Music

At Garrison Forest, Music is a vibrant part of the academic program. Required, elective and extracurricular courses develop performance skills and cultivate an appreciation for music. At the same time, our Music program promotes creativity and a sense of community.

Students are actively engaged in creating, performing, learning about and sharing music. The curriculum combines choral singing and general music, music theory and music appreciation, and includes music of diverse eras, genres, styles and cultures. The Garrison Forest Music program exposes students to experiences, knowledge, and skills they can use to express themselves musically in meaningful and joyful ways.

In the Divisions

Upper School

All Upper School students have the option to participate in one of two performing arts classes, Modern Band and/or Chamber Choir. Additionally, they can audition to perform in Raggeds Robins or The Blues Band, select extracurricular vocal and instrumental groups that perform both on and off campus. Recently, The Blues Band played at the Fells Point Farmers Market, and some students will be singing at a Baltimore Orioles game! In addition to these groups, students may participate in a yearly musical theater production, our Tri-M national music honor society, and our student-led Music Club.

Middle School

The Middle School Music curriculum builds on the foundations of concepts and skills established in the Lower School. Music theory and history are incorporated into each grade's required Music class, and each class performs in the Winter and Spring concerts. Examples of coursework include guitar, djembe, handchimes, hip hop, and digital music production. In Eighth Grade, students may choose to participate in the Modern Band elective. as a chorus on several occasions throughout the year. In addition to the Applied Music offerings (below), students in Sixth through Eighth Grade may audition for the voluntary Blue Birds Band, the annual Middle School musical theater production, and Blue Belles, our award-winning vocal ensemble..

Lower School

In twice-weekly classes, the Lower School students are introduced to elements of musical theory and vocabulary with an increased focus on singing with attention to intonation, tone quality and good diction. Musical performances include a Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and class plays and events.

Private, afterschool instrumental lessons are offered in piano and violin beginning in Kindergarten. Guitar and flute are offered beginning in 4th and 5th Grades.

Preschool

Preschool children take Music twice a week, and the Toddler-Parent class enjoys song and music as part of their class activities. Preschool students present a musical entitled "A Time of Sharing" during the Spring, in which all children participate. In addition to the formal Music program, Preschool classroom teachers incorporate song and music into class plays and events.

Applied Music at GFS

Applied Music at Garrison Forest

Garrison Forest offers extracurricular private lessons in piano, violin, viola, guitar, bass guitar, voice, flute and percussion. Violin and viola students participate in the String Ensemble, which rehearses weekly. Students of all levels study with artist teachers who perform with ensembles such as The Baltimore Chamber Players, The National Symphony Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Washington, DC. Applied music recitals occur in the winter and spring in each Division. The Applied music registration is available online. For information and registration, visit the Applied Music Contract. (NOTE: The registration period for the 24-25 school year has passed; please reach out to Allie Charney at alexandracharney@gfs.org if you would like to inquire about joining the program.)

Instrumental Music Lessons Fees

(All Divisions)

All fees are on a yearly basis.

Full year (September 9-May 2)
- 60-minute lesson: $2,575
- 45-minute lesson: $2,000
- 30-minute lesson: $1,400
One semester (September 9-December 20 OR January 13-May 2)
- 60-minute lesson: $1,300
- 45-minute lesson: $1,000
- 30-minute lesson: $700