Elective Classes, Fall 2008

Exploratory classes and special ensembles vary in length, from one-half to a full hour long. Students may sign up for a maximum of two electives, depending on the length of their orchestra/guitar rehearsals and the class schedule. Please note that some classes/ensembles have restricted enrollment based on a student’s orchestra/guitar level. All Level I students of violin/viola, cello, or guitar, must sign up for Basic Music Skills for one of their electives (check with WKSA staff if you are already proficient at reading music). Classes with limited enrollment will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Classes without sufficient enrollment will be cancelled. If you have a question about Level recommendations, contact Cathy Drabkin.

Guitar 101

Instructor: Keny Zahn
All the basics about the guitar instrument for the beginner! What kind of strings should you use, and just how do you change a string? What kind of repairs and adjustments can you do yourself? What kinds of guitars, amps, and special effects equipment are on the market, and what do you do with them? Class will include a field trip to Midwest Music.

Strings Around the World

Instructor: Chris Johnson
Come travel the globe as we listen to stringed instrument music from around the world--Western, non-Western, and points in between. In this class we'll explore a different region each week, listening to both traditional and popular styles of its music, discussing cultural context of the music, identifying the musical aspects that create its unique sound. We'll listen to both familiar and unfamiliar string instruments, and as well as non-traditional ways of playing bowed strings.

Fiddling Group

Instructor: Peggy Anschutz
Peggy Anschutz, a long-time, active fiddler and a retired music teacher, has compiled tunes of North-Central Kansas and South-Central Nebraska from her youth at dances and shindigs. She and Shawn will be teaching these tunes and working them up for community performances. The class may also take a field trip to Russell, to observe and perhaps join in on a regular jam session at the Deines Cultural Center.

Celtic/Renaissance Group

Instructors: Doug Drabkin and Fritz Kramer
Open to students in Guitar Ensemble or in Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced string orchestras

It’s a mix of WKSA’s Renaissance group "Ye Olde Gut-Scrapers" and this summer's Celtic Tour. Students will work up both Celtic and Renaissance tunes to perform at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival on Sunday, October 12th, and at the FHSU Madrigal Feast on December 5,6, and 7th. Expect lots of musical fun, in costumes and as dramatic characters.

Guitar Only Rock Band

Instructor: Chad Foust
Open to students in the Guitar Ensemble

Guitars and Rock—the classic combination! This class will focus on reading through lots of different rock music, from classic to cutting edge, while developing stylistic skills on the genre.

Strings & Guitar Rock Band

Instructors: Alex Heisler and Cody Custer
Open to string/guitar players by audition/invitation

This semester’s rock class will focus on creating a solid, unified ensemble and rock sound. Enrollment will be limited to 5-8 students, depending on instruments needed. Students will have input into music selection, and in creating an overall group identity. Students must be able to provide their own electric instruments/amps, and demonstrate a strong desire to make the group succeed. The group will be aiming to enter the Alternative Strings Battle of the Bands competition in January.

I Heard It on the Radio

Instructor: Jason Kucerik
Open to students in the Guitar Ensemble

You hear a song on the radio - a beautiful ballad, a face-melting riff, a wicked guitar solo - but can’t find the music! This class will teach you how to take a tune you hear, and learn it for yourself. We'll practice aural skills (hearing and picking out intervals), chord writing, tab reading, and develop strategies for finding sheet music online.

iPod & YouTube Exchange

Instructor: Chris Barlow
Open to any student in 6th grade or above.

Want to know what your fellow WKSA students are listening to on their iPods? Or what cool videos they’ve found on YouTube? This student-run class will allow you to share music and music-related videos with each other. The instructor will serve as the Grand-Poobah of Appropriate Material, and class moderator.

Computer Composing

Instructor: Chris Johnson
Open to students in Guitar Ensemble or in Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced string orchestras

Have you ever wanted to write your own music?! Here’s your chance to use the FHSU Music Computer lab and composing software to write your own music. Students will be guided in composing theory as they write/arrange their own pieces. Note: Due to equipment limitation, only 6 students will be enrolled.

Practice Partners

Instructors: Advanced string students
Open to string students of any level—by appointment.

Having trouble on an orchestra piece? Can't remember how the new song goes that your private teacher assigned you? Nearly every Saturday morning from 9:00-9:30am, one of our string players from the Advanced Orchestra will be on hand as a practice partner. Just sign up the week before, and they’ll meet with you for some one-on-one help.