RiverBend Music Exploratories and Ensembles

RiverBend Academy Choir

Choir is offered twice a week during exploratory time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Members of the ensemble are asked to commit to supporting each other as a musical community, and demonstrate that commitment through consistent attendance and effort. The choir sings a wide variety of music, from "classic" choral works to jazz and multicultural pieces. In the Spring, the choir takes what it has learned on the road, traveling to other schools and organizations to perform.

Hand Drumming

Students in the hand drumming exploratory are encouraged to explore a variety of hand drums while using basic hand drumming technique to create rhythms and play with others in an ensemble. This class includes discussion about the origins of the drums, and their use in their countries of origin. Authentic rhythms from the drums' countries of origin are integrated into the class as participants' skills progress.

Other Exploratories Offered

Music Theory - Theory is about how music works, is put together, and how it is written down so people can understand it. Learning theory enables you to read music and to pass on your own musical ideas to other people.

History of Music - Music is a universal language. It began thousands of years ago and has developed into a complex scientific discipline. This exploratory will focus on the historical, cultural and social aspects of "Western" style music.