The Evening Arts Program extends the artistic and creative possibilities by providing a wide range of arts-based classes after dinner. It is an opportunity for students to try something entirely new or to delve more deeply into an art form for which they have already developed a passion. While active participation is required, these classes are ungraded. The classes meet from 7:30-9 PM either once or twice per week, and students are required to participate at least two evenings per week. The Evening Arts program operates in two sessions: Fall and Winter/Spring. Unless otherwise noted, classes run during both sessions.
Afro-Caribbean Drumming
Experience the transcendent power of drumming through African and Caribbean percussion music. From sultry Brazilian Sambas and lively Jamaican Rasta Rhythms, to fast funky Liberian Afunga and soothing Haitian trance drumming, we come together at the end of the day to learn, play, connect, and relax. Together, students learn ensemble rhythms and playing techniques on a large assortment of traditional drums, bells, rattles, and Balafon (African xylophone). We delve into African drumming cultural traditions and their related diaspora percussion styles, and foster our creative spirit through improvisation and creating rhythms. We play in a supportive, non-competitive environment, with each person learning at their own pace and in their own way; each individual is valued within the whole. We foster our wellness as we connect with and empower ourselves and each other. We learn about other cultures while we learn about ourselves, tap into our personal creativity and musicality. Drumming energizes, yet relaxes. It connects the brain, the body—the neurosystem. Playing together promotes self-confidence and self-esteem. If you already play a musical instrument this class will support your rhythmic development, but no prior music or drumming experience is necessary. Everyone is equal and welcome, just bring your good heart and spirit . . . and have a ton o’ fun!
Gamelan Ensembles
Students will be assigned to small groups of 2-6 (or more) musicians to rehearse and perform chamber music. We will assign groups and music based on student interest. The focus will be on classical music, but if you’d like to make other suggestions we will try to support student interests. Wind, string and percussion students are encouraged to also sign up for Instrumental Ensemble. You should be proficient on your instrument (or an advanced singer) for this class. If you are a beginner, please sign up for Instrumental Ensemble only.
Chorus
Open to singers of all experience levels and abilities. The Putney School Chorus is an opportunity for beginner to advanced singers to learn fundamentals of singing and improve vocal technique as well as to develop basic musicianship skills such as notation skills and sight reading, interval recognition and recreation, and part singing. We will explore your own personal voice type and learn about the standard vocal designations. This will be a safe space to increase your confidence singing in front of others, and to grow along with your changing voices. We will develop melodic and harmonic singing through unison, 2, 3 and 4 part songs. We will have fun with a few different styles of music, and repertoire will be chosen depending on the size and capabilities of the group. We will incorporate leadership opportunities and challenges for advanced students. Seminar blocks will be used as sectional opportunities. (open to Adults)
Jazz
Students will explore improvisatory forms of music in a variety of styles within the jazz idiom including swing, blues, funk and latin forms. Musical communication, development of technical skills, and creating group arrangements will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to use the tools of jazz and improvisation to craft their individual style and voice within the context of a jazz combo. Jazz will perform throughout the year as opportunities arise. Basic technical ability on an instrument is required, singers welcome. Full year commitment.
Theater
We are looking for a wide variety of instrumentalists (keyboard, guitar, bass, winds, strings, percussion) to perform on stage (and in costume) for our Spring Musical. You will rehearse on Tuesday nights. The Great Comet of 1812 will also be either a single or double Project Week project for you.
Music Lesson and Practice
Students in the Music Lesson and Practice activity combine a once a week lesson with a scheduled practice time for Evening Arts credit. This activity gives students the structure of both instruction and practice within the busy Putney schedule. Students must be enrolled in music lessons for this activity.
Orchestra
String players of all abilities and wind and percussion players with instructor permission will leave campus and play with the Windham Philharmonic with Hugh Keelan. (open to adults)
Songwriting
As a class we’ll investigate the elements that go into crafting songs: lyrics, melodies, rhythm, chord progressions, arrangements, sounds, emotion, and inspiration. We’ll work on these ideas both by listening to examples of great songs, and by splitting up into groups and working on exercises: mini songs that we create and share with each other each week. Students can also bring in songs they have been working on to workshop in class, and we’ll aim toward a performance of new material in the last few weeks. Students should have a basic knowledge of an instrument (some chords or notes, depending on the instrument, would be enough) and a willingness to sing and perform in front of each other
Vocal Skills
Come learn basics of singing, fundamentals of music notation and practice singing in harmony with your friends. Meets during seminar blocks plus a voice lesson time that works with your individual schedule. Choose either Tuesday or Thursday according to your seminar schedule.
Vocal Studio
For committed vocal students who are NOT signed up for Vocal Intensive and wish to work on solo singing. The Wednesday Conference Block will be a studio class (you will sing in front of each other in a supportive environment) and there will be a 30 minute small group or private lesson scheduled sometime during the week based on student schedules. )