Music

The music program at SAS provides opportunities for music study, appreciation, and performance for middle and upper school students. Middle schoolers are introduced to basic music skills, including reading and writing music, singing, computer music, and a variety of band and orchestra instruments. Upper schoolers take either choral or instrumental classes and sometimes both. A broad ecclectic approach is emphasized and students perform music from many historical time periods, cultures and aesthetic orientations. Improvisation is encouraged and fundamental skills such as reading music, rehearsal and practice techniques, and essentials of individual and ensemble playing are stressed.

Students perform periodically in weekly chapels and on the Winter Concert and Spring Concert, which are well attended by students, faculty, parents, and members of the Sewanee community. Creative Expression Assemblies provide opportunities for students to perform work of their choice and more advanced students are able to play in the University Orchestra, which gives two concerts per year and rehearses weekly throughout the school year.