NewsFine Arts
AP Theory makes use of new Keyboard Lab
Sep 12, 2007 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Darlington’s fine arts department is proud to announce the recent addition of a $15,000 Keyboard Lab in South Hall equipped with nine YDP-213 Yamaha pianos and stands, an LC2 lab with individual headphone sets, Wenger workstations, and Dell computers to access the composition software, Sibelius 5.
Although many music classes have access to the lab throughout the school day, it is primarily used by students in Advanced Placement Music Theory, a new course available at Darlington this year.
“AP Music Theory at Darlington is equivalent to an introductory college-level course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to do short composition writing,” said Jason Whitfield, instructor. “Our state-of-the-art, multi-channel recording lab is being used daily for skill work, chord building and training. The students have headphones, allowing each to hear what he or she is playing. I am also able to hear each student play individually, which lets me help them on a one-on-one basis without interrupting the others.”
Students agree that the advanced curriculum and the quality of the new Keyboard Lab sets Darlington apart from the fine arts offerings at other schools.
“AP Theory moves at a college pace, with new material being covered daily,” said senior Hannah Dodd. “I like working in the Keyboard Lab because I can do exercises on the internet and hear what I am doing. This has helped me to learn more about the pitch and what the chords sound like.”
Classmate and fellow senior Garrett Henderson agreed. “I already play the piano, but I am not the best at theory. They keyboards have helped me improve,” he said. “Mr. Whitfield is able to provide us with instant feedback. I want to major in music performance in college, and this class is helping me learn how to write songs and play better.”
Although many music classes have access to the lab throughout the school day, it is primarily used by students in Advanced Placement Music Theory, a new course available at Darlington this year.
“AP Music Theory at Darlington is equivalent to an introductory college-level course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to do short composition writing,” said Jason Whitfield, instructor. “Our state-of-the-art, multi-channel recording lab is being used daily for skill work, chord building and training. The students have headphones, allowing each to hear what he or she is playing. I am also able to hear each student play individually, which lets me help them on a one-on-one basis without interrupting the others.”
Students agree that the advanced curriculum and the quality of the new Keyboard Lab sets Darlington apart from the fine arts offerings at other schools.
“AP Theory moves at a college pace, with new material being covered daily,” said senior Hannah Dodd. “I like working in the Keyboard Lab because I can do exercises on the internet and hear what I am doing. This has helped me to learn more about the pitch and what the chords sound like.”
Classmate and fellow senior Garrett Henderson agreed. “I already play the piano, but I am not the best at theory. They keyboards have helped me improve,” he said. “Mr. Whitfield is able to provide us with instant feedback. I want to major in music performance in college, and this class is helping me learn how to write songs and play better.”
