Theory and enrichment classes are designed to enhance the private lesson. Students taking private instruction elsewhere are welcome to register for theory and enrichment classes offered at the Langley Community Music School.

THEORY
Theory classes are designed to enhance the private lesson. Students taking private instruction elsewhere are welcome to register for theory and enrichment classes offered at the Langley Community Music School. The purpose of theory is to increase the student’s understanding and enjoyment of music. To acquire this understanding a student begins writing musical notation, rhythms and vocabulary as essential building blocks in becoming better sight readers and skilled musicians. Theoretical knowledge of music is essential for the more advanced levels of performance if students are to play with a sense of musical insight.

These classes cover rudiments, harmony, counterpoint, history and analysis. The theory program offered at LCMS can be used as a follow-up to training provided by the Orff program and to prepare students for the Royal Conservatory theory examinations. It should be stressed that theory is a requirement of graded examinations for intermediate levels and for entrance to music programs at college or university.

Practical Grade Level Theory co-requisite:
Grade 5:        Preliminary Rudiments (Basic)

Grade 6:        Grade 1 Rudiments (Intermediate)

Grade 7 & 8:  Grade 2 Rudiments (Advanced)

Grade 9:        Grade 3 Harmony (Basic)
                       Grade 3 Keyboard Harmony
                    Grade 3 History (History 1)

Grade 10:      Grade 4 Harmony (Intermediate)
                    Grade 4 Keyboard Harmony
                    Grade 4 History (History 2)

ARCT:          Grade 5 Harmony (Advanced); or
                    Grade 5 Keyboard Harmony;
                    Grade 5 History (History 3)
                    Grade 4 Counterpoint; Grade 5 Analysis

Weekly classes run from September to May. Examinations are scheduled in December and May. Summer sessions are held to prepare for August exams. Private and semi-private lessons may also be arranged.

Composition
Classes are offered for students wishing to develop their composing skills.

Sight Singing
These classes encourage the aural development and general musicianship of each student. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes to one hour and include three to eight students. The skill of singing music at sight is developed using the solfège system (do, re, mi) and reinforces with hand signs. Time is also spent each class understanding rhythmic notation. Students wishing to gain a better understanding and control of their ability to hear and accurately produce pitches should register.

Adult Theory – for program detail please refer to Adult and Seniors Programs

For information on summer lessons in preparation for August Exams refer to Summer Workshops.

ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Master Classes
Students will have opportunities throughout the year to perform for professional guest master teachers and artists.

Chamber Music
The wonderful repertoire, intense listening and close teamwork involved in playing chamber music make it a rewarding pursuit for any musician. Various instruments are grouped together to form ensembles and faculty members coach chamber ensembles for the annual Music Festival in February and Chamber Music Day in the June.

Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble (combinations of mixed or like instruments - flute, recorder, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, and French Horn) is designed to provide intermediate and advanced level students enrolled in private lessons at LCMS an opportunity to perform a wide variety of chamber repertoire available for wind ensembles. Limited enrollment may be available by audition to students not participating in private lessons at LCMS.

Professional Concerts
As part of their learning experience, students are encouraged to attend the School’s two professional concert series, Café Classico and Rose Gellert Hall Concert Series.

LCMS Fiddlers Performance Group
The LCMS Western Fiddlers meet each Wednesday evening to prepare lively programs for various community events throughout the year. Fiddlers from the community are welcome to join the ensemble and learn Celtic, traditional and western styles of fiddling. Parent volunteers are required to support the activities for the Western Fiddlers. Auditions may be required to determine placement in the appropriate level.

Orchestra
Students can develop their skills by learning the basics of ensemble music, the discipline of playing in a section and the requirements of following a conductor. Students from string programs outside the school are welcome to register and are required to audition to determining placement in the appropriate level - junior, intermediate or senior orchestra.