Mr. R. Buursma, Ms. D. Freeberg, Ms. C. Sawyer. This course is a study of music against the backdrop of the great cultural movements of Western civilization. The backdrop is provided by the series of TV films called Civilization and the accompanying book by Kenneth Clark. Lecture, guided listening, and discussion serve to illustrate the expression of the mind and spirit of a culture in its arts, especially music. Not one of these books can be understood unless we read the two others, but of the three the only trustworthy one is in the last.
Evaluation is based on quizzes and a final examination.
Mr. H. Slenk. W40 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Music Theory. This course introduces the student to the rudiments of music theory including rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, melody, chords, and tonality. These rudiments are learned by extensive drills, both in and out of class, for the purpose of developing an understanding of and facility in using the fundamental building blocks of tonal music. Drills includes singing, playing at the keyboard, analyzing, writing in musical notation, ear training, and computer lab work.