Velos treble, voices , ELEMENTARY MUSIC & band

INSTRUCTOR:  RACHEL FIGG

Rachel  is a music teacher and seasoned homeschooling mom of four. With a degree in Music Education, Rachel has over 25 years of experience in music instruction. Her career includes providing private lessons and serving for seven years as an elementary music teacher in Greenville County Schools, where she successfully secured a grant to initiate a band program.

Rachel is also the founder of Spark Schooling, an innovative online homeschool program. At Spark Schooling, she teaches classes and collaborates with a team of educators to provide comprehensive lessons in Art, Music, Physical Education, and STEM to homeschool families around the world.  Outside of her educational commitments, Rachel actively participates in her church worship team and teaches swim classes. She also enjoys unwinding by listening to podcasts, reading books, and adventuring with her family. 

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VELOS MUSIC PROGRAM

Our purpose is to assist and support families in the musical education of the home educated children of the Upstate.

VELOS TREBLE introduces young singers to the joy of music and singing through engaging activities and songs. Students will learn foundational vocal techniques such as breath control, pitch matching, and simple harmonies, all while developing confidence and self-awareness about their voices. Each class combines lively songs, music games, and simple choreography, fostering teamwork and creativity as students progress toward becoming confident performers.

Warm-Up Activities: Breathing exercises, vocal stretches, and fun vocal games.
Vocal Exploration: Discovering pitch, tone, and head/chest voices.
Part-Singing Introduction: Rounds, partner songs, and simple harmony.
Body & Voice Connection: Understanding how posture, breathing, and movement affect singing.
Performance Skills: Stage presence, memorization, and group performance preparation.
Musicality & Expression: Dynamics, tempo, and emotional expression through singing.

Target Grade: K5 - 5th

Schedule:

Thursday. 9:45 - 10:30 AM 

September 11 - December 4, 2025

January 15 - April 9, 2026

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2026

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition:  $375 (Full year) If this course if combined with Band the charge will be $600.00for both courses for the school year.

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VELOS VOICES

Develop vocal excellence, musicality, and confidence while performing diverse and challenging repertoire.

 Velos Voices  guides middle and high school students to advanced vocal performance, focusing on vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble singing. Singers will enhance their vocal range, tone, and expression through engaging rehearsals and challenging repertoire. An optional auditioned ensemble offers additional performance opportunities, fostering leadership and artistry.

• Vocal Technique & Warm-Ups: Strengthening vocal control, clarity, and agility.
• Musicianship & Sight Reading: Enhancing music literacy and independent musicianship.
• Advanced Part Singing: Complex harmonies and blend development.
• Performance Preparation: Polishing repertoire for concerts and special events.
• Voice Health & Technique: Understanding vocal anatomy, health, and proper singing practices.
• Auditioned Ensemble: Additional opportunities for focused skill and repertoire development.

Target Grade: 6th - 12th 

Schedule:

Thursday  10:30 - 11:45  AM

September 11 - December 4, 2025

January 15 - April 9, 2026

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2026

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition:  $375  (Full year) If this course if combined with Band the charge will be $600.00 for both courses for the school year.

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ELEMENTARY MUSIC - TUESDAY 

Target Level:  K - 5 grades

An engaging music course where students explore sound through listening, singing, playing, moving, creating, and reading music.

In this interactive elementary music course, students will experience the joy of music by actively engaging in listening, singing, playing instruments, moving, and creating their own musical ideas. Through a hands-on approach, they will explore the fundamental elements of music, including steady beat, rhythm, form, dynamics, tempo, melody, and pitch. Students will also learn about orchestral instruments, practice performance skills through dance and instrument playing, and develop critical listening skills by evaluating musical performances. Music games and creative activities will reinforce key concepts, making learning fun and memorable.

Schedule:  

Tuesday 9:00 - 10:00 AM

September 9  - December 2, 2025. (12 weeks)

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2025

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition: 

$200.00  (includes supplies)

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BAND

A performance-focused ensemble where students refine their ensemble skills, rehearse repertoire, and prepare for a final concert.

The Band Ensemble is designed for students who play a band instrument and want to develop their ensemble skills in a collaborative setting. This course begins with foundational instruction in ensemble playing, warm-ups, and group techniques before transitioning into structured rehearsals. Students will work on selected performance pieces, focusing on blend, balance, intonation, and musical expression. We will prepare for a final performance, building confidence and teamwork along the way.

We will work with students who are in their 2nd or 3rd year to build a strong foundation, a solid musical education by teaching students proper technique, music theory, and performance practices.

Prerequisite:   At least six months of playing experience, including a minimum of three months of private lessons.

TENTATIVE OUTLINE:

Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Ensemble Playing

• Warm-ups and tuning exercises
• Ensemble fundamentals: listening, balance, and blend
• Sight-reading and rhythm work
• Introduction to concert repertoire

Weeks 3-12: Rehearsal & Ensemble Development

• Sectional and full ensemble rehearsals
• Refinement of tone, intonation, and musicality
• Developing confidence in dynamics, phrasing, and expression
• Strengthening group cohesion and performance readiness

Week 12: Dress Rehearsal & Final Performance

• Full run-through of the concert program
• Final adjustments and stage placement
• Performance for families and friends

Needed: A band instrument in good working order, music stand

Prerequisite:  At least six months of playing experience, including a minimum of three months of private lessons. Students should be comfortable reading music and playing their instrument independently. A band instrument in good working order, music stand.

Target Grade: 7th - 12th 

Schedule:

Thursday  9:00 - 9:45 AM

September 11 - December 11, 2025

January 15 - April 9, 2026

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2026

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition:  $375 (Full year) If this course is combined with Velos Treble or Voices  the charge will be $600.00 for both courses for the school year.

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MUSICAL THEATRE

A dynamic, collaborative musical theatre experience where students develop skills in acting, singing, and movement while working together to create and perform musical numbers.

Step into the world of musical theatre in this exciting, student-driven class! Each semester, students will build skills in acting, singing, and movement while learning how to bring musical numbers to life on stage. The first half of each semester focuses on developing stage presence, vocal technique, choreography, and character work through engaging exercises and rehearsals. In the second half, students collaborate on staging, directing, and designing their performance.
Each semester will culminate in a live showcase featuring a mix of solos, small-group numbers, and ensemble pieces. Whether you're new to theatre or a seasoned performer, this class fosters creativity, teamwork, and confidence, providing a welcoming space for all skill levels.
Students may join either semester, as both follow a balanced structure of skill-building and performance preparation.

TENTATIVE OUTLINE:
Semester 1: Musical Theatre Revue – Exploring Performance Styles

Students will work on selected musical theatre pieces from a variety of shows, gaining experience in different performance styles.

• Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Musical Theatre – Acting, Singing, Movement Basics
• Weeks 3-4: Character Development & Storytelling in Song
• Weeks 5-6: Choreography & Stage Movement
• Weeks 7-8: Staging & Blocking for Musical Numbers
• Weeks 9-10: Rehearsals – Fine-Tuning Acting, Singing, and Dance Elements
• Weeks 11-12: Dress Rehearsal & Final Performance

Final Performance: A musical revue featuring selected group numbers, solos, and duets from a variety of musicals.

Semester 2: Student-Led Showcase - Creative Collaboration

Students will take a more active role in shaping their performances, selecting material, directing scenes, and designing creative elements.

• Weeks 1-2: Introduction & Skill Refresh – Acting, Singing, Movement Exercises
• Weeks 3-4: Student Song & Scene Selection, Group Collaboration Begins
• Weeks 5-6: Staging, Blocking, and Choreography – Student-Directed Elements
• Weeks 7-8: Rehearsals & Refining Performances
• Weeks 9-10: Technical Elements – Costumes, Props, Transitions
• Weeks 11-12: Dress Rehearsal & Final Performance

Final Performance: A student-led musical theatre showcase, where students have input in song selection, staging, and performance design.

Schedule:

Thursday. 12:15  - 1:45 PM

September 11 - December  11,  2025

January 9  - April 3, 2026

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2026

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition:  $480  (Full year)   $240 (One Semester)