We find great satisfaction in listening to our students discover the joy of music through learning and rehearsing and performing live. Coursework focuses on personal development, proper technique and ensemble training. Students explore cultural and historical context within selected concert repertoire ranging from traditional classical, movie, video game, world, and popular music styles. Students develop the fundamentals of technique, music theory, performance, technology, composition, arranging, and critical listening.
Some other musical high notes of the program: Students enjoy regional, statewide and national experiences beyond the classroom. ASA’s extensive partnership network gives us special access to master classes, lectures, and presentations from local, national, and international guest artists. Students explore creative design through notation, audio, and beat making software. In addition to becoming great performers, ASA students learn about varying musical styles, genres, and philosophies to influence and inform their own creative projects.
5TH - 12TH GRADE
Students alternate between instrument sectional classes and band rehearsals. Assessments include periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, group and individual creative projects, and public performance. Students submit at least one concert reaction each semester with online and in-class concert opportunities
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion
The students learn how to hold, take care of, and play the instruments, follow a conductor, maintain a steady practice routine, and play in a large group with mixed instruments. Students will learn to play scales and musical examples up to 4 flats and 4 sharps, rhythms from whole notes to sixteenth notes, and simple and compound meters. Students in Foundations 1 and 2 routinely collaborate.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 5th/6th
Each student will learn to play all major scales, expand their knowledge of compound meters and rhythms, and begin executing more challenging ensemble pieces. Students in Foundations 1 and 2 routinely collaborate.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th/6th
The students learn how to hold, take care of, and play the instruments, follow a conductor, maintain a steady practice routine, and play in a large group with mixed instruments. Students will learn to play scales and musical examples up to 4 flats and 4 sharps, rhythms from whole notes to sixteenth notes, and simple and compound meters. Students in Foundations 3 and 4 routinely collaborate.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 7th/8th
Each student will learn to play all major scales, expand their knowledge of compound meters and rhythms, and begin executing more challenging large and small ensemble pieces. Students in Foundations 3 and 4 routinely collaborate. Students in Foundations 4 also have the opportunity to work side-by-side with students in the high school program.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
UPPER SCHOOL
Students will develop basic musicianship skills through the practice and performance of concert works & exercises in a large ensemble setting with an emphasis on acquiring the fundamentals of posture, instrument technique and knowledge, note-reading skills, listening skills, and positive individual and group work ethic techniques.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 9th-12th
Emphasis is placed on reinforcing the fundamentals of posture, instrument technique and knowledge, note-reading skills, listening skills, and positive individual and group work ethic techniques.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
The curriculum of this course involves more complex works of music and technically challenging repertoire. In these classes, students will go from simply working their instruments correctly to approaching them like young artists.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
In this class, we explore deeper listening, precision of execution, phrasing, balance, blend, and interpretive style. Chamber Winds focuses on performing advanced high school and college level works of significant length and artistic depth.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
This course is designed for student mentors to share their knowledge and skill, as well as learning to direct small and large ensembles. Teaching Assistants will work with teachers to provide the optimal learning environment for the students. In addition to their daily tasks, they cultivate leadership skills and promote a positive culture and community within string classes. Teaching assistants receive feedback through rehearsal process, complete lesson plans and self-reflections, and conduct student ensemble performances throughout the school year.
Prerequisites: Participation in Chamber Winds, application, and letters of recommendation
Grades: 12th
This is a chamber jazz ensemble, a big band with the opportunity for unconventional instrumentation. In addition to traditional Jazz instruments, this course allows ‘non-traditional’ strings, orchestral woodwinds, and brass to participate. The curriculum focuses on skill building in the broader field of Jazz performance. Students will study jazz style, theory, improvisation, and listening skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 7th-12th
An advanced level performing ensemble focusing on mastery of traditional, non-traditional, and world percussion techniques through the study of contemporary percussion ensemble literature.
Prerequisites: Symphonic or Chamber Winds with Instructor approval.
Grades: 9th-12th grades.
5TH-12TH GRADE
This choir class offers the building blocks for proper vocal technique, music literacy, basic music theory, and essential skills needed to work successfully within an ensemble. Dolce prepares unison and 2-part treble choral repertoire from various time periods and cultures. Students will be assessed individually and corporately through class participation, tests and quizzes, performances, and one-on-one evaluation.
Prerequisites: None
Grades: 5th-6th
Cantabile is an intermediate-level ensemble that emphasizes the continued development and application of proper vocal technique. Students in this ensemble prepare 2 and 3 part treble choral repertoire from various time periods and cultures. Music literacy skills progress through the daily practice of sight singing and score study.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-7th
Most students in Voces have had some previous experience in a choral classroom. While furthering the practice of musical building blocks taught in previous choirs, this course includes increased music theory and sight reading practice. Students prepare 2 and 3-part treble choral repertoire from various time periods and cultures.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 6th-7th
The development of musicianship, overall confidence, and basic components of healthy singing are priority benchmarks of this course. Cantus is a mixed SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor Bass) choral ensemble made up of students who have been recommended for this course. A high expectation of rehearsal etiquette, sight reading, and aural skills are required to participate in Cantus. Students in Cantus prepare 3 and 4 part mixed choral repertoire from various time periods and cultures.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-7th
Choral Union is an introductory, skills-based course designed for high school singers to develop foundational vocal and ensemble skills. The course emphasizes active listening, healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, music theory, and strong rehearsal etiquette. This choir prepares 2, 3, and 4 part mixed choral repertoire from various time periods and cultures. The goal of this course is to prepare students for advanced ASA high school choirs.
Prerequisites: None
Grades: 9th-12th
Prerequisites include a healthy vocal technique with demonstrated breath control and intonation, sight-reading proficiency, and a strong record of rehearsal etiquette. Goals at this level include developing a refined vocal technique with control over longer phrases, enhanced intonation, the ability to sight-read more complex melodies, and a deeper understanding of music theory.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Prerequisites include a confident, clear, and independent vocal technique with strong breath control and intonation, proficient sight-reading skills, and demonstrated excellence in rehearsal etiquette. Goals at this level include developing a refined vocal technique, improved intonation, the ability to perform advanced repertoire in a small vocal section, sight-read complex melodies, and attain an advanced understanding of music theory
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Singers are assigned only by audition and the recommendation of both artistic and academic staff. Prerequisites include a vocal technique which is able to adjust to different styles of singing, strong sight reading skills, accurate intonation, and vocal flexibility. A high degree of musicianship is expected in this choir. Repertoire consists of a wide variety of choral literature from the last five centuries. Members are expected to participate in outside performances and represent the school in a professional manner.
Selected students will serve as classroom facilitators, supporting project-based learning, assisting peers in skill development and acquisition, and providing instructional support to the teacher as needed. Responsibilities may include working in small groups, leading specific ensembles, and contributing to the overall learning environment. In addition to their leadership roles, students will complete written assignments such as practice lesson plans, self-reflections, and research-based work related to course content.. Prerequisites: Participation in Chamber Singers or Concert Choir, application, interview, and letters of recommendation.
Grades: 11th/12th
5TH-12TH GRADE
Guitar Foundations 1 offers Middle School students the opportunity to study beginning classical guitar (fingerstyle) technique, 1st position note reading skills, in addition to introductory solo and ensemble skills. Students are required to have a nylon-string, classical guitar for classroom and home use.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 5th-8th
Guitar Foundations 2 offers Middle School students a continuation of their classical guitar development by performing in-depth study of important didactic works of the early 19th century, performing 1st position, 1 to 2 octave, Major and Melodic Minor scales with cadences in all keys, slurs (hammer-ons and pull-offs), in addition to continued solo and ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Guitar Foundations 3 offers Middle School students a continuation of their classical guitar development by performing in-depth study of important didactic works of the late 19th century and early 20th century by Francisco Tarrega and Emilio Pujol, multi-positional 2-3 octave Major and Melodic Minor scales with cadences in all keys, harmonics, complex slurs, in addition to continued solo and ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Guitar Foundations 4 offers Middle School students a continuation of their classical guitar development by performing an, annually alternating, in-depth study of important didactic works from the 16th-18th centuries and the late 20th century to the present day. Students will spend one year in Guitar Foundations 4 studying arrangements and transcriptions of vihuela de mano and baroque guitar music. Students will then spend a second year in Guitar Foundations 4 studying modern guitar works by Leo Brouwer and Reginald Smith Brindle. During both years of study students will also continue their technical development with 2-3 octave multi-positional Major and Melodic Minor Scales, ornamentation, and technical studies by Abel Carlevaro. Additionally, students will continue ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Introduction to guitar offers High School students the opportunity to study beginning classical guitar (fingerstyle) technique, 1st position note reading skills, in addition to introductory solo and ensemble skills. Students are required to have a nylon-string, classical guitar for classroom and home use.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 9th-12th
Classic Guitar offers High School students a continuation of their classical guitar development by performing in-depth study of important didactic works of the early 19th century, performing 1st position, 1 to 2 octave, Major and Melodic Minor scales with cadences in all keys, slurs (hammer-ons and pull-offs), in addition to continued solo and ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Romantic Guitar offers High School students a continuation of their classical guitar development by performing in-depth study of important didactic works of the late 19th century and early 20th century by Francisco Tarrega and Emilio Pujol, multi-positional 2-3 octave Major and Melodic Minor scales with cadences in all keys, harmonics, complex slurs, in addition to continued solo and ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Modern Guitar offers High School students a two year program that continues their classical guitar development by performing analternating in-depth study of important didactic works from the 16th-18th centuries and the late 20th century to the present day. Students will spend one year in Guitar Foundations 4 studying arrangements and transcriptions of vihuela de mano and baroque guitar music. Students will then spend a second year in Guitar Foundations 4 studying modern guitar works by Leo Brouwer and Reginald Smith Brindle. During both years of study students will also continue their technical development with 2-3 octave multi-positional Major and Melodic Minor Scales, ornamentation, and technical studies by Abel Carlevaro. Additionally, students will continue ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
World Guitar is the highest-level class that the Guitar Department offers. High School students in this class have studied classical guitar music from all of the major periods and are prepared to continue their development by dedicating each year to the study of either a specific composer, a specific period of time, or a guitar style from a specific region or country of the world. Additionally, students will continue ensemble development.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
This is a chamber jazz ensemble, a big band with the opportunity for unconventional instrumentation. In addition to traditional Jazz instruments, this course allows ‘non-traditional’ strings, orchestral woodwinds, and brass to participate. The curriculum focuses on skill building in the broader field of Jazz performance. Students will study jazz style, theory, improvisation, and listening skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 7th-12th
5TH-12TH GRADE
Keys to Piano is a group instruction course designed for students with little or no experience. Students will learn piano posture and basic foundational skills in playing. Students will gain an understanding of music notation, theory, and technique. Students will work individually and in small groups to learn, create, and perform for one another.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 5th-8th
Keyboard Collaboration is a group instruction course designed for high school students with one or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keyboard Basics. Students will expand their use of the keyboard, develop coordination between the hands, begin to harmonize using a lead sheet and play in ensembles. Focus includes both solo and ensemble playing.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Keys to Creation is a middle school group instruction course designed for students with two or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keys to Collaboration. Students will develop independence as they listen to, analyze, and create their own music. Students will expand their understanding of harmony and use it in a variety of musical styles.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Keys to Interpretation is a group instruction course designed for students with two or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keys to Creation. Students will broaden the technical, theoretical, and musical skills learned previously.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Keyboard Basics is a group instruction course designed for students with little or no experience. Students will learn piano posture and basic foundational skills in playing. Students will gain an understanding of music notation, theory, and technique. Students will work individually and in small groups to learn, create, and perform for one another.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 9th-12th
Keys to Connection is a group instruction course designed for students with one or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keys to Piano. In addition to basic foundational skills, students will expand their use of the keyboard, develop coordination between the hands, begin to harmonize using a lead sheet and develop ensemble playing skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-8th
Keyboard Harmony is a high school group instruction course designed for students with two or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keys to Creation, Keys to Interpretation, and Keyboard Connections. Students will develop music literacy as they listen to, discuss, and analyze musical examples. Students will gain an understanding of chord function, identify chords in musical examples, play from lead sheets, improvise in various styles, and create their own music compositions.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
Keyboard Mastery is a group instruction course designed for students with three or more years of experience. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in Keyboard Harmony. Students will learn more advanced technical, theoretical, and musical skills. Focus includes advanced repertoire and harmonization.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 9th-12th
This is a chamber jazz ensemble, a big band with the opportunity for unconventional instrumentation. In addition to traditional Jazz instruments, this course allows ‘non-traditional’ strings, orchestral woodwinds, and brass to participate. The curriculum focuses on skill building in the broader field of Jazz performance. Students will study jazz style, theory, improvisation, and listening skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 7th-12th
5TH - 12TH GRADE
ALL String Students participate in small and large ensembles. Assessments include periodic practice checks, comprehensive playing exams, group and individual creative projects, and public performances. Students submit at least one concert reaction each semester with online and in-class concert opportunities.
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Overture Strings centers the learning of our string students in instrument-specific classes. This
multilevel class allows students new to the instrument and those still working on their fundamentals to explore their playing skills more fully in their instrument technique class. Students in Overture Strings will work with their technique teachers on foundational skills, solo
music, and instrument ensembles (i.e. violin ensemble, viola ensemble, low strings ensemble). These instrument classes will still have opportunities to participate in a full string orchestra. Performances will showcase the students’ work in both small and large ensembles.
Prerequisites: none
Grades: 5th-7th
This intermediate strings class focuses on shifting skills, two-octave scales and arpeggios, bowing techniques, and musical expression. Students alternate between instrument sectional classes and orchestra rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-7th
This is an upper-level performing ensemble with an emphasis on shifting, two and three-octave scales and arpeggios, vibrato, advanced bowing techniques, and musical expression. Students in Con Brio also have the opportunity to work side-by-side with members of the high school program. Instruction alternates between instrument sectionals and full orchestra rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 5th-7th
This class is designed as a multi-level class for incoming students with no prior experience, and for students developing and refining technique and musicianship skills. Intermediate students will focus on shifting skills, two-octave scales and arpeggios, advancing bowing techniques, and musical expression. This class is also for students interested in learning a second instrument.
Students in Concert Orchestra will work with their technique teachers (Violin and Viola/Low Strings) on foundational skills, solo music, and instrument ensembles (i.e. violin ensemble, viola/low strings ensemble). The instrument classes will still have opportunities to participate in a full string orchestra. Performances will showcase the students’ work in both small and large ensembles.
Prerequisites: none for the incoming level. Instructor approval for the intermediate level.
Evaluation required for incoming students wishing to be considered for more advanced levels.
Grades: 8th-12th
This is an upper-level performing ensemble with emphasis on shifting, two and three-octave
scales and arpeggios, vibrato, advanced bowing techniques and musical expression. This class
has the opportunity to collaborate with the winds, brass, and percussion students to perform full
orchestra repertoire. Students alternate between instrument sectional classes and orchestra
rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 8th-12th
This advanced string ensemble performs music from the standard concert string orchestra, full
symphony, and chamber music literature with opportunity for student-led projects. Students
alternate between instrument sectional classes and orchestra rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 8th-12th
This course is designed for student mentors to share their knowledge and skills, as well as
learning to direct small and large string ensembles. Teaching Assistants will work with teachers
to provide the optimal learning environment for the students. In addition to their daily tasks, they
cultivate leadership skills and promote a positive culture and community within string classes.
Teaching assistants receive feedback through the rehearsal process, complete lesson plans and
self-reflections, and conduct student ensemble performances throughout the school year.
Prerequisites:Participation in Symphony or Chamber Orchestras, application, and letters of
recommendation
Grades: 11th-12th
This is a chamber jazz ensemble, a big band with the opportunity for unconventional instrumentation. In addition to traditional Jazz instruments, this course allows ‘non-traditional’ strings, orchestral woodwinds, and brass to participate. The curriculum focuses on skill building in the broader field of Jazz performance. Students will study jazz style, theory, improvisation, and listening skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval; evaluation required for incoming students
Grades: 7th-12th
12TH GRADE
This program of performing arts preparatory study is designed and designated for students who are planning on professionally pursuing the performing arts, and who will be majoring in their specific area of artistic concentration in institutions of higher education. This course is designed to support students in the rigid and detailed college application and preparation process for performing artists. Students interested in the areas of arts performance, education, and therapy work with a mentor to work on the requirements to complete regular college applications alongside specific arts school applications, audition preparation and practice, and robust and challenging career-specific interviews.
Prerequisites: Application and Interview
Grades: 12th
12TH GRADE
ASA Seniors have the opportunity to apply and earn this recognition from the Arizona Department of Education for inclusion on their ASA diploma. The Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal is awarded to graduating high school students who complete the Seal of Arts Proficiency Pathway through ASA. The pathway is designed to celebrate students who complete a rigorous, standards-based, and high-quality arts education course of study throughout their high school education. All students select an arts teacher as their mentor to meet the requirements and complete an arts capstone project. Seniors have the opportunity to receive the Seal of Arts Proficiency in multiple disciplines.
Grades: 12th