Music

Landon School offers a diverse range of musical opportunities for students starting in the third grade. Beginning with music theory and literacy, students advance through the program to more advanced instruction. Each Division offers vocal and instrumental instruction in large and small group settings.

Lower School
Each homeroom meets for music once a week as well as each grade meeting once a week for music instruction. Students are introduced to a variety of instruments and the conects of rhythm, melody and harmony.

Every student is required to participate in a performance ensemble including: Band, String and Chorus. If a boy chooses to participate in an instrumental ensemble, he must also take a lesson for his instrument which can be arranged at Landon.

The Landon Little Singers is a select group of students from the Lower School Chorus that perform extensively in the Washington area and have also performed at Carnegie Hall.

Middle School
Middle School students are given four opportunities to participate in the music program at Landon. The Middle School Band is open to any student who plays an instrument and also agrees to continue with individual lessons. Novice Handbells is a performing group of 9 to 12 Middle School students that emphasizes note-reading skills and bell techniques. The String Ensemble performs on and off campus and includes the violin, viola, cello and bass.

Chorus (Grade 6), Choir (Form I) and Glee Club (Form II) provide boys the opportunity for vocal development and an appreciation of traditions, composers and cultures throughout choral literature.

Upper School
Upper School students are given more options to accomodate their varying skill sets. Broad programs allow all Upper School students to perform together while specialized groups allow students to harmonize in smaller groups.

The Chamber Singers represent Landon School in off-campus events including the Independent Schools Choral Festival, School Concerts and the Azalea Garden Festival. Form III Chamber Singers make up the Denizens which introduces boys to part-singing and close-harmony in small groups. These students usually progress into the Bearitones who specialize in a cappella works.

Handbells are a tradition at Landon that adds another dimension to our music program. Students work their way through the program starting in Form III and perform together throughout the year.

The Symphonic Band is open to any student who plays an instrument and passes an audition. The Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble are comprised of students from the Symphonic Band with an interest in performing in smaller groups. The String Ensemble performs on and off campus and is required to attend a musical trip.

Landon also offers Advanced Placement Music Theory as an overall introduction to musicianship and theory with an emphasis on developing student's abilities to recognize and understand the basic materials and processes of music. All students are required to take the AP Exam in May.

Private Music Lessons
Lessons are required for all members of Instrumental Ensembles at Landon. Instruction is available at Landon for the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, high and low brass, percussion, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello and bass. Lessons are thirty minutes and usually arranged after school or during study halls. 

Click here for Instrumental Music information, sign-up form, and a listing of current Adjunct Music Faculty. 

For more information, contact Earl Jackson at 301-320-1093.

Landon School Symphonette
The Landon Symphonette is a group of talented musicians from Landon School and other area schools performing with seasoned professionals, in a mentoring relationship. For a more information on the Symphonette, please click here.

Click here for photos and videos of some of Landon's performances.