Music

The Music curriculum is arranged into two strands: Creating and Responding. Through these, students develop their imagination and creativity, their practical skills and their ability to communicate through music. 

Throughout the school year, music offers independent inquiry into music-related knowledge, concepts and skills. Whenever possible and appropriate music supports or is integrated into the IB Programme of Inquiry. 

The Music curriculum is arranged into two strands: Creating and Responding. Through these, students will develop their imagination and creativity, their practical skills and their ability to communicate through music. 

Throughout the school year music offers independent inquiry into music-related knowledge, concepts and skills. Whenever possible and appropriate music supports or is integrated into the IB Programme of Inquiry. 

The Seoul Foreign School band program starts in Grade 5 in the Elementary School. Students take part in the Beginner Band program, regardless of previous musical training or knowledge of playing instruments. By being part of the Beginner Band, students learn the valuable lessons of teamwork, musical ensemble development, and individual instrumental technique required to play each instrument. The instruments available in the Beginner Band program are: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bari Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion. 

In the first few weeks of the school year, students are led through lessons and exercises to select which instrument they will play for the remainder of Grade 5. All aspects are taken into consideration when choosing an instrument, primarily the students’ interest level. Then, each student is matched appropriately with an instrument of their size and comfort level. 

Starting at the very beginning of instrument instruction, students participate in Beginner Band Day which is a full-day event where the students receive their instrument and learn the five basic notes. Throughout the year, students have band class and perform in two school concerts, one at Christmas and one in the Spring. The Beginner Band prepares students for the Middle School music program and gives them the opportunity and experience to perform as a full grade-level ensemble, promoting confidence and teamwork.

All Middle Years students participate in music classes each year. For performance-based ensembles, there are four levels of band, two levels of strings, and two levels of choir classes. Placement in each ensemble is determined by prior experience and an audition with the class teacher, if necessary. All students in performance-based ensembles will perform in at least two concerts each year. 

Two choirs are open to all students: 

• Middle Years Choir,  primarily made up of Grade 6/Year 7 students
• Middle Years Senior Choir which is primarily made up of Grade 7-8/Year 8-9 students

Singers develop their musical potential and artistic expression through singing in a choral ensemble. Study includes the care and cultivation of tone, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, vocal independence, team building, and responsible rehearsal habits. Many different songs are studied that allow students to experience a diverse repertoire from a variety of musical genres. Students perform in two concerts each year and learn the importance of artistic expression through performance.   

This option is open to any student that is interested in learning to play a band instrument from the brass, woodwind, and percussion instrumental families. No previous music experience is needed. During the course, students will learn to read music, produce a quality instrument tone, play musically, and listen for balance, blend, and intonation.

Intermediate Band is appropriate for woodwind, brass, or percussion students with at least one year of experience. At this level, students continue to develop technical skills on their instrument as well as improve their musical and ensemble skills. As a member of a performing ensemble, students play Grade 1-2 or higher band literature and work through major scales, exercises in the band method book, and chamber music in small groups.

Concert Band is appropriate for students who successfully complete Beginner or Intermediate Band the previous year. New students may join this class after consultation with the teacher. During this course, students continue to develop better technique as well as fine tune their musical and ensemble skills. The Middle Years Concert Band plays Grade 2 or higher band literature and also includes a chamber music unit. Students may take this class both their Grade 7-8 years. After exiting Concert Band, students will be ready to enter Symphonic Band or the High School band program. 
 

Symphonic Band is by audition only, after demonstrating a high level of instrumental skill and musical understanding.  During this class, students are challenged with a greater variety of musical styles, musical difficulty, and advanced technical development. Additional emphasis is placed on excellence in ensemble performance and precision. Students are exposed to a wide variety of concert band and wind ensemble literature and will perform Grade 2.5 or higher music in addition to participating in a chamber music unit. Students may take this class both their Grade 7-8 years. After exiting MS Symphonic Band, students will be ready to enter the High School band program.  
 

The Beginner Orchestra is open to students with beginner level skills. This course is open to students who are willing to learn a brand new string instrument (violin, viola, cello, and bass). The majority of class time is spent in a rehearsal format using "Essential Elements for Strings." Two public performances are required in which students will play one or two pieces of music together with the Philharmonic Orchestra at the end of each semester. Students learn to perform as an ensemble and should be able to perform on at least one instrument accurately and independently with proper instrumental technique. Students will be also able to perform simple rhythms and melodies accurately and independently on their instruments. Students are expected to work independently, practicing at home, and as well as collectively in a group.

The Philharmonic Orchestra is open to students with intermediate level skills and at least one year of experience playing a bowed stringed instrument. The majority of class time is spent in a rehearsal format playing the music representing diverse genres and cultures, with appropriate expression for the work being performed. Two public performances are required. Students learn to perform as an ensemble, perform on pitch, in rhythm, and with appropriate dynamics and technique, while maintaining a steady tempo. Students should also have a high level of interest in music, and be energetic and personally motivated. Students are expected to work independently, practicing at home, and as well as collectively in a group.

The Symphonic Orchestra is open to students with advanced level skills and at least three years of experience playing a bowed stringed instrument. The majority of class time is spent in a rehearsal format playing the music representing diverse genres and cultures, with appropriate expression for the work being performed. Two public performances are required. Students learn to perform as an ensemble, perform with expression and technical accuracy a varied repertoire of instrumental literature, which includes moderate technical demands, ranges, and varied interpretive requirements. Students should also have a very high level of interest in music, and be energetic and personally motivated. Students are expected to work independently, practicing at home, and as well as collectively in a group.        

IMYC is a project-based general music class and is open to students in all grades in both the Middle and British Schools. Students explore musical styles like film music and blues, learn piano keyboard skills, learn drumming, and classroom percussion. Students will compose and perform their compositions and will learn to listen to music with a new appreciation. 

For performance-based ensembles, there are two levels of band, one level of strings, and one level of choir classes. Placement in each ensemble is determined by prior experience and an audition with the class teacher, if necessary. All
students in performance-based ensembles will perform in at least two concerts each year. Students are able to continue in their non-IB music classes through Grade 12 if they choose to do so.

Music in the MYP gives students access to musical experiences that allow for the development of thinking skills, intuitive skills, practical abilities, communication, and the ability to relate to others. Engagement with existing and emerging music from the local community and from around the world allows students to understand the significance of music to the cultures of the world and, by engaging in practical work, to develop understanding of how the act of making music is a significant and universal aspect of human expression.

Concert Choir is a performance based Fine Arts elective concentrating on all types of standard choral literature. The majority of class time is spent in a rehearsal format where ensemble skills and singing techniques are explained, modeled, and taught. Students should have a high level of interest in singing and be personally motivated to improve throughout the year. Students are expected to work independently as well as collectively throughout the year. Students perform in two concerts each year and learn the importance of artistic expression through performance.   

Concert Band is a repeatable one-year, comprehensive music course that is open to any Grade 9-12 woodwind, brass, or percussion student. During this class students continue to develop better instrumental technique as well as fine-tune their musicianship and ensemble skills through the study and performance of a variety of wind band literature. The SFS Concert Band is a high calibre music ensemble that performs Grade 3 or higher wind band literature in at least two public concerts per year. No prerequisites required.

Wind Ensemble is a repeatable one-year, comprehensive music course that is open to any Grade 10-12 woodwind, brass, or percussion student with advanced technique and musicianship. Most students will have three or more years of experience. During this course students will be exposed to the highest level of wind ensemble literature. In addition to the high performance standards, students will be expected to show sensitivity to a variety of musical styles and critically apply cultural and historical perspectives to the music they study. The SFS Wind Ensemble is a superior music ensemble that performs Grade 4 or higher wind band literature in at least three public concerts per year. A successful audition with the teacher, regardless of experience, is required to gain admission to this course. 

Symphony Orchestra is a repeatable elective fine arts course for grades 9-12 string musicians. Class rehearsals focus on building skills as individuals and as an ensemble through the study of a wide range of orchestra pieces. The Symphony Orchestra performs grade 3.5 and higher pieces of music in at least two public concerts per school year. This is a welcoming course where the focus is on improvement and musicality. Symphony Orchestra student musicians should be interested in their instrument and orchestral music. 

Diploma Music is a two-year course designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of both the power and variety of musical experiences for those who have a general interest, as well as for those intending to continue their study of music further. Some prior experience with music theory is not required but is desirable. Students in this course will have opportunities to explore topics and pieces of their own interest. Student musicians are exposed to a broad spectrum of music and develop skills in analyzing, performing, arranging, and composing music.