|
 Starting
in fourth grade, all students at Whiting
Lane have the opportunity to study a music instrument. The instrumental program is approached through building the
"inner" instrument as well as the music instrument because the music
instrument is an extension of the mind and the body. Students develop
their musicianship by singing, moving their bodies, improvising, reading and
writing music. Students
also develop the instrumental technique and proficiency needed to play their specific
instrument
such as correct posture, hand position, embouchure, articulation, stick control, articulation,
and bowing. Wind and percussion
students attend their lessons once a week, with the first year string players benefiting
from twice-weekly lessons.
Instrumental
Performing Groups 
The Whiting Lane Band:
This is the first year band, open to beginning wind and percussion players. This ensemble meets Monday
mornings from 7:45-8:30 A.M. The first performance is usually at the end
of January in a special 'Debut Concert' for beginners. Then in the spring, they perform
in the regular Spring Concert.
The Whiting Lane Wind Ensemble:
This is a group of
second-year wind and percussion players. They meet on Thursdays from
7:45-8:30 A.M. Their two special performances are the Winter and Spring
Concerts. In addition, they perform for senior citizens in the community.
The Whiting Lane Jazz Ensemble:
This group is open to all instrumentalists who
are able to learn 2 songs by ear and read music at the end of their lesson
book. Emphasis is on developing a repertoire of songs by ear, learning to
play in various styles such as swing, latin, and blues, and learning how to
improvise. The group meets Fridays from
7:45-8:30 A.M. They perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts.
The Whiting Lane Strings:
This is a group made up
of first year string players. They meet twice a week during the school day
for lessons, out of which evolves a performing group. Performances are in
the January Debut Concert and the Spring Concert.
The Whiting Lane Orchestra: This is the second
year string ensemble. Rehearsals are Tuesday mornings from 7:45-8:30 AM. This group performs in the Winter and Spring Concerts. In
addition, this group performs for members of the community.
To
send E-mail to Mr. Cangro, please click here
Links
MENC:
The National Association for Music Education: www.MENC.org
Connecticut
Music Educators Association: www.ctmea.org
The
Hartt School, University
of Hartford: www.hartford.edu
Return
to Special Areas
| 
