CLASSES 2023-2024

We offer a range of music class types and levels at Nathan Hale.
If you're just beginning or if you have lots of experience, there's a place for you to make music.
If you have questions about any of the classes, don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Sibicky or Ms. Milanese.

GUITAR LAB

Non-Ensemble, 1 Semester,
No Pre-Requisite

Students in Guitar Lab will learn the necessary skills and concepts to gain a foundational proficiency at the acoustic guitar. This course is designed for students with little to no musical experience

PIANO LAB

Non-Ensemble, 1 Semester,
No Pre-Requisite

Students in Piano Lab will learn the necessary skills and concepts to gain a foundational proficiency on the piano keyboard. This course is designed for students with little to no musical experience.

MUSIC SURVEY

Non-Ensemble, 1 Semester,
No pre-requisite

Students in this course explore a diverse repertoire of musical styles, while building foundational music skills, theory, historical perspectives, and performance and listening skills. This is a one-semester course with no pre-requisite.

CONCERT CHOIR

Year-Long, No Pre-Requisite

Students in this year-long course participate in a beginning to intermediate choral performing ensemble that performs quality choral literature from a variety of genres and cultures. Students learn vocal technique and musicianship skills. Students perform in school concerts and regional festivals. If you’re new to singing or have always wanted to try, Concert Choir is for you!

SYMPHONIC BAND

Year-Long, No Pre-Requisite

This year-long performing ensemble is designed for students who play traditional woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, advanced technical skills associated with one’s instrument, and correct posture. Band students learn and perform a wide variety of music from different cultures and time periods. Students perform in school concerts, regional festivals and athletic events.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Year-Long, No Pre-Requisite

This year-long performing ensemble is for students who play orchestral string instruments. Orchestra students play a wide variety of music from different cultures and time periods and perform in school concerts and regional festivals. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, and the advancement of technical skills.

VOCAL JAZZ

Year-Long, Zero Period, Auditioned

This advanced course is designed for advanced musicians with an interest in jazz music. Vocal Jazz is a small mixed-voices ensemble for advanced singers and rhythm section. Students learn about various jazz styles and concepts, including improvisation and jazz theory. Students perform in school concerts and regional festivals. Freshmen enrolled in Vocal Jazz are required to sing in a second ensemble during the day.

JAZZ BAND

Year-Long, Zero Period, Auditioned

Students in this year-long performing ensemble learn about various jazz styles and concepts, including improvisation, jazz theory, and jazz history with traditional wind and rhythm section instrumentation. Students participate in all Jazz Band performances and activities during or outside the normal school day, including participation in festivals and trips.

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

Ms. Sibicky (Instrumental) and Ms. Milanese (Vocal/music survey) are the proud directors of the
Nathan Hale Music Department. Learn more about them below.

KATRINA SIBICKY

A native of Philadelphia, Ms. Sibicky holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School and a Master of Music in Music Education with a Conducting Emphasis from Colorado State University. She started her teaching career as a middle school orchestra director in Groton, CT. During her time in Connecticut, Ms. Sibicky was involved in several community bands and orchestras as both a player and conductor. She played flute and piccolo in the Connecticut College Band, was a cellist and assistant conductor of the Colchester Civic Orchestra, and was a flutist and co-conductor of the Norwich Arts Council Symphonic Band. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2008, Ms. Sibicky worked for Seattle Public Schools as an instrumental music teacher at many elementary schools throughout the city before starting at Hale in 2015. She served as director of the Seattle Flute Society Flute Choir and performed with the Emerald Flute Quartet.

Education

Colorado State University, M.M., Music Education, Conducting Emphasis, 2011 – 2013

University of Hartford, B.M., Music Education, Instrumental Emphasis, 2000 – 2004

JESSICA MILANESE

Welcome to our new choir director, Jessica Milanese.