Summer Reading: Music Department
Directions:
Below are listed all of the summer assignments for the music
department. Please be sure to follow all directions carefully for any
music course you will be taking in the Fall.
1. Piano (all levels): Read the article on “Field Trip to the Steinway Factory” and respond to
the steps taken to produce an acoustic grand piano by one of the oldest and most
reputable companies in the world.
2. Guitar (all levels): Read the article on “Jack Black” and answer the guided question sheet
designed to connect students with a contemporary and multi-faceted artist who is both
performer, songwriter, and stage actor.
3. *Alternate Guitar Project: Research a contemporary (still living or recently deceased
within the last 4 years) artist who possesses similar skills and notoriety as Jack Black.
Provide a complete reflective summary that should include biographical information,
discography, and the genre(s) (styles) that this performer feels comfortable performing. Be
sure to include information like what instrument(s) they are proficient in playing, any
previous collaborative projects with other artists, and investigate anyone that may be local
to the greater Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia area. Provide the article as evidence for the
factual information included in your reflection.
4. AP Music Theory: See the “enrichment packet” and complete all chapters before the
beginning of fall semester.
5. Honors/General Music Theory: Work on the “Three Day Summer Bridge” Packet and
attempt to complete each project before the beginning of fall semester. *N.B.- Some of the
daily activities require partner/small group collaboration. See Ms. Clark to acquire names
of other classmates to keep in touch with over the summer and complete the activities.
6. Jazz Band/ Band/Orchestra: Each Jazz Band, Band (all categories), and/or orchestra
student need to attend one live music experience over the summer that involves
instrument(s) they currently play in those ensembles. The genre can be from any style
(Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, String Quartet, Pops Orchestra,
Jazz Ensemble/Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Drum and Bugle Corps,
etc.), and must include a one-page written reflection on their experience at the concert.
Attach a poster, program, or ticket stub along with the reflective statement as authenticity
to attending the live event.
 Online pod casts are only acceptable with a written and signed letter from a
parent/guardian that explains the students’ inability to attend a live concert.
Also, each instrumental student will turn in a journal-based document detailing the amount
of time and what type of musical skill(s) or piece(s) of music was practiced during the
summer months. List any summer camps (AHS Band Camp NOT included), music
festivals, or private lessons you may have taken.
7. Jazz/Concert Band/Orchestra…Additionally: Each instrumental music student should
spend a portion of their summers becoming familiar with some notable professional
ensembles that pertain to the ensemble in which they perform. (If you play in more than
one ensemble, please choose one genre and write for that medium.) Over the summer you
will need to research, listen, and compose a CD review of no less than 4 professional
ensembles that pertain to the instrument you play. You can assume the role of a CD critic
or columnist for a major music magazine like “Rolling Stone,” “AMC,” “Naxos,” or many
others that you might be familiar with. Find recordings (CD, DVD, or MP3 albums) by 4
distinct ensembles and write a review on the entire album based on the following criteria:
Example #1: (Band)
Album Title: Wind Band Classics: “Orff: Carmina Burana, Bird: Serenade for Wind
Instruments, Reed: La Fiesta Mexicana”
Ensemble: The Peabody Conservatory Wind Ensemble
Genre: Wind Ensemble
Conductor: Dr. Harlan Parker
Guest Artist(s)/Soloists: (if applicable)
Publisher/Recording Label: Naxos Publications: Wind Band Classics
Track Listings and Timings:
Tracks 1-13: Carmina Burana (1936)
Tracks 14-17: Serenade for Wind Instruments Op.40 (1898)
Tracks 18-20: La Fiesta Mexicana (1954)
27:23
24:11
22:40
Critic’s Review: * List information and your reactions to each of the pieces listed on the
album. If the music involves multiple movements, sections, or a particular instrumentation,
are sure to include this information in your review. Each review should not exceed 1 typed
page and should contain complete and well-formulated thoughts.
*Other Band Genre Examples: Marching Band, Drum Corps, Community Bands, British Brass Bands,
College/University Concert Bands, Symphonic Bands, Wind Ensembles, Octets, Nonets, Quartets, Quintets, etc.
Example #2: (Orchestra)
Album Title: The Rite of Spring(1909), The Firebird (1919)
Ensemble: London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Genre: Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Guest Artist(s)/Soloists: (if applicable)
Publisher/Recording Label: “Bernstein Century:” Sony Classical
Track Listings and Timings:
Tracks 1-7: Part One: “Adoration of the Earth”
Tracks 8-13: Part Two: “The Sacrifice”
Tracks 14-20: The Firebird (1919)
(you may list individual tracks with individual timings)
15:34
17:04
+ 21:24
Total Time 55:53
**Critic’s Review: Review the caliber of performance for the artists on the recording. Create a
ratings scale or a rubric that will help your ratings of the recording. Don’t forget to list the
positive and negative aspects of what you heard. N.B.- Maybe use a
ratings scale?
*Other Orchestral Genre Examples: String Quartets, String Orchestras, Concerto Grossi, Solo String
Instruments (unaccompanied), opera orchestras, pit orchestras, ballet and musical theatre orchestras,
College/University or Community Orchestras.
*Other Jazz Band Genre Examples: Jazz Band, Jazz Orchestra, Stage Bands, String Bands, Jazz
Combos, Jazz Trios, Big Band/Swing Band, College/University or Community Jazz Groups.