Rock Band

Beginner Rock Band

Beginner Rock Band is designed to encourage and nurture beginner musicians. It will be divided into practical, audio, composition, and performance—and will have an emphasis on the history of popular music from the 60s to the present day. A fundamental understanding of basic reading skills and chord charts will be studied. A variety of styles will be explored and performed from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The course will explore and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics, and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta.

Advanced Rock Band

Advanced Rock Band is designed for students who can show by audition proficiency on their instrument, and meet the standards of the Advanced Rock Band. The course will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition, and performance, but will have an emphasis on the current-day music scene. Members will do an advanced exploration and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics, and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta. The grand finale for the band is the Concert for a Summer’s Eve in the George Killy Theatre in spring term.

Composition Rock Band

Composition Rock Band is designed for students who have completed at least one year of Advanced Rock Band or can show by audition proficiency on their instrument and meet the standards of the “Composition” Rock Band. Students of this advanced class will learn the craft of composing, arranging, and recording—along with the use of computers and music-scoring software. A variety of styles will be explored, composed, and performed, from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta.