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SATURDAY, JULY 9 - SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011
in Rochester, Vermont

Classes at GMSI

DAILY CLASS CHOICES

Each student at the institute will be scheduled for a master class, a group lesson, and institute chorus daily. In addition, each student will be scheduled for up to two electives classes daily. There are a wide range of electives to choose from, as you can see below. You may also choose to have one of your electives periods reserved for practicing.

INSTRUMENT CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Master Classes - Piano, Flute, Violin, Viola, or Cello

Class with two other students working at a similar level with one of our piano, flute, or strings faculty.

Group Lessons for Piano

Music theory, performance, and lots of group fun with one of our piano faculty.

Group Lessons for Flutes, String

Ensemble playing with other flute or string players based on the Suzuki repertoire.

INSITUTE CHORUS, with Susun Rule

All students will be in a chorus class each day. Chorus will be organized by age. There will also be a parent chorus!

INSTRUMENT ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

** Indicates additional fee.

Chamber Music**

Students will be grouped with up to six other students and instrument coaches to work on the ensemble aspects of a piece (or pieces). Music will be sent to students in mid-May to allow time to prepare before student arrives at GMSI. We have music for students new to ensemble work, as well as intermediate and advanced level ensemble students. This class is open to students in Suzuki Volumes 3 and up. Students must have good music reading skills. All ensemble groups will perform at our final concert on Friday. NOTE: Students in the Teen Program will have their first chamber meeting on Saturday morning, July 9th.

Improvisation, Matt Podd

In this class, students will learn the musical vocabulary of improvisation by hearing, imitating and playing melodic phrases, tonal patterns, and rhythm patterns. The techniques learned can be applied to any style of music, including classical, jazz, folk, and pop. Students of all levels and experience and instruments are encouraged to participate.

Jazz Piano, Matt Podd

This course will cover fundamental concepts of jazz harmony on the keyboard. Time will be spent on common chord progressions, chord voicings, and jazz rhythms. Students will develop the skills and techniques to play standard tunes in swing, bossa, and ballad styles. Previous experience with improvisation is not required. Open to piano students in Suzuki Volume 3 and up.

Orchestra, Gretchen Judge and Dan Santelices

Two levels of orchestra are offered. Orchestra 1 offers ensemble playing experience for Suzuki Volumes 1 and 2 string students. Orchestra 2 will be for students in Volumes 3 and 4. Music will be sent out prior to the institute.

Piano for 4 Hands**

This class pairs piano students to work with a piano coach on duets and is open to piano students in Suzuki Volumes 2 and up who have music reading skills. We strongly encourage all pianists to consider this elective! Beginning, intermediate, and advanced music is available, and will be sent to the students in mid-May to allow time to prepare before the student arrives at GMSI.

Second Suzuki Instrument Master Classes - Piano, Flute, Violin, Viola, or Cello**

If you are studying a second Suzuki instrument at home, you can elect to have a master class each day with two other students working at a similar level with one of our piano, flute, or strings faculty.

Traditional Fiddling (Violin late Volume 1 and up), Pete Sutherland

Three levels of this class will be offered. For students coming to the end of Suzuki Violin Volume One, the class will introduce beginners to a couple of basic bow patterns used by fiddlers, while learning a few simple lively square dance tunes in the keys of D and A. For those nearing the end of Suzuki Violin Volume Two, it's about the bow! This class will take us further into the world of folk-style fiddling on the violin, where we'll learn a handful of Irish tunes; polkas, jigs and perhaps a reel in several keys. For those who are working near the end of Suzuki Violin Volume Three and beyond, our fiddling universe will expand to take in the syncopated bow work of both Quebecois and Appalachian music and a couple of energetic tunes from each tradition.

Viola for Violinists, Pam Reit and Gretchen Frazier

This elective is designed for violin players who are interested in acquiring the skills to play the viola. The class will include a study of alto clef along with tips and techniques in making the transition from violin to viola smoothly. A great way to increase a violinist's marketability!! Open to violinists in Suzuki Volumes 4 and up.

** Indicates additional fee.

ELECTIVE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Whenever possible, classes are scheduled so that they include a 3-year age span of children.

American Party Songs and Games (ages 4-8), Susie Smolen

Music games, sing-a-long songs, fingerplays, and rhythmic activities are all part of this exciting and active class. Each session will include developmentally appropriate and fun musical activities that will reinforce previous musical learning, listening skills, interpersonal and self awareness, and large and small motor coordination. All this while singing, moving and laughing!

Art (all ages), Kate Gridley

Playing with a wide variety of materials and stories, we will create art from life and from our imaginations that reflects our musical community.

Caribbean Steel Drumming (ages 9 and up), Scott Paulson

Come to the Caribbean or at least sound like it when you join in Steel Drumming. Learn about the family of steel drum instruments and have opportunities to try the different voices. We will learn fun tunes as a full steel ensemble and no note reading is required!

Composition (age 8 and up), Erik Nielsen

This class offers an opportunity to create music on your own, or in collaboration with other musicians.

Junk Music™ (all ages), Donald Knaack the Junkman

Open to all students and all levels of music ability. This is a highly interactive class in which students explore the basics of rhythm, improvisation, functioning as a member of a musical group, self expression and confidence building - all through the use of simple percussion techniques using junk and recycled materials as instruments. Guaranteed to be fun and to bolster basic music skills. The Junkman provides all materials.

Molding Musicians who Move! (all ages), Diana Yourke

In this class we will explore our primary instrument, our bodies, in an interactive, fun and playful way. By honoring individuality and tuning our physical awareness, we will explore all of the possibilities that exist in expressing music through movement. Through exercises that incorporate listening, imagination and exploration, we will discover new ways of moving that will transform how we experience music! Get ready to move!

Theater (teens only), Kendra Gratton

Using theater games and improvisation, this class will explore basic theater performance concepts such as building a character, creating a scene, connectivity on stage, acting as reacting, and comic timing. Teens will work together in a non-competitive atmosphere using simple props and costumes to create a theater piece to showcase on the final day. Wear comfortable clothing, bring your sense of humor, creativity and trust, and be prepared to move in this lively and engaging class!

Yoga: Your Body is Your Instrument (all ages), Alexis Houston

In this class we will learn why yoga helps us feel better, how yoga helps us focus when we need to, and also how it teaches us to have more fun! Through interactive games, using sound vibration to explore the "energy map" of our bodies, learning how to breath, and through yoga postures we can come into a whole new world of playing ourselves like an instrument, and interacting with everything around us.