Madera South High School has expanded its music program with a new advanced musicianship course, giving students a deeper pathway in music theory, performance and student-selected repertoire. ABC30 Fresno reported that the course is one of six new arts education classes added at the high school level this year in Madera Unified.
The advanced class builds on the school’s existing beginning musicianship course, which introduces students to music creation and production regardless of prior experience. According to ABC30 Fresno, music teacher and choir director Philip Gallegos said the introductory course teaches music theory along with digital tools for writing and recording music in styles students are passionate about.
Unlike traditional ensembles that often perform predetermined selections, students in the advanced class help choose the music they perform, with many songs reflecting current musical interests and styles. Gallegos told ABC30 Fresno that the program provides a space for students who have never had an opportunity to perform music they are passionate about.
Brandon Gilles, Madera Unified’s director of arts education, said the additional offerings allow students to pursue specialized interests, stick with them, go deeper and build expertise on the way to graduation. District leaders hope to eventually offer four-year arts sequences, and students in the advanced class have already begun performing at school events.
For more information, visit abc30.com.