From an early age, Fessenden boys are inspired to explore music in a variety of ways, and they learn that music is a great way to express themselves – at our independent school and beyond.
In the Lower School, boys gain broad exposure to musical concepts and instruments through movement and games, and in fourth grade they begin small group instrumental and singing instruction.
Middle School boys choose different musical experiences, such as percussion ensemble, choral group, or band.
Upper School boys build on these experiences in the most advanced musical groups—including the Fessenden Orchestra, Upper School Concert Band, and Upper School Voices.
Some students compete in festivals and competitions with other New England independent schools, or a group might sing the national anthem at a local sporting event. In addition, and for an additional fee, Middle and Upper School students may request private music lessons in any of the band and orchestral instruments, as well as guitar and piano.
Middle School Music Courses at Fessenden
In the B#s (B Sharps) choral ensemble, Middle School boys explore the basics of vocal technique and choral singing. Students learn healthy vocal production, thoughtful musical phrasing, and music literacy, all while working collaboratively to blend and harmonize as a chorus. Throughout the year, the boys perform for the Fessenden community at events such as the Winter Concert, Grandparents' and Special Friends’ Day, and the Spring Concert.
Band 5 and 6 are designed for students in their second and third year of musical study in saxophone, brass, or woodwinds. They learn how to build unity in an ensemble setting while maintaining individual accountability. Using music from a variety of time periods and styles, boys develop scale knowledge and proficiency, and they refine instrumental mechanics, ensemble listening, intonation, and individual practice skills.
The Fessenden Orchestra is composed of students from our Middle and Upper Schools with at least two years of experience on their instruments. Prerequisite skills include a firm knowledge of music notation, the two fundamental scales on their instrument, basic string notation markings, parts of the instrument, and familiarity with third position and the concept of vibrato. Music used includes pieces from the Western Classical canon, folk music from different cultures around the world, and film scores.
This ensemble introduces students to percussion genres from Western and non-Western musical traditions, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Students study the specific musical traditions, as well as performance and compositional techniques, illustrating the important role of music as a means of expression. Throughout the course, boys play and perform various instruments, building playing technique, music literacy, sight-reading, and other technical and functional skills of each instrument and musical genre. Students learn how to build unity within an ensemble setting, while maintaining individual performance accountability.
String ensemble is intended for students with 1-2 years of experience on the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students at our boys school continue to develop their instrumental technique, music reading, ensemble playing, and rehearsal etiquette. The string ensemble performs at winter and spring concerts, and there may also be opportunities for ensemble members to play a piece with the orchestra.
Upper School Music Courses at Fessenden
Building on the basic skills acquired from previous years of study, Upper School Concert Band challenges students in aspects of technique, intonation, musical expression, and ensemble skills. Selections include concert band classics, as well as arrangements of classical pieces, jazz standards, and songs from movie soundtracks and musicals. Students continue to grow in individual technique, as well as in ensemble skills.
More experienced and motivated musicians in Upper School Concert Band are invited to join Honors Band. In this course, students play advanced arrangements of classical pieces, Motown/ R&B tunes, and jazz standards. Music theory is introduced and students have opportunities to learn improvisation, make song arrangements, and compose. Performances include the Winter Concert, Grandparents' Day, and the Spring Concert. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in Eastern MA District Audition. Incoming students who are interested in taking this course are asked to schedule an audition with the instructor.
Music Theory & Digital Music is a general music theory curriculum with an introduction to the world of digital music, composition, and sound engineering. Students study the basic elements used in constructing music, including melodic and rhythmic notation, key and time signatures, chord progressions, musical form, and consonance and dissonance, as well as melody and harmony. Boys learn how to use these elements to compose and arrange using notation-based and sequencing-based music software.
The Fessenden Orchestra is composed of Middle and Upper School students with at least two years of experience on their instruments. Music is drawn from the Western Classical canon, folk music from different cultures around the world, and film scores. The prerequisite skills needed to be successful in the Orchestra are a firm knowledge of music notation, the two fundamental scales on their instrument, basic string notation markings, parts of the instrument, and familiarity with third position and the concept of vibrato.
Upper School Percussion introduces students to a variety of genres from Western and non-Western musical traditions, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Students at our New England independent school study the specific musical traditions, as well as performance and compositional techniques, illustrating the important role of music as a means of expression. Throughout the course, boys play and perform various instruments, building playing technique, music literacy, sight-reading, and other technical and functional skills of each instrument and musical genre. Students learn how to build unity within an ensemble setting, while maintaining individual performance accountability.
This course allows Upper School boys to explore the basics of vocal technique and choral singing. Students learn healthy vocal production, thoughtful musical phrasing, and music literacy, all while working collaboratively to blend and harmonize as a chorus. Throughout the year, the boys perform for the Fessenden community at events such as the Winter Concert, Grandparents' and Special Friends’ Day, and the Spring Concert.