Performing Arts

Program in Vocal Music

The program in vocal music at Avon Old Farms School serves some one hundred young men in grades 9 - 12. Choirs at Avon Old Farms are divided into three performance ensembles, the Chorale, Honors Chorale, and the Riddlers (our selective singing group named for our founder, Theodate Pope Riddle). We participate fully in the Regional and All-State Honors programs of the Connecticut Music Educators Association, as well as those of the American Choral Directors Association.

Select a course below for a detailed description....

Chorale

A foundation of Avon's music program, Chorale meets as a regularly scheduled class to prepare for public performances throughout the school year, often including concerts at major school events. Voice building and general musicianship skills are regular components of the class as well. Students perform all styles of music, from folksongs to choral classics to contemporary popular music. Rehearsal techniques, music-reading, and ear training are among the skills presented at this level. All students are invited to join the Chorale regardless of musical background. Since performance literature changes each year, students are encouraged to remain members for their entire Avon career.

Honors Chorale

Honors Chorale meets as a regularly scheduled class, preparing for performances both on campus and off. It is appropriate for students upon successful completion of one year in the Chorale at Avon, or another high-school. Honors Chorale develops strong musicianship and builds on the basic foundations of vocal technique acquired in Chorale. Sight-reading and ear training advance to include wider intervals and longer melodies. There is emphasis on individual vocal progress and students meet with the instructor regularly for personal coaching. Honors Chorale performs a wide variety of musical repertoire, both on their own and in conjunction with other ensembles at the school.

The Riddlers

Striving for musical excellence, we find joy in singing together. This select group of experienced singers, named for the school's founder, aims for the highest standards of musicianship. They sing a diverse repertoire of music for male voices, ranging from Renaissance polyphony to Romantic partsongs, folksongs, traditional spirituals, and contemporary a cappella numbers.

Members of the Riddlers are typically upperclassmen and will have progressed through the various stages of choral training. In addition to their own repertoire, the Riddlers rehearse and perform in concert with the school's larger choral ensembles. Riddlers give performances several times throughout the school year and regularly perform off-campus. The Riddlers travel for performances in Boston, and New York City, and have recently toured internationally in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria. Students with strong musical and vocal abilities as well as a commitment to excellence are encouraged to audition.

Program in Instrumental Music

Instrumental music at Avon Old Farms is available in a variety of offerings, including two Jazz ensembles, a chamber ensemble for string and woodwind players, and class instruction in Guitar.

Select a course below for a detailed description....

Jazz Band

As members of the Jazz Band, students learn both the basics of playing and the history of jazz. The band plays in an ensemble setting and course requirements include at least three performances during the school year. Students are introduced to jazz's greatest musicians and also study their impact on the genre.

Elite Jazz Band

The elite jazz band is a select number of instrumental students who show exceptional skills in reading and improvising. This group plays music at the advanced level and performs numerous times through out the year. In the past the group has performed at neighboring schools such has Pine Grove elementary and Miss Porter's School. The curriculum includes advance techniques in improvisation and the history of jazz music. Students will learn to transcribe and play solos as well as how to develop their own improvisational skill.Chamber

Ensemble

The Chamber Ensemble is offered for string and woodwind players who wish to study a broad classical repertoire. The class rehearses for campus performances and concentrates on developing better playing technique as well as ensemble rehearsal skills. The course is available for one-half credit and meets two evenings per week.

Basic Guitar

This course is designed as introduction to guitar playing, as well as reading music. Students are taught to play melodies, chords, read standard guitar music, and play songs and tunes from classical to modern rock. Weekly playing and written quizzes are given, and students will leave the class with a better appreciation for the music making process.

Music Theory and Appreciation

Foundations in Music

This is one semester course designed to teach the basics of music theory and harmony. Students will be asked to compose scales, chord progressions, and melodies, and will have numerous compositions completed by the end of the course. The prerequisite-minimum is two years of instrumental or vocal instruction. Typically, this course is limited to upperclassman.

Perspectives on Music

Perspectives on Music develops the listening skills and critical thinking necessary to gain a fuller appreciation of great works of music. Designed for students with minimal background in music, class work will include directed listening and viewing assignments, background readings, writing assignments, and field trips to performances.

Taking the form of a broad historical survey, the class will focus on masterpieces of the classical tradition, with special emphasis on the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The most influential aspects of American musical life, including Jazz, Blues, and early Rock and Roll, will also figure prominently.

This is a one-semester course open to all students.

Private Music Lessons

Students are encouraged to study an instrument individually in weekly lessons. Piano and voice lessons are taught by music department faculty, and study is also offered in Jazz piano, guitar, percussion, string, brass, and woodwind instruments. Private lessons are subject to availability of instructor and additional fees.

Theater

Each year, Avon’s active and successful theater program stages two major productions, performed in the Adams Theater. Actors involved in the Avon theater program will learn to develop trust, concentration, and confidence. By closely working with a dramatic script, they improve their reading skills, and become more confident with analyzing literature. Female roles are filled by students from nearby Miss Porter’s School; likewise, Avon students frequently fill roles in Miss Porter’s productions. Instruction in acting and stagecraft occurs during rehearsals, and students also help with staging, lighting, and set crew for each production.

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