Beginner Strings (ages 9 and up ) (1 hour class)
For students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music. Violins, violas, cellos and bass all learn together in a class setting. Correct instrument holds, proper playing position, and basic tone production are emphasized while students begin to develop their instrumental skills and dexterity.  Because so much of successful string playing depends on proper physical set-up, and because our classes meet only once a week, a parent is should attend classes with beginning students for the first few weeks in order to learn the basics of string playing, enabling them to help their child practice profitably at home.  (Instrument fitting with a professional shop required before classes start)

Intermediate 1 and 2 Strings (ages 9 and up) (1 hour class)

(Audition required for placement in proper class)
Intermediate 1 is generally for students who have been playing for one or two years on their instrument and can read music.  Intermediate 1 is the next step for those who have completed the Beginner Strings class.

The Intermediate 2 class is for students with a little more skill and experience. This group will play string repertoire utilizing more keys, rhythmic variety, and techniques.  Many of those who were in Intermediate strings 1 will advance to this class.

Int/Advanced Strings (1 hour class)

(Audition required for placement in proper class)

The Advanced String Ensemble is for students who have played for at least several years and attained sufficient proficiency on their instrument. Comfort with shifting and playing in position is required, but is not the only consideration for placement at this level. This class will seek to play a moderately high level of string ensemble and chamber music repertoire. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and the less advanced string classes.  This class does not include Orchestra.

Beginning Band Class (ages 9 and up) (1 hour and 30 min class) 
(Prerequisite: Screening for placement on appropriate instrument)
This is the class for students who have never played a band instrument. Major focus points are posture, breathing, reading rhythms accurately, reading musical notation and developing listening skills. Students will receive instruction from the “Standard of Excellence” band method by Bruce Pearson, Book 1. Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.  This class includes a mandatory music theory class.  Please see schedule for time.  Students younger than 9 may enter this class if they have had two years on the Recorder with instructor approval.

Intermediate 1 Band Class (1 hour class):  

Prerequisite: Beginning Band
This is the class for students who have a year of playing experience. These students will begin the year reviewing material in the “Standard of Excellence” Book 1 and progress to “Standard of Excellence” Book 2. Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.

Intermediate 2 Band Class (1 hour class)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band 1 or director's approval
This class is for students who have completed Intermediate Band 1 or students who have demonstrated that they are ready for this class by auditioning. This class picks up where Intermediate Band 1 left off, further exploring new rhythms, styles and developing the young musician. These students will begin the year reviewing material in the “Standard of Excellence” Book 2 and progress to “Standard of Excellence” Book 3.  . Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.

Advanced (Concert) Band - (1 hour class)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band 2 or director's approval 
This is the most advanced band at Grace Notes Home School.  This class is for students who have 2 years of playing experience or students who have demonstrated that they are ready for this class by auditioning. By this time, students have learned most of what they need to know to play in this band, so instruction moves away from the basic elements of music to concentrate on the more abstract concepts of musicianship. This is where we put all of the pieces of previously learned knowledge together to make great music. The text is “Standard of Excellence” Book 3. Sheet music commensurate to levels 3 and 4 of standard band literature will be introduced.

Beginner Guitar - half hour class
Students will:

·         Learn the string names and numbers

·         Learn the frets

·         How to tune the guitar

·         How to hold the pick

·         Sight reading in the first position on the neck

 

Intermediate Guitar - half hour class
(Prerequisite Beginner Guitar or equivalent)
Students will:

·         Learn the major scales

·         Sequence patterns for the major scale

·         How to build chords

·         Rhythm patterns for chords (strumming)

·         Sight reading in book 2

Advanced Guitar (ages 10 and up) half hour class
(Prerequisite Intermediate Guitar or equivalent)
Students will:

·         Learn the arpeggios

·         Harmonize the major scale

·         Using major 7, minor 7, Dom 7 chords

·         How modal chord work

·         Sight reading charts of jazz standards

Bass Guitar  - (ages 9 and up) - half hour class
Students will:

·         Learn the string names and frets

·         Learn alternate right hand technique

·         Walking bass lines

·         Modal playing with scales and arpeggios

·         Sight reading in bass book 1

 

Elementary Chorus (ages 5-8)  (1 hour class)

A great way to expand musical skills! During the course of the year students will learn to read music from the printed page, acquire music theory skills, and prepare for Winter and Spring concerts. The chorus will prepare a varied repertoire each semester to minister to our families and community and showcase their individual and collective talents.  We will endeavor to teach the musical and vocal skills necessary to produce a lifelong enjoyment of the creative arts. This includes teaching the fundamentals of proper choral technique (posture, breathing, diction, dynamic control, pitch control, rhythm, etc.) so that students can sing properly.   We desire to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and encouraging for all participants.   This class will perform at both concerts. 

Glee Club (1 hour)
(ages 9 and up with audition)

A fun, theatrically based ensemble, that involves basic choreography, popular repertoire, and high energy vocal performance.  This is a performance choir.  This group will perform at local venues outside of the normal Grace Notes concerts.

Chamber Choir with Sight Singing and Aural Training (1 hour) 
(age 9 and up with audition - with some exceptions based on the individual) 

An advanced choir focusing on a cappella music, ear-training, and advanced choral reading. Students will learn to sing in a foreign language (Latin, German, French, etc…)  This is a performance choir.  This group will perform at local venues outside of the normal Grace Notes concerts.

Beginning Recorder Ensemble (half hour) – ages 6-8
Students will learn note recognition and rhythm.  By the end of the year, they will be able to play several songs on a recorder.  This is a great way to prepare your child for Beginner Band.

Advanced Recorder Ensemble (half hour class)
(ages 7-9 prerequisite – Beginner Recorder)

This class is for those students who have completed at least one year in Beginner Recorder, or who have had private lessons on Recorder, and who are approved by the Director for the class. Students will continue to explore more challenging music, building their music reading and musicianship skills, thus building a strong foundation for transferring to a concert band instrument.  Students will be able to attend a musical petting zoo at the end of the year to introduce them to the band and orchestra.

Drama –(1 hour class) 

(ages 8 and up)
Students will do fun activities involving movement, dialogue, stage direction, and cast interaction.  
We will present one play at the end of the school year. 

Worship Dance I-  (1 hour class)
(ages 5 and up)
This beginner level class will give dancers an introduction to different styles of modern and contemporary dance techniques in addition to worship dance exercises and prayer dancing for spiritual growth.

All Art classes are $70/month and are 1 hour long.  They will meet for a total of
32 weeks; 16 weeks each semester 

Art Thru the Ages is presented by Out of the Box Art in Alpharetta.  OOTB is a Biblically based art studio that will come to Grace Notes and present an awesome class mirroring what students would study in their studio.  All supplies are included!  It is imperative that students try to attend each week! 

Thru the Ages 101/102 (grades K-4th )
Students in ATA learn art in a chronological order. In this class they are hitting the highlights of time periods and famous artists! HANDS ON Projects will include but not limited to Color theory, Egyptian scarab beetles, king Tut watercolors, cartouches, Greek vases, Roman coins, Early Christian Madonna and child painting, Rembrandt, Cathedrals, Impressionist Monet’s Bridge painting on canvas, Van Gogh’s Starry night, Modern periods Picasso, Matisse and this year in honor of the HMA exhibit a special Salvador Dali project they will love! We end with Pollock splattering and  celebrating . Students use stain glass, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, clay, glazes, drawing and painting, and so much more! All students taught with visual reproductions, games, and focus on artist’s lives.

Art Thru the Ages 103 (grades 5-12)
As students grow older they become able to spend more time on their projects. Thus this class is not only about the artists and chronological approach but where the artist lived and HOW he create, what he used. The students are exploring with many types of mediums! Students will make batiks, Greek face masks and have a unit on Asia where they create with watercolors, paint, clay and watercolors, and drawing.  They will have a unit on Photography; a Unit on painting techniques, Potter’s wheel, Still life’s, always a major impressionist painting, and a stain glass window is also created in this class! Print making will be introduced in the class, and students will work on a Salvador Dali project as well!

Beginner Strings (ages 9 and up ) (1 hour class)
For students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music. Violins, violas, cellos and bass all learn together in a class setting. Correct instrument holds, proper playing position, and basic tone production are emphasized while students begin to develop their instrumental skills and dexterity.  Because so much of successful string playing depends on proper physical set-up, and because our classes meet only once a week, a parent is should attend classes with beginning students for the first few weeks in order to learn the basics of string playing, enabling them to help their child practice profitably at home.  (Instrument fitting with a professional shop required before classes start)

Intermediate 1 and 2 Strings (ages 9 and up) (1 hour class)

(Audition required for placement in proper class)
Intermediate 1 is generally for students who have been playing for one or two years on their instrument and can read music.  Intermediate 1 is the next step for those who have completed the Beginner Strings class.

The Intermediate 2 class is for students with a little more skill and experience. This group will play string repertoire utilizing more keys, rhythmic variety, and techniques.  Many of those who were in Intermediate strings 1 will advance to this class.

Int/Advanced Strings (1 hour class)

(Audition required for placement in proper class)

The Advanced String Ensemble is for students who have played for at least several years and attained sufficient proficiency on their instrument. Comfort with shifting and playing in position is required, but is not the only consideration for placement at this level. This class will seek to play a moderately high level of string ensemble and chamber music repertoire. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and the less advanced string classes.  This class does not include Orchestra.

Beginning Band Class (ages 9 and up) (1 hour and 30 min class) 
(Prerequisite: Screening for placement on appropriate instrument)
This is the class for students who have never played a band instrument. Major focus points are posture, breathing, reading rhythms accurately, reading musical notation and developing listening skills. Students will receive instruction from the “Standard of Excellence” band method by Bruce Pearson, Book 1. Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.  This class includes a mandatory music theory class.  Please see schedule for time.  Students younger than 9 may enter this class if they have had two years on the Recorder with instructor approval.

Intermediate 1 Band Class (1 hour class):  

Prerequisite: Beginning Band
This is the class for students who have a year of playing experience. These students will begin the year reviewing material in the “Standard of Excellence” Book 1 and progress to “Standard of Excellence” Book 2. Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.

Intermediate 2 Band Class (1 hour class)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band 1 or director's approval
This class is for students who have completed Intermediate Band 1 or students who have demonstrated that they are ready for this class by auditioning. This class picks up where Intermediate Band 1 left off, further exploring new rhythms, styles and developing the young musician. These students will begin the year reviewing material in the “Standard of Excellence” Book 2 and progress to “Standard of Excellence” Book 3.  . Other music for performances will be passed out during the course of the year.

Advanced (Concert) Band - (1 hour class)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band 2 or director's approval 
This is the most advanced band at Grace Notes Home School.  This class is for students who have 2 years of playing experience or students who have demonstrated that they are ready for this class by auditioning. By this time, students have learned most of what they need to know to play in this band, so instruction moves away from the basic elements of music to concentrate on the more abstract concepts of musicianship. This is where we put all of the pieces of previously learned knowledge together to make great music. The text is “Standard of Excellence” Book 3. Sheet music commensurate to levels 3 and 4 of standard band literature will be introduced.

Beginner Guitar - half hour class
Students will:

·         Learn the string names and numbers

·         Learn the frets

·         How to tune the guitar

·         How to hold the pick

·         Sight reading in the first position on the neck

 

Intermediate Guitar - half hour class
(Prerequisite Beginner Guitar or equivalent)
Students will:

·         Learn the major scales

·         Sequence patterns for the major scale

·         How to build chords

·         Rhythm patterns for chords (strumming)

·         Sight reading in book 2

Advanced Guitar (ages 10 and up) half hour class
(Prerequisite Intermediate Guitar or equivalent)
Students will:

·         Learn the arpeggios

·         Harmonize the major scale

·         Using major 7, minor 7, Dom 7 chords

·         How modal chord work

·         Sight reading charts of jazz standards

Bass Guitar  - (ages 9 and up) - half hour class
Students will:

·         Learn the string names and frets

·         Learn alternate right hand technique

·         Walking bass lines

·         Modal playing with scales and arpeggios

·         Sight reading in bass book 1

 

Elementary Chorus (ages 5-8)  (1 hour class)

A great way to expand musical skills! During the course of the year students will learn to read music from the printed page, acquire music theory skills, and prepare for Winter and Spring concerts. The chorus will prepare a varied repertoire each semester to minister to our families and community and showcase their individual and collective talents.  We will endeavor to teach the musical and vocal skills necessary to produce a lifelong enjoyment of the creative arts. This includes teaching the fundamentals of proper choral technique (posture, breathing, diction, dynamic control, pitch control, rhythm, etc.) so that students can sing properly.   We desire to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and encouraging for all participants.   This class will perform at both concerts. 

Glee Club (1 hour)
(ages 9 and up with audition)

A fun, theatrically based ensemble, that involves basic choreography, popular repertoire, and high energy vocal performance.  This is a performance choir.  This group will perform at local venues outside of the normal Grace Notes concerts.

Chamber Choir with Sight Singing and Aural Training (1 hour) 
(age 9 and up with audition - with some exceptions based on the individual) 

An advanced choir focusing on a cappella music, ear-training, and advanced choral reading. Students will learn to sing in a foreign language (Latin, German, French, etc…)  This is a performance choir.  This group will perform at local venues outside of the normal Grace Notes concerts.

Beginning Recorder Ensemble (half hour) – ages 6-8
Students will learn note recognition and rhythm.  By the end of the year, they will be able to play several songs on a recorder.  This is a great way to prepare your child for Beginner Band.

Advanced Recorder Ensemble (half hour class)
(ages 7-9 prerequisite – Beginner Recorder)

This class is for those students who have completed at least one year in Beginner Recorder, or who have had private lessons on Recorder, and who are approved by the Director for the class. Students will continue to explore more challenging music, building their music reading and musicianship skills, thus building a strong foundation for transferring to a concert band instrument.  Students will be able to attend a musical petting zoo at the end of the year to introduce them to the band and orchestra.

Drama –(1 hour class) 

(ages 8 and up)
Students will do fun activities involving movement, dialogue, stage direction, and cast interaction.  
We will present one play at the end of the school year. 

Worship Dance I-  (1 hour class)
(ages 5 and up)
This beginner level class will give dancers an introduction to different styles of modern and contemporary dance techniques in addition to worship dance exercises and prayer dancing for spiritual growth.

All Art classes are $70/month and are 1 hour long.  They will meet for a total of
32 weeks; 16 weeks each semester 

Art Thru the Ages is presented by Out of the Box Art in Alpharetta.  OOTB is a Biblically based art studio that will come to Grace Notes and present an awesome class mirroring what students would study in their studio.  All supplies are included!  It is imperative that students try to attend each week! 

Thru the Ages 101/102 (grades K-4th )
Students in ATA learn art in a chronological order. In this class they are hitting the highlights of time periods and famous artists! HANDS ON Projects will include but not limited to Color theory, Egyptian scarab beetles, king Tut watercolors, cartouches, Greek vases, Roman coins, Early Christian Madonna and child painting, Rembrandt, Cathedrals, Impressionist Monet’s Bridge painting on canvas, Van Gogh’s Starry night, Modern periods Picasso, Matisse and this year in honor of the HMA exhibit a special Salvador Dali project they will love! We end with Pollock splattering and  celebrating . Students use stain glass, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, clay, glazes, drawing and painting, and so much more! All students taught with visual reproductions, games, and focus on artist’s lives.

Art Thru the Ages 103 (grades 5-12)
As students grow older they become able to spend more time on their projects. Thus this class is not only about the artists and chronological approach but where the artist lived and HOW he create, what he used. The students are exploring with many types of mediums! Students will make batiks, Greek face masks and have a unit on Asia where they create with watercolors, paint, clay and watercolors, and drawing.  They will have a unit on Photography; a Unit on painting techniques, Potter’s wheel, Still life’s, always a major impressionist painting, and a stain glass window is also created in this class! Print making will be introduced in the class, and students will work on a Salvador Dali project as well!