BEGINNING DRUM CORPS
This is a performing drum corps with students who have excelled in percussion and have fulfilled the rudimentary requirements. The teacher recommends students for this course.
DRUMS OF THUNDER
This is a full year course. This is a performing drum corps with students who have excelled in percussion and exceeded requirements. Students audition for this course and are pre-registered by the teacher.
HILLSIDE DRUM CORPS
This is a full year course for drummers with a high level of skill. They continue to study rudiments. The students are taught to learn a number of high level percussion ensembles with the intent of performance
PERCUSSION
This class is more of an introductory “rhythm course”, integrating an exposure to different cultural rhythms, differentiation between “beat” and “rhythm”, basic note reading skills, etc. Compared to a discipline like English Language Arts, students are learning their “phonics” here.
DRUM SET SEMINAR
This course brings 22 years of professional playing experience into The Hillside Classroom. Fifth graders will be immersed in a crash course of rhythmic coordination, musical styles, song form and note reading. The goal (aside from having fun while learning about this indigenous American Instrument) is to prepare students for the multitude of opportunities in any of the band programs offered throughout the district (with which I would be collaborating), as well as other ensemble programs like School of Rock, Jazz House Kids, etc. The only requirement is that students come to class ready and willing to groove!
PERCUSSION MUSIC READING
This course is offered as a CI music class to students in Drums of Thunder and Hillside Drum Corp. Participation in this class is through recommendation from Mr. D’Amico only. The goal of the class is to facilitate a student’s ability to read sheet music. This class is offered to fourth and fifth graders only.
CONCERT BAND
The goal of this course is to get students (on a variety of instruments exceeding the class’ current name) playing as soon as possible. Course topics include a focus on a solid basic technique, the reading of music, quality of sound and ensemble playing. If and when possible, I also try to integrate one on one attention to students enrolled in the course.
RYTHMIC RECORDER
This course is a stepping-stone towards note reading. The student will learn to play simple songs on the recorder.
CI CHORUS
This course is designed for students who possess exceptional vocal quality with the ability to sing in tune and harmonize. This is a performing group and students will be provided many opportunities to perform.
CHORUS
The Hillside chorus provides the student with a chance to participate in a choral group, which emphasizes songs from Folk to Broadway. Students will learn proper breathing techniques, tone production, pitch and diction.