about greatland.
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choral and band instruction for homeschoolers
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performance opportunities
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affordable tuition rate
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classes are held near the park strip (see below)
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approved vendor of the Anchorage School District
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direct-billing available for most homeschool programs
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affiliated with AK Homeschool Classes
. . . when you get together with a group of other singers, it becomes more than the sum of the parts. All of those people are pouring out their hearts and souls in perfect harmony, which is kind of an emblem for what we need in this world . . .
John Rutter
classes.
Preparatory Chorus
Grades 2 - 3
New this year!
Through singing games and activities, children in the Prep Chorus, grades 2 - 3, will begin their choral journey, preparing them for Youth Chorus and beyond. As in the Youth Chorus, singers will be introduced to vocal technique, sight-singing, ear-training, and performance technique while striving for musical excellence and enjoying choral music geared toward this level. The Prep Chorus will also participate in the performance recital each semester.
Tuesday
1:15 - 2:15 pm
Faith Lutheran Church
August 31 - November 16
Recital: November 11
Fall $150
Spring $200
Beginner Percussion
Grades 4 - 8
New this year!
The Beginner Percussion class will be taught separately from the Beginner Brass and Woodwinds. Students will learn to play the snare drum, bells, and the various percussion accessories required for a concert band setting. Additionally, percussion students will join the Beginner Brass and Woodwind students later in the semester. Families will need to purchase the band method book, Tradition of Excellence, Book 1, Kjos Publishing. A performance recital each semester is included.
Wednesday
9:30 - 10:30 am
(+10:30 am - 12:00 noon)
First Presbyterian Church
September 1 - November 17
Recital: November 11
Fall $225
Spring $275
Youth Chorus
Grades 4 - 8
The Greatland Youth Chorus provides boys and girls, grades 4 - 8, with an exceptional choral music experience. Singers learn vocal technique, sight-singing, ear-training, and performance technique while striving for musical excellence and enjoying a variety of high-quality choral music. This is a “treble clef” chorus, therefore, boys must have unchanged voices. The semester will culminate with a performance recital for family and friends, and there are often opportunities for other performances.
Tuesday
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Faith Lutheran Church
August 31 - November 16
Recital: November 11
Fall $225
Spring $275
Intermediate Band
Grades 4 - 8
Instruction in brass, woodwinds, and percussion for students with at least one year experience. Focus is on technique, repertoire, music theory, and performance. The Intermediate and Advanced Bands will meet together for part of the rehearsal each week. Families will need to purchase the band method book, Tradition of Excellence, Book 2, Kjos Publishing. Instruction includes routinely scheduled virtual "check-in" lessons. The semester will finish with a performance recital for family and friends.
Wednesday
12:30 - 2:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church
September 1 - November 17
Recital: November 11
Fall $225
Spring $275
Beginner Band
Grades 4 - 8
Brass and Woodwinds
Instruction for beginner brass and woodwinds students. Instruments taught include flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, baritone, and trombone. Beginner Percussion is taught as a separate class, but will join the brass and woodwinds later in the semester. Families will need to purchase the band method book, Tradition of Excellence, Book1, Kjos Publishing. Virtual "check-in" lessons and a semester-end performance recital for family and friends are also included.
Wednesday
10:30 am - 12:00 noon
First Presbyterian Church
September 1 - November 17
Recital: November 11
Fall $225
Spring $275
Advanced Band
Grades 4 - 8
New this year!
For musicians with 2+ years experience, the Advanced Band provides instruction in technique, repertoire, music theory, and performance. Both the Advanced and Intermediate Bands will meet together for part of the rehearsal each week. Families will need to purchase the band method book, Tradition of Excellence, Book 3, Kjos Publishing. Instruction also includes scheduled virtual "check-in" lessons. A performance recital for family and friends will finish out each semester.
Wednesday
1:30 - 3:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church
September 1 - November 17
Recital: November 11
Fall $225
Spring $275
fall 2021 calendar.
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Fall Semester classes run from August 31 - November 17
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No classes September 28/29
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Zoom lessons for band students will be on select Friday mornings
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Recital prep rehearsal for all students: November 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Fall Recital: Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 pm
registration details.
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Returning families should complete and submit the form at the link below.
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New students/families should meet with Jessica Swan via Zoom (or in-person) to go over expectations, discuss instrument/voice placement, and to ask questions.
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When new families are ready, they may register at the link below.
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A non-refundable registration fee is required: $10.00 for 1 student, $15.00 for 2+ students/family.
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Classes must meet minimum enrollments.
about the director.
Jessica Swan loves bringing young people together to make music. She believes that young musicians love a challenge and are inspired when they can perform beautifully together. And the friendships formed by working together are very special and supportive. This is why she formed the Greatland Youth Chorus and Band for homeschool students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to make music with their peers.
Jessica Swan received a B.S. in Music Education from Asbury University and an M.S. in Music Education from the University of Illinois. She has led various music groups, including children’s, teen and adult choirs, instrumental ensembles and theatrical productions. She served as the Music Director for The Salvation Army in Indiana for nine years giving direction to the music and worship arts programs, including a residential summer music camp, and music leadership training. She taught music at St. Gabriel School in Indianapolis, Indiana where members of her children’s choir received honors at both District Solo and Ensemble Competitions and the Catholic Youth Organization Music Competitions. Jessica recently completed eighteen years of leadership to the worship arts ministry team at Crosspoint Community Church. She and her husband, Brian, along with their two sons, have lived in Anchorage, Alaska for twenty-one years. They homeschooled their now young adult sons for eight years.
