Music
Music
Strong single notes and harmonious chords.
The Waynflete Music Program begins with our earliest learners composing their own songs and experimenting with instruments and rhythm in the Early Childhood program, and is integral to our Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School curriculum.
Students are exposed to a wide variety of musical instruments, styles, cultures, and traditions. They perform individually and as part of formal ensembles—at Waynflete and in the greater community. They have access to exceptional private music instruction and exciting enrichment courses, like electronic music composition, if they wish to supplement their classroom learning. And every Waynflete student learns to appreciate the power and potential of musical expression.
Mary Jane Pagenstecher
Director of Performing Arts
207.774.7863, ext.1348
An integral part of our entire curriculum.
Music in Early Childhood and Lower School
In the Lower School music program, students develop musical literacy through creative participation in individual and group experiences; gain understanding of our rich musical heritage and those of other cultures; and develop an appreciation of the connections between music and other forms of artistic expression. Incorporated into these guiding principles are pertinent areas of study as defined by state and national standards for arts education. These include listening, creating/improvising, movement, rhythm, singing, reading and writing notation, playing instruments, and evaluating and understanding artistic culture.
The Lower School music program offers the necessary time and space for exploratory play, and provides scaffolding to guide students toward musical form and understanding.
Music in Middle School
Grade 6 and 7 classes
In formal classes that meet twice a week, students gain skills and experience in various performing arts disciplines. Over the two-year span, students spend one full semester in general music as well as dance, drama, and production technology. These four classes are exploratory, experiential, and connected thematically.
Grade 6–8 Ensembles
Middle School students participate in one of six performing ensembles that rehearse twice a week. Sixth graders are introduced to ensemble music making in Band, Chamber Ensemble, or Chorus. Seventh and eighth graders are combined for more advanced ensemble work in Band, Chamber Ensemble, and Chorus. All the ensembles perform at formal music concerts in the winter and the spring as well as informal sharings for the school community during the school day.
Music in Upper School
Waynflete music ensembles are year-long, credit-bearing classes (½ credit). Ensembles prepare repertoire for performance at formal concerts in the Franklin Theater, school events throughout the year, and sometimes in collaboration with other ensembles and/or schools.
Acoustic Roots Ensemble
This new class is open to students who are interested in playing guitar, banjo, ukulele, and dobro in an ensemble setting. Students provide their own instruments. In addition to building technical skills on their instruments, students will expand their understanding of music theory, develop music-reading skills, and explore music from a range of acoustic genres.
Chamber Ensemble
Chamber music is an intimate form of music-making with no conductor and with one or two players to each unique and important line of music. Students explore small-ensemble repertoire with special emphasis on balance, tuning, stylistic interpretation, and individual leadership as the music demands. Repertoire is selected and adapted for the specific instrumentation available. The Chamber Ensemble also hosts and performs in the annual Waynflete Invitational Strings Festival in March. All string and wind players are welcome.
Chorus
Chorus is open to interested students who share a passion for choral singing—no prior experience is required. Emphasis is placed on building a cohesive community, vocal training, part singing, stylistic interpretation, music literacy, and musical understanding. Singers explore music from various styles, cultures, and traditions, including contemporary a cappella and musical theater, and investigate the power of song to heal, unite, tell stories, and even inspire change.
Band and Jazz Combo
Open to all wind, brass, percussion, guitar, and bass players, the ensemble explores traditional band repertoire as well as various styles of jazz music including swing, shuffle, funk, jazz-rock/fusion, ballad, Latin, and rock. Students provide their own instruments. While building technical skills on their instruments, students expand their understanding of music theory and develop music-reading skills. There is also a strong emphasis on developing improvisational skills. Jazz Combo is limited to nine players who demonstrate a superior level of commitment to jazz performance and musicianship. Membership is by invitation (to be determined in September) and players are also enrolled in Band.
Additional Music Opportunities:
Students who participate in Waynflete music ensembles may also audition for vocal and instrumental festivals outside of school. Opportunities include District II and All-State ensembles sponsored by Maine Music Educators Association, as well as some regional and national festivals. These are excellent opportunities for our students to work with prominent guest conductors and meet and perform with other passionate and advanced student musicians.
Enrichment Music Instruction
Students may also enroll in individual or small-group instrumental and vocal lessons through our Enrichment Music program. Lessons in voice and a wide variety of instruments are available for beginners as well as more advanced musicians. This year, lessons will be taught in-person and online depending on the student, teacher, and type of lesson. Our instructors are professional musicians with degrees in music education and/or performance—recording artists, composers, concert musicians, and teachers spanning all musical genres, including classical, folk, jazz, and rock. To learn more, email enrichmentmusic@waynflete.org.
Coffeehouse–Sharing of Original Works
Musicians are encouraged to create original and innovative works for Waynflete’s annual Coffeehouse. This event celebrates creativity, risk-taking, and self-expression by featuring student playwrights, composers, songwriters, choreographers, poets, comedians, and more in a casual performance setting. Members of the Performing Arts Team work closely with students to provide coaching as they work toward this event.
Waynflete Intergenerational Chorus
This community-building and music-making ensemble puts singers (grades 4-12) and members of the faculty and staff side-by-side to create music together and learn from each other. Weekly rehearsals are held before and after the regular school day. Waynflete Intergenerational Chorus (a.k.a. “WIC”) performs at various school events, including Convocation and Music Concerts.
A wide variety of performance ensemble opportunities.
Students wishing to supplement their academic experiences (for an additional cost) may add enrichment music lessons and workshops on our campus.
