About

  • Philosophy
    The study of music is both an aesthetic and academic education. Aesthetically, it is the education of human feeling through the development of responsiveness to the qualities of musical sounds. Academically, music involves learning in the major domains: cognitive (knowledge), psycho-motor (kinesthetic skills), and affective (attitudes and feelings). Music students are engaged in the entire learning process through developing keener insights as to how these domains interrelate. Music also provides an important means for developing self-expression and creativity. When students experience significant works of music, they are more able to appreciate the richness and beauty of life.

    Music classes present approximately 25 formal evening concerts and more than 50 additional performances including guest appearances at conferences, music festivals, community service organizations, junior high and elementary schools, music contests and television-radio presentations. A volunteer pep band also provides entertainment at athletic events. Concerts are broadcast to more than 40,000 homes over cable television stations, with a number being broadcast "live" on TV, radio, and worldwide on the Internet. All concerts are archived and can be accessed on www.ntjazz.com .

    Goals
    The goals of the New Trier Music curriculum are to graduate students who:

    • make music alone and with others;
    • improvise and create music;
    • use the vocabulary and notation of music;
    • respond to music aesthetically, intellectually and emotionally;
    • acquaint themselves with a wide variety of music, including diverse musical styles and genres;
    • understand the role music has played and continues to play in the lives of human beings;
    • make aesthetic judgments based upon critical listening and analysis;
    • develop a commitment to music;
    • support the musical life of the community and encourage others to do so;
    • continue their musical learning independently; and
    • learn skills that provide a foundation for a vocation or avocation in music performance.

    Course Offerings
    Music organizations are sequential and approximately 1200 students participate at their individual level of achievement.

    Choral Groups

    • Northfield Chorus
    • High Five Choir
    • Trevian Glee Club
    • Choraliers
    • Concert Choir
    • Choir Opera
    • Swing Choir

    Bands and Wind Ensembles

    • Freshman Concert Band
    • Varsity Wind Ensemble
    • Concert Wind Ensemble
    • Symphonic Wind Ensemble

    Orchestras

    • Freshman Orchestra
    • Freshman Chamber Players
    • Concert Orchestra
    • Symphony Orchestra
    • Chamber Orchestra

    Jazz Ensembles

    • Freshman Jazz Ensemble
    • Concert Jazz Ensemble
    • Lab Jazz Ensemble
    • Jazz Ensemble I

    Additional Music Classes and Activities

    • Music Theory and Composition
    • Music Improvisation
    • Instrumental Ensembles
    • Soundtraks (video and audio recording and sound reinforcement techniques) Soundtraks regularly produces compact discs featuring Jazz, Wind Ensembles, Orchestras, and Choirs
    • Vocal and instrumental private instruction
    • Guitar Skills Class