Health & Fitness
New Classes at the Nelly Berman School!
The Nelly Berman School is offering two new programs this year, open to enrolled students as well as music students in the wider community.
We would like to welcome music students in the wider Philadelphia community to enroll in our two new Fall music classes: Orchestra and Jazz Improvisation.
Orchestra
The Main Line and Philadelphia areas boast numerous orchestral programs for older music students. However, the Nelly Berman School of Music hopes to inspire students ages 8-15 from across the surrounding areas to play orchestral repertoire alongside more experienced players and faculty through the creation of their new Orchestra Program for string, wind and brass students. The 2013-2014 Nelly Berman School Orchestra will rehearse Saturdays from October 12th - April 5th from 3:15-5:00 p.m.
"I want every student to leave with a life-long love and appreciation of orchestral music, even if they don't continue into a musical career."
- Alex Serio, orchestra director and conductor
Jazz Improvisation
This class and ensemble will provide students of all levels with the opportunity to learn the practical and theoretical aspects of playing jazz. Improvisation is at the heart of this genre, a genre that has been a part of American music for more than a century. Special attention will be given to an understanding of the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic underpinnings of jazz as well as the structural norms of the music. In addition, listening – both to recordings and live performances – will be a central component of this class; the best way to learn to play jazz is by listening to those that have done and continue to do it best. Guided by Dr. Clayton’s expertise as a performer and scholar of jazz music, with special Master Classes from professional jazz musicians, this class will foster a love for jazz – one that is rooted in the knowledge of how the music works and continues to thrive in the 21st century.
“Each student will walk away from this class with a stronger understanding and appreciation for what makes jazz music a singular and important innovation in American music.”
-Dr. Matthew Clayton, class instructor
