Overview

Students may elect to earn accelerated credit when enrolled in any four credit ensemble.  The requirements include all standard course work as well as the following assignments completed outside of the classroom.  

Course Requirements
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​Students study their ensemble instrument with an approved private instructor and submit weekly practice logs

  • Minimum of 6 lessons per marking term
  • Private instructors should be either employed though the Needham Public Schools or approved by the ensemble director.  A list of NPS teachers as well as registration information can be found on the FPA website.   
  • Complete a weekly Practice Log consisting of the following items: Instructor Signature, Hours practiced (minimum of 4 hours per week), Exercises and Repertoire studied

Students perform in an additional ensemble beyond the regular school day

  • Includes but not limited to Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, A cappella groups, Vocale, MYWE, GYBSO, YSO, NEC Prep. Ensembles, Rivers ensembles, church choir
  • Any student-run ensembles must provide evidence of regular rehearsals and performances
  • Each term students will submit a one-page reflection on their goals and accomplishments

Attend one formal concert outside of the Needham Public Schools each marking period 

  • Formal concert includes college ensemble concerts (most are free), Needham Concert Society, Boston Symphony Orchestra, professional ensemble concerts, youth orchestra/wind ensemble/choral concerts (i.e. NEC prep, MYWE, YSO).
  • Submit a Concert Reflection summarizing the event.

Present a formal solo for their instrument in recital once each semester​

  • One recital will be given during either class time or at the High School Chamber Concert. 
  • One recital will be the student’s private instructor’s studio recital.  A recording of this recital is to be submitted prior to end of semester. 

​Audition for Eastern District Jr./Sr. Ensembles

  • All students are to prepare the audition piece at a performance level and audition for Jr./Sr. Districts
  • In the case of audition limits, i.e. voice, the ensemble director will determine which students may audition.  Those who do not will schedule a separate time perform the audition piece for their ensemble director.
  • If accepted into the district ensembles, the students will commit to participation in the festival (as per Eastern District rules)

Schedule of Assignments
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First Quarter
  • Lesson Logs - 8  weeks submitted weekly
  • Concert Reflection
  • Ensemble Reflection 
Second Quarter
  • Lesson Logs - 8 submitted weekly
  • Concert Reflection
  • Ensemble Reflection
  • Recital
  • Sr. or Jr. Districts Audition 
 Third Quarter
  • ​Lesson Logs - 8 submitted weekly
  • Concert Reflection
  • Ensemble Reflection
Fourth Quarter
  • Lesson Logs - 8 submitted weekly (5 for seniors)
  • Concert Reflection
  • Ensemble Reflection
  • Recital