Forest
The Ascent Tier 3, Levels 15-21
Forest is Tier 3 of the Dennis Frayne Ascent and includes Ascent Levels 15–21. The requirements for each Level are listed below.
Beginning in Forest, students are required to work with at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice. The student may continue with the same additional instrument from Level to Level, change instruments, or work with more than one.
Forest Level 1 (Ascent Level 15)
Dedicated to Amy Beach
Repertoire: Perform Promenade, Harlequin, and one additional selection from Amy Beach’s Children’s Carnival on piano. Complete the recital program with additional student-selected repertoire on any instrument. Additional repertoire may include works by Louis Streabbog, Albert Ellmenreich, Friedrich Burgmüller, Stephen Heller, Robert Schumann, Amy Beach, selections from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, selections from the Notebook for Maria Anna (Nannerl) Mozart, Clementi sonatinas, J. S. Bach inventions, and other repertoire.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, one octave ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 1 minute of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of Eleanor Farjeon’s Circus and perform the completed setting in the recital.
Performance: Present a 20–25-minute recital that includes at least 3 minutes total of singing, with both the student’s primary and secondary languages represented. Include at least one performance on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Forest Level 2 (Ascent Level 16)
Dedicated to George M. Cohan
Repertoire: Any repertoire may be used for the required performance experiences.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, two octaves ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 1 minute of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of Langston Hughes’s My People and perform the completed setting.
Performance:
Perform on any instrument in a talent show before a live audience.
Accompany an act, such as a dance or magic trick, on piano or any other instrument.
Perform a speaking role, such as emcee or actor, in a public performance before a live audience.
These three requirements may be completed at the same event or at different events.
Forest Level 3 (Ascent Level 17)
Dedicated to Muzio Clementi
Repertoire: Perform two complete Clementi sonatinas on piano, including all movements. Complete the recital program with additional student-selected repertoire on any instrument. Additional repertoire may include works by Louis Streabbog, Albert Ellmenreich, Friedrich Burgmüller, Stephen Heller, Robert Schumann, Amy Beach, selections from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, selections from the Notebook for Maria Anna (Nannerl) Mozart, Clementi sonatinas, J. S. Bach inventions, and other repertoire.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, three octaves ascending and descending, and the dominant seventh arpeggio in each inversion, one octave ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 2 minutes of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of Lord Byron’s She Walks in Beauty and perform the completed setting in the recital.
Performance: Present a 25–30-minute recital that includes at least 3 minutes total of singing, with both the student’s primary and secondary languages represented. Include at least one performance on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Forest Level 4 (Ascent Level 18)
Dedicated to Dmitri Kabalevsky and Béla Bartók
Repertoire: Perform two or three works by Dmitri Kabalevsky and two or three works by Béla Bartók on piano. Complete the recital program with additional student-selected repertoire on any instrument. Additional repertoire may include works by Louis Streabbog, Albert Ellmenreich, Friedrich Burgmüller, Stephen Heller, Robert Schumann, Amy Beach, selections from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, selections from the Notebook for Maria Anna (Nannerl) Mozart, Clementi sonatinas, J. S. Bach inventions, and other repertoire.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending, and the dominant seventh arpeggio in each inversion, two octaves ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 2 minutes of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky and perform the completed setting in the recital.
Performance: Present a 25–30-minute recital that includes at least 3 minutes total of singing, with both the student’s primary and secondary languages represented. Include at least one performance on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Forest Level 5 (Ascent Level 19)
Dedicated to the Bach Brothers — C. P. E., J. C., W. F., and J. C. F. Bach
Repertoire: Perform C. P. E. Bach’s Solfeggietto on piano. Also perform one additional work by C. P. E. Bach, one work by J. C. Bach, one work by W. F. Bach, and one work by J. C. F. Bach on piano. Complete the recital program with additional student-selected repertoire on any instrument. Additional repertoire may include works by Louis Streabbog, Albert Ellmenreich, Friedrich Burgmüller, Stephen Heller, Robert Schumann, Amy Beach, selections from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, selections from the Notebook for Maria Anna (Nannerl) Mozart, Clementi sonatinas, J. S. Bach inventions, and other repertoire.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending, and the dominant seventh arpeggio in each inversion, three octaves ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 2 minutes of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?, and perform the completed setting in the recital.
Performance: Present a 30–35-minute recital that includes at least 3 minutes total of singing, with both the student’s primary and secondary languages represented. Include at least one performance on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Forest Level 6 (Ascent Level 20)
Dedicated to Stephen Sondheim
Repertoire: There is no separate repertoire requirement for this Level. Study of Stephen Sondheim and other musical theater is recommended in preparation for the Performance requirements.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending, and the dominant seventh arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 2 minutes of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of Lewis Carroll’s The Walrus and the Carpenter and perform the completed setting.
Performance:
Participate in the rehearsal and performance of a musical-theater production as a singer, actor, and/or member of the chorus.
Participate in the rehearsal and performance of a different musical-theater production as an instrumentalist.
Submit program and photographic evidence documenting both productions.
The vocal/acting experience and the instrumental experience must be completed in two separate productions.
Forest Level 7 (Ascent Level 21)
Dedicated to Domenico Scarlatti
Repertoire: Perform Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata in E Major, K. 380, on piano. Perform at least one additional work by Scarlatti on any instrument. Complete the recital program with additional student-selected repertoire on any instrument.
Instruments: Piano, voice, and at least one additional instrument other than piano or voice are required.
Technical Skills: Choose any three major keys and any three minor keys. For each selected major key, play the major scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. For each selected minor key, play the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales in the same manner. For each selected major key, play the I-IV-I-ii-V-V7-I cadence using common tones. For each selected minor key, play the i-iv-i-ii°-V-V7-i cadence using common tones. For each selected major and minor key, play the tonic arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending, and the dominant seventh arpeggio in each inversion, four octaves ascending and descending. Play a chromatic scale on piano, hands together, ascending and descending, first over three octaves in a triplet-like rhythm and then over four octaves in a sixteenth-note rhythm. Sing a major scale and natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, one octave ascending and descending, followed by the Do-Fa-Do-Re-So-Do pattern, a cappella or accompanied, using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Perform at least 2 minutes of technical exercises on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.
Musicianship: Sing the defined major-mode, harmonic-minor-mode, and melodic-minor-mode vocalises using movable-Do solfege and again using scale-degree numbers. Sing a melody on solfege while tapping two written rhythms. Conduct in 2, 3, and 4 while counting subdivisions of two using eighth notes, subdivisions of three using triplets, and subdivisions of four using sixteenth notes. Sing the chromatic scale ascending and descending on solfege. Sing major- and minor-mode triads in inversions, ascending and descending.
Project: Compose an original musical setting of John Dryden’s A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day and perform the completed setting in the recital.
Performance: Present a 30–35-minute recital that includes at least 3 minutes total of singing, with both the student’s primary and secondary languages represented. Include at least one performance on an additional instrument other than piano or voice.