of the students as well as the number of students enrolled. In past years, the chorus class has included modules of African dance, Jazz dance, and drumming.

Your child’s middle school musical experience should be positive, rewarding and appropriate to his/her interests as much as possible. We urge you to consider these options carefully before making a decision. Please feel free to contact the music office with any questions or concerns by email (Alevy@unis.org), or via telephone at (212) 584-3168. We look forward to getting to know you and your children through their participation in our program.

Students in the Tutorial House are offered the chance to specialize in one particular strand of music, having spent their Middle School years engaged in more broad-based activities. They may choose to focus on performing, music theory or music history/appreciation. In the case of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, offered in Tutorial Three and Tutorial Four, students are required to pursue all three strands, with additional studies in music composition. Success in the IB program is a recognized and significant mark of achievement for UNIS students. The Music curriculum from Junior A to tutorial Two has been designed to give students the skills necessary to become capable and enthusiastic IB candidates.

UNIS TH Ensembles

• Vocal Chamber
• Wind
• Camerata
• Performing Arts