RAMAPO MUSIC

MUSIC DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER:   (201) 891-1500 

Jackie Sarracco x4414 & Mark Friedman  x4419 - Susan Heerema & Kevin DeFreest  x2888

SYMPHONIC BAND
This 2.5 or 5 credit course is designed formore advanced students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Highly proficient, entering ninth graders may audition for this course. The course builds upon introductory skills and gives constant attention to the learning of key signatures, scales, rhythms, and a beginning awareness of style, balance, and intonation.

Directed By:   Ms. Jackie Sarracco      Contact:  jsarracco@rih.org

WIND ENSEMBLE
The course meets daily for 2.5 or 5 credits.* It is open to students, grades 9-12 by audition. Emphasis is placed upon developing appreciation for all styles of music through the study and performance of original band works and selected orchestral transcriptions.Professional recordings are used to develop correct concepts of style and performance.Tape recording of the band during rehearsals and concerts are made and evaluated. Considerable time is spent on developing correct concepts of key relationships, intonation, style, balance, and rhythmic accuracy.

Students who wish to take this course for 2.5 credits should seek the instructor’s permission.

Directed By:   Ms. Jackie Sarracco      Contact:  jsarracco@rih.org

STRING ORCHESTRA
String Orchestra is open to all string players in grades 9-12 and meets daily for 2.5 or 5 credits. The course provides students with experiences designed to develop basic string technical instrument skills and musicianship. Primary emphasis is placed on tone development, sight reading, and ensemble performance.

Directed By:   Mr. Kevin DeFreest         Contact:  kdefreest@rih.org

MUSIC THEORY
Music Theory develops understanding and skills in the technical aspects of music. The course is designed for both students with no previous musical training and for those who sing or play an instrument. Attention will focus on training in sight-singing and dictation, time-beating and rhythmic execution, conventional harmonic practices, and analysis. The course explores the basic concepts of pitch and rhythm in terms of their physical basis, notation, performance, and theoretical organization, in a broad and thorough survey of music fundamentals. Course meets daily for 5 credits.

Directed By:   Mr. Kevin DeFreest         Contact:  kdefreest@rih.org

MUSIC THEORY H-AP
This advanced course is for students who have completed Music Theory C and want to continue their study of the elements of music at a complex level leading to the Advanced Placement examination in May. The course of study includes sight singing, ear training, orchestration, instrument identification, timed dictation, the analysis of a major piece of music, and the writing and performing of an original composition. The course includes the concept and application of rhythm, complex notation, major and minor scales, chords, and harmonic and non-harmonic tones. Students with an advanced level of musical experience, who have not taken the Music Theory CP course, may take a test to determine their placement.

CONCERT CHOIR
This course meets daily for 2.5 or 5 credits.This course is designed for students entering high school with beginning or intermediate skills. Students in grades 10, 11 or 12 may take this course with the teacher’s recommendation. Concert Choir is a large choral group comprised of boys and girls. The music they sing, in English and other languages, includes movements from larger works of the great composers of several periods. Class periods serve not only as rehearsals but also for practical training in style, form, interpretation, sight-reading, dynamics, and vocal technique.The choir also studies and performs antiphonal choral music for performance withThe Chorale.

Directed By:   Ms. Susan Heerema          Contact:  sheerema@rih.org

CHORALE
This 2.5 or 5 credit course is designed for more advanced students in grades 10, 11, and12. Highly proficient, entering ninth graders may audition for this course. Chorale is an advanced, a cappella vocal chamber music group. This group provides an outlet and a challenge for the most gifted of our vocalists,who sing a variety of works from the Renaissance to the contemporary periods, in as many as six or more languages. Sight-reading ability is a prerequisite, most students in Chorale come with several years of instrumental and chorale experience, making it possible to stress highly subtle aspects of diction, phrasing, rhythm, and vocal coloration.

CHAMBER CHOIR
Grades 9-12, 5 credits, all students audition.This course is for advanced vocal students.

Directed By:   Ms. Susan Heerema          Contact:  sheerema@rih.org


VOCAL MUSIC LESSONS
Utilizing small group instruction, wherein students are grouped according to ability, vocal music lessons are offered to all interested students in grades 9 to 12. Students seeking vocal lessons must be enrolled in Concert Choir or Chorale. Lessons are given once aweek and students are scheduled out of physical Education or study hall. Considerable attention is given to developing correct rhythmic concepts and beautiful tone quality.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS
Utilizing small group instruction, wherein students are grouped according to ability, instrumental music lessons are offered to all interested students in grades 9 to 12. Students seeking instrumental lessons must be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. Lessons are given once a week and students are scheduled out of Physical Education or study hall. Large school-owned instruments are loaned to students.  Materials for the class lessons include standard method books, rhythm sheets, solo and ensemble materials, and selected problems taken from the band parts. Considerable attention is given to individual performance. The playing embouchure is evaluated, and attention given to developing correct rhythmic concepts and beautiful tone quality.

Directed By:   Ms. Jackie Sarracco   Contact:  jsarracco@rih.org

Directed By:   Mark Friedman           Contact:  mfriedman@rih.org

MUSIC DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER:   (201) 891-1500
Jackie Sarracco & Mark Friedman  x2256 -  Susan Heerema & Kevin DeFreest  x2888

Whatever your musical interest and talent, Ramapo High School has a spot for you!  There are many benefits to being a member of the Ramapo Music Program, including trips, competitions, meet new friends, special dinners, concerts and awards ceremonies.

• Marching Band
• Chorus
• Orchestra
• Concert Band
• Symphonic Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble
• Jazz Band

SEE MORE BELOW

For further information, please email Jackie Sarracco, Ramapo Music Director, at:  jsarracco@rih.org

EDUCATION  Juilliard School of Music, Bachelor of Music Degree, 1992, Violin, Piano, Theory.  Juilliard Pre-College, Violin, Piano, Theory,1985-1988 Diploma, Graduation.  Eastern Christian School Association, Chamber Choir, National Honor Society, Student Council, Orchestra Concertmaster, H.S. Diploma, 1988. Meadowmount Music Camp, Mrs. Galamian.  The Quartet Summer Program, Charlie Castleman.