9-12 Curriculum

CLASSROOM PIANO/KEYBOARD 

(Half Year - 0.50 Credit) Level 2 

This course is for students who have little or no previous keyboard experience. Students will learn basic piano technique -fingering, reading, chord progressions and a variety of songs. Students use individual stations and software to work at their own pace.

FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC THEORY 

(Half Year - 0.50 Credit) Level 1 

(Offered every other year opposite AP Music Theory) (Not offered in 2015-2016, Offered in 2016-2017)

This is a one semester course in music theory components explored through the study of melody, rhythm, harmonic dictation, sight-singing, part-writing, musical terminology and form. Fundamentals of Music Theory is taught in the music technology lab. This course is recommended as a preparation to AP Theory, or may be taken as an introductory exploration of theory. 

AP MUSIC THEORY 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 1 

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Music Theory or Permission from the instructor.

(Offered every other year opposite Fundamentals of Music Theory) (Offered in 2015-2016, Not offered in 2016-2017)

This course emphasizes aural and visual identification of musical elements including chords, cadences, compositional processes and skills, rhythm and meters, phrase structure, form and modulation. College credit or advanced placement may be earned through the Advanced Placement Examination given in May.

MUSIC STUDIO PRODUCTION 

(Half Year - 0.50 Credit) Level 2 

This course is designed to teach students how to create and produce music using a variety of technologies. Students will learn audio engineering skills and work with sequencing/notation software to create a number of projects including commercial, movie soundtrack, and live recording.to use computers, synthesizers, and sequencing/notation software. Students may focus on their area of interest using other available software programs. No musical experience is necessary. This hands-on course will service the abilities and interests of all students.

BEGINNING GUITAR 

(Half Year - 0.50 Credit) Level 2 

This course is designed for students with little or no guitar experience. Students will learn basic chords, scales, note and rhythm reading, tab reading and beginning barre chords. Students will also learn to play songs using notes, tab and chords. Students who have proficiency in most of these skills, especially basic chords, should consider taking Intermediate Guitar. If a student is unsure which course to take, he/she should check with a guitar instructor. This course may be taken a second time with teacher permission.

INTERMEDIATE GUITAR 

(Half Year - 0.50 Credit) Level 2 

This course is designed for students who have completed the GHS Beginning Guitar course and/or for students who have basic rudimentary guitar skills (see requirements form Beginning Guitar description). Students will study advanced barre chords, note and rhythm reading, scales and modes, guitar theory, composition, song writing, improvisation and ensemble performance. If a student is unsure which course to take he/she should check with a guitar instructor. This class may be taken a second time with teacher permission. 

WORLDS OF MUSIC

(Half Year -0,50 Credit) Level 2

In this classroom course, students will study and experience music from diverse cultures to gain an understanding of the development of music in society. Some styles of music from the following countries which may be studied include: South India, West Africa, Japan and Indonesia.  

Students electing a performing group are expected to attend all performances. Performing groups include all bands, orchestras, and choruses. These performances are an important outgrowth of the curriculum and most often are scheduled outside of the regular school day. When enrolling in a performing group, students are committing themselves to all performances of that group. Members of music performance ensembles also become eligible to audition for a variety of state and regional festivals.  

All courses will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate all new learning expectations.

Note: Students with unusual circumstances may be excused from participation in a performance by written parental request.

CONCERT BAND 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2, or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grade 9, 10, 11 & 12)

Prerequisite: Prior Band Experience

This ensemble is open to students who can demonstrate the ability to perform level 3 literature. Instruction will focus on group skills, aesthetic awareness, musical literacy and technique through the study of a variety of works. Members are required to participate in concerts, local parades, and three home football games. Students are encouraged to participate in the Football Pep Band on a voluntary basis at the remaining football games.  This course may be taken for Level 1 credit through a separate audition process and the completion of additional requirements through independent study.

SYMPHONIC BAND 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2, or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grades 10, 11 & 12)

Prerequisite: Audition

This ensemble is open to all students in grades10 through 12 who can demonstrate the ability to perform level 4 literature. Instruction will focus on aesthetic awareness, musical literacy, and advanced skills through the study of a variety of musical styles including Broadway, jazz, and popular as well as traditional band works. Members are required to participate in school concerts, local parades, and three home football games. Students are encouraged to participate in the Football Pep Band on a voluntary basis at the remaining football games. This course may be taken for level 1 credit through a separate audition process and completion of additional requirements through an independent study. 

CHAMBER STRING ENSEMBLE 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2, or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grades 10, 11 & 12)

Prerequisite: Audition

The Chamber String Ensemble is open by audition to high school students entering grades 10 through 12. Students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass may audition for the course in January of the preceding school year. Students will study and perform challenging level five and six literature for small chamber string ensemble as well as string trios and quartets. Students will participate in an in-depth study of literature for interpretation, musicality, style, and aesthetic quality. Students will study appropriate composers in relation to the era, society, and culture in which they created their works. Students will perform at school concerts and various community events. Class size will be limited to twenty-four students with balanced instrumentation. This course may be taken for level 1 credit through a separate audition process and completion of additional requirements through an independent study. 

STRING ORCHESTRA 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2, or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grades 9, 10, 11 & 12)

Prerequisite: Prior Orchestral Experience

The String Orchestra course is a performing ensemble open to any high school students who play an orchestral string instrument: violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Appropriate string orchestra literature is studied. Emphasis is placed upon skill development as well as interpretation and ensemble skills. Students will study a variety of musical styles appropriate to the genre. The String Orchestra will perform at school concerts as well as community events. This course may be taken for level 1 credit by audition and completion of additional requirements through an independent study. 

CONCERT CHOIR 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2 or may be taken as Level 1

(Offered for grades 10, 11 & 12)

Prerequisite: Audition

The Concert Choir is a select performance ensemble open to qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors by audition. Prior membership in Chorus or the equivalent is expected. Advanced literature from all historical periods including small major works with instrumental accompaniment is studied. Emphasis is placed on development of vocal skills in the areas of tone quality and tone production, breath control, reading accuracy, and interpretation. The choir performs at school concerts as well as selected community events. This course may be taken for level 1 credit by audition and by completing additional requirements through independent study. 

TREBLE CHOIR 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2 or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grades 10, 11, & 12)

Prerequisite: Audition

The Treble Choir is an auditioned group for soprano and alto singers that performs music at an advanced level with a focus on a cappella music. This includes music from the standard choral repertoire as well as music in popular style, specifically suited for soprano and alto voices. Emphasis will be placed on singing with good vocal technique and development of music literacy. Auditions for this group take place in January and are open to all treble singers in grades 10 through 12, regardless of whether or not they have taken chorus before. This course may be taken for level 1 credit by audition and by completing additional requirements through independent study.

CHORUS 

(Full Year - 1.00 Credit) Level 2 or may be taken as Level 1 

(Offered for grades 9, 10, 11 & 12)

This is a performing choral ensemble open to any high school student without audition. Students will perform choral repertoire in a wide variety of music styles. Major emphasis is on developing vocal skills and music literacy. The Chorus performs at school concerts as a vocal ensemble as well as in combination with the Concert Choir and Treble Choir. This course may be taken for level 1 credit by audition and by completing additional requirements through independent study.