Music & Dance

Welcome to the Del Val Music & Dance Department! 

"Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness,

happiness and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good and just and beautiful." - Plato

"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” – Martha Graham.

Below are some of the courses offered by the Music & Dance Department. 

**All courses fulfill the Fine Arts requirement**

The Music & Dance Department is also an integral part of Del Val's Fine and Performing Arts Academy!

We also invite you to join any one of our co-curricular activities!

Music Curricular Course Offerings 

Concert Choir (5 credits) – A semester or year-long performance ensemble course for students eager to explore and develop or refine their vocal skills. Tailored to diverse musical backgrounds, this dynamic course covers music skills, vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble synergy. A variety of repertoire of different genres will be studied with the overarching goal of performance at the District Choral Festival, Annual Winter Concert, Annual District Arts Festival, Annual Spring Concert, and Commencement Ceremony. Through collaborative ensemble building and a focus on musical interpretation, Concert Choir sets the foundation for further musical exploration, including the opportunity to advance to Vox Auri. Beyond school performances, students will perform and participate in events such as Rowan University’s Tenor-Bass Festival, Music in the Parks adjudications which includes a day at an amusement park, NJACDA’s High School Choral Festival, Walt Disney World’s Performing Arts Workshop, and many others! Rehearsals outside of school may be required. This course also provides students with skills they can use for vocal auditions for the Winter Musical, and Region and All State Honor Choirs. Enroll in Concert Choir, where voices unite to create long-lasting memories and celebrate the joy of musical expression!

Vox Auri (5 credits) – A year-long, high-level performance course for students seeking an enriched ensemble experience. Tailored to diverse musical backgrounds, this dynamic class focuses on advanced music skills, vocal technique, and ensemble synergy with the overarching goal of performance at annual events such as the District Choral Festival, Winter Concert, District Arts Festival, Spring Concert, and Commencement Ceremony. From collaborative ensemble building to diverse and high-quality repertoire exploration, Vox Auri promises a rewarding musical experience. Beyond school, students participate and perform at local community events, Rowan University’s Tenor-Bass Choral Festival, Music in the Parks adjudications–which includes a full day trip to an amusement park–NJACDA’s High School Choral Festival, Walt Disney World’s Performing Arts Workshop, and many others! Rehearsals outside of school may be required. Vox Auri expands on skills learned in Concert Choir which can be used and applied to the preparation of vocal auditions for the Winter Musical, and Region and All State Honor Choirs. Enroll in Vox Auri, where voices unite to create long-lasting memories and celebrate the joy of musical expression!

Concert Band (5 credits)  – A semester or year-long course open to any student interested in performing symphonic wind band music and enhancing their instrumental playing abilities.

Songwriting and Theory (5 credits) - 

AP Music Theory (5 credits) - A year-long collegiate level course open to students who have successfully completed Songwriting and Theory, or received teacher recommendation, designed to introduce students to intense studies in music theory, and prepare for the AP Music Theory exam. Throughout this course, students will analyze and compose music, as well as engage in aural skills such as dictation, sight-singing, ear-training, and error detection. By the end of the course, students will enhance their musical understanding and gain a deeper appreciation for the language of music!

Guitar Lab (5 credits)  

Piano Lab (5 credits) - A year-long course open to any student interested in playing piano! Tailored for students of all skill levels, this course covers the essentials of music for beginners, provides progressive learning paths for intermediate-level players, and offers advanced techniques for aspiring virtuoso pianists. Students will explore diverse repertoire, develop or refine technical proficiency, and explore artistic interpretation and expression. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work at their own pace while meeting certain requirements. 

Music Technology (5 credits)

Unified Music (2.5 credits) – A semester-long course open to any student interested in working collaboratively with other students to further expand their knowledge of music. This will include basic music theory, music appreciation, and piano and percussion skills.

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Kyle Tinnes, Supervisor of Fine and Practical Art   

Email Kyle Tinnes

Adrian Camano, Vocal Music

Email Adrian Camano

Thomas Hayden, Instrumental Music

Email Thomas Hayden

Dance Curricular Course Offerings

Introduction to Dance (5 credits) – A year-long course that strengthens the mind-body connection through various dance forms, including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, musical theatre, contemporary, and more. The class encourages students to create, compose, study techniques, and perform while exploring diverse dance styles and cultures. Emphasis is on using movement as an expressive art form. No prerequisites are necessary. Students interested in Introduction to Dance may also enjoy Taking the Stage or Unified Dance.

Commercial Dance (5 credits) – A year-long course building upon the foundation of Introduction to Dance, focusing on advanced dance techniques and choreography skills. Students will refine critical skills through performance analysis and experiential choreography to create independent works. The curriculum includes ballet, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, and jazz dance techniques, with instruction in aesthetics, dance history, anatomy, and choreography. Emphasis remains on using movement as an expressive art form. The course also explores dance in mainstream media, including platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and longer-format screendance pieces. Students will delve into the demands of performing for live audiences and cameras, adapting to the fast-paced media age, and marketing themselves as both dancers and storytellers.

Unified Dance (2.5 credits) –  A semester-long course that explores dance and rhythmic activities, focusing on balance, coordination, self-expression, and self-reflection. This class will primarily cover line dances and encourage creative movement to discover students' artistic voices. This course is an awesome opportunity for all students, and if you are in Unified and/or Best Buddies, it's particularly beneficial.  It aims to enhance self-awareness of the body, emotions, and their impact on others. Additionally, students will expand their movement repertoire, improve self-control, heighten awareness of their environment, and develop socialization and cooperation skills. The course will also teach strategies for relaxation and energizing, boosting self-esteem. No prerequisites are required for this class. Students interested in Unified Dance may find Unified Music or Introduction to Dance equally engaging.

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Kyle Tinnes, Supervisor of Fine and Practical Art   
Email Kyle Tinnes 

Heather Fleischman, Dance
Email Heather Fleischman