Instrumental Courses

Instrumental Workshop
Director:  Ben Richmond

This course allows students to learn to play an instrument for the first time or hone their skills on a known instrument. They will learn ensemble skills and will also have the opportunity to participate in concert band or orchestra performances.  Many school-owned instruments are available for students to borrow at no cost.

Concert Band
Director: Ben Richmond

This course, involving a large instrumental ensemble, continues to improve performance skills and knowledge of music theory that secures the musician’s life-long skills for playing live music. Students will learn ensemble skills as they participate in all the concert band performances.  

Concert Band with Jazz
Director:  Ben Richmond

This course, involving an instrumental jazz ensemble, is offered in conjunction with Concert Band and is designed to challenge the student in the art of improvisation and the style of playing jazz music.  

Chamber Orchestra
Director: Ben Richmond

This course, involving string players, is designed to create opportunities to perform both string orchestra and full orchestra compositions.  Students will learn ensemble skills as they participate in all chamber performances.  Music from different genres and time periods will be explored based on student interest.  Non-string players must have a teacher’s recommendation to participate.

Concert Orchestra
Director: Ben Richmond

This course, involving string and wind instrumentalists who can read music, is designed to refine musical abilities in a small ensemble setting.  Harmony, counterpoint, and musicality skills will be developed throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to sign up for this class on their own or to sign up with a friend or group of musicians.  Chamber Orchestra students must also be enrolled in Concert Orchestra.

Vocal Courses

Concert Choir
Director:  Colin Graebert

This course, involving a large vocal ensemble, is designed to challenge students whose musical abilities are diverse to channel their abilities in the art of song.  Many different aspects of music are explored, such as listening skills, vocal warm-ups, note reading, vocal blending, musical interpretations, solfege (singer’s alphabet), stage presence (posture), and performance skills. Students are required to attend all chorale performances.

Treble Choir
Director: Colin Graebert

The John Bapst Treble Choir is the select soprano and alto chorus of John Bapst Memorial High School.  Participation in the Treble Choir is open on an as-needed basis to all students who sing in the soprano and alto ranges who have taken two semesters of Concert Choir or with Mr. Graebert’s permission.  The Treble Choir is a performing arts ensemble that sings advanced choral literature from various time periods, cultures, and styles in support of the educational goals of the ensemble.  Class time (rehearsals) will cover topics including but not limited to vocal technique, group singing technique, music theory, text analysis, expression, diction, and music history in addition to preparing concert repertoire.  In addition to the mandatory winter and spring concerts, the Treble Choir may also be asked to participate in other performances as opportunities present themselves.

Tenor/Bass Ensemble
Director: Colin Graebert

The John Bapst Tenor/Bass Ensemble is a non-auditioned, extra-curricular choir for students who sing in the tenor and bass ranges. The group determines their rehearsal schedule as well as their repertoire with the assistance of Mr. Graebert and performs at the winter and spring concerts.  Enrollment in the Concert Choir is preferred but not required.

 

Other Music Classes (Non-Performance)

Music Theory
Instructor: Colin Graebert

This course is designed to challenge students who wish to dive deep into how music works at the fundamental level.  Concepts include notation, dictation, melodic and harmonic structure, and the music industry. 

Piano Studio
Instructors: Colin Graebert or Ben Richmond

This course is offered in a private lesson format or a group lesson of 6 students per class. Beginners, intermediate and advanced pianists will have the opportunity to learn and improve their reading of melodic lines, chords and rhythms as well as technique. For the student who is interested in learning performance skills, there will be opportunities to perform for an audience.

Guitar and Strings Studio
Instructor:  Ben Richmond

This course is intended for both beginner and advanced guitarists.  Chords, scales, improvisation, and the rudiments of music theory will be covered.  While it is a one-semester class, students are welcome to retake the course with instructor approval.  Students are encouraged to pursue playing in the genres they wish, be it classical, jazz, rock, hip-hop, folk, etc.  Additional subjects of study in this course will be electric guitar, electric bass, upright bass, and songwriting.

 

Extra Curricular Opportunities in Music

Jazz Combo
Advisor: Ben Richmond

The Jazz Combo is an opportunity for musicians to learn and perform the art of self-expression through improvisation. Many Jazz Combo players also participate in the Jazz Band.

Peppers
Advisor: Ben Richmond

The Peppers provide music for field hockey, football, soccer, basketball, and ice hockey games. Their music includes standard rock and swing tunes traditionally played at high school and college athletic events.

Spring Musical
Vocal Director: Colin Graebert

Open to all students of Bapst, the spring musical is a great opportunity to sing in solo and ensemble format of a Broadway Show.  Performances are in March.

Spring Musical “Pit”
Director: Ben Richmond 

Open to all students of Bapst, the spring musical “pit” band/orchestra provides instrumentalists with an opportunity to learn and perform the instrumental music of a Broadway Show.  Performances are in March.

Purple Day Assembly Performance
Advisors: Ben Richmond and Colin Graebert

Students have the opportunity to showcase their musical talents individually or as part of a small ensemble in front of the student body during Purple Day assemblies.

 

Advanced Musical Opportunities

MMEA District Honors Festival
Advisors: Ben Richmond and Colin Graebert

Students, chosen by directors, participate in the Music District Festival alongside other students from area high schools. The Festival features chorus, band, and orchestra ensembles.

MMEA State Jazz and Classical All-State Festivals
Advisors: Ben Richmond and Colin Graebert

Students have the opportunity to audition for membership in the State Jazz Festival, featuring vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as the State Classical Festival, featuring chorus, band, and orchestra.