Music
Band: Symphonic Band
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1- Full Year
Prerequisite: Previous band experience or through instructor approval. Students who have not been in band before and would like to begin, should contact the instructor during registration or as soon as possible to develop a plan for successful participation.
Symphonic Band builds on the foundation developed through the 5th-8th grade band program. Students collaborate and become part of our musical community through solo & ensemble performances, festivals, concerts and travel experiences. Some performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum. Students without instruments can contact the director for information regarding the use of a school-owned instrument.
Band: Wind Ensemble
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1- Full Year
Prerequisites: Successful audition and/or instructor approval
Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble which provides an advanced experience that builds on the foundation developed through Symphonic Band. Students collaborate and become part of our musical community through solo & ensemble performances, festivals, concerts and travel experiences. Some performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum. Students without instruments can contact the director for information regarding the use of a school-owned instrument.
Musicians who are members of Wind Ensemble...
can play two octave Bb, Eb, F, Ab, and C, Db, and G major scales including the arpeggio in a quarter note/eighth note traditional rhythm, in 2 octaves (where appropriate) at 120 bpm. Brass players should be able to play up to Concert G.
possess a desire to challenge themselves
seek out additional playing opportunities through...
auditioning for band festivals
seeking out additional instruction through their band teacher or private lessons
community performance (church, Upper Valley Community Band, etc.)
Chamber Music (pending COI approval)
Credit: 1/2 Per Semester
Prerequisite: Basic skills equivalent to Essentials of Vocal Music
Students will perform chamber music from the standard repertoire (Baroque through 21st century) in small groups of 3-6 students. Ensembles are grouped by common interests and playing level, and students play an active role in selecting, arranging, researching and rehearsing music. Groups may perform as part of HHS large-ensemble concerts and also on their own in school and in the community. Students must be co-enrolled in their corresponding large ensemble classes: vocalists in chorus, wind/brass/percussion players in band, and string players in orchestra.
Chorus
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1- Full Year
Prerequisite: Basic skills equivalent to Essentials of Vocal Music
The chorus offers students the opportunity to explore vocal music through participation in a large ensemble. It is open to students who demonstrate a sufficient degree of vocal/musical facility and ensemble awareness to perform a wide variety of literature and musical styles ranging in difficulty from medium to medium-advanced. While the focus is on choral performance, skills in music reading, listening and interpretation will also be addressed. There are three major concerts a year as well as a performance at DHMC. Students also are encouraged to develop skills in associated areas such as musical theater, All-state festivals and small ensemble or solo work. Chorus is required for membership in Footnotes. Students must be registered for Chorus/credit in order to perform in concerts and to audition for All-state.
Footnotes
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1/4 - Full Year
Prerequisite: Audition
Footnotes is an advanced-level chamber vocal ensemble chosen yearly by audition. Members must also be in Chorus. The group sometimes performs with choreography. Footnotes performs in the three annual chorus concerts as well as for some special events and tours. Because of the challenging level of the music, singers may be expected to attend extra rehearsals in addition to the weekly meeting and spend some individual study time on their music.
Jazz Band
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Successful audition and/or instructor approval. Enrolled in a primary instrumental performance ensemble (band or orchestra) at HHS.
This ensemble studies and performs the music of the foremost big band composers, past and present. Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble open to all students who are part of a primary instrumental music ensemble (band or orchestra) at HHS. Instrumentation includes all instruments. Performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum. Rehearsals occur Wednesdays at 2pm, and weekly during the Wind Ensemble rehearsal time.
Music Independent Study
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1/2 Per Semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor. A plan of study/contract must be approved ahead of time.
The purpose of independent study is to give a student an opportunity to study music in an area which is of interest to the individual student and which is not offered through the regular class format. The student can choose from several options:
1. Essentials of Vocal Music provides students the opportunity to individually develop the basic vocal, musical and ensemble awareness skills needed to participate successfully in a larger ensemble. Areas of study include pitch accuracy, range/tone development, rhythmic accuracy, basic musical notation, following a musical score, dynamic variation and expression, responding to conducting cues, breathing techniques and posture/deportment, and diction.
2. Music Recording Techniques (Studio One) in which a student uses digital and MIDI recording techniques on synthesizers and computers to create, record, and mix down both assigned and student chosen projects.
3. The History of Classical Music This course will provide students with the opportunity to study the history of Western European and American classical music from the middle ages to the present. The goal of the course will be to help students establish an understanding of the major events in the history of the development of classical music and introduce students to the major classical composers (such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky) and their works. This knowledge will be used as a framework to examine the role of music in the heritage of our culture and to create an awareness of the links between music, the other arts, and the general social progression of our society. There will be no prerequisite. The ability to read or perform music is not necessary for the successful completion of this course.
4. The History of Jazz which provides the opportunity for the student to study the history of jazz from 1900 to the present.
5. Student Designed Study which gives the student the chance to explore a topic in music which is not covered in the above options.
Note: An independent study contract must be filled out and signed before the beginning of the semester.
All music independent study options require a weekly meeting with the instructor, a minimum of three hours of independent work each week, a journal or log, and a portfolio which chronicles the student’s progress.
Music Theory I
Grades 9-12
CR: 1/2 Per Semester
Prerequisite: None
Music Theory is an introduction to the fundamentals of music reading, analysis, composition, and interpretation. Some previous musical knowledge is helpful but not required. Topics include pitch/rhythm notation, reading/dictation, basic keyboard skills, basic scale/chord theory, and some composition/song writing.
Music Theory II
Prerequisite: Music Theory I (students who have not taken Music Theory I may test into this level)
Music Theory II expands on Music Theory I including modes other than major/minor, more complex chord progressions, part-writing, arranging, transposition, form analysis, advanced pitch/rhythm keyboard skills, and composition.
Orchestra
Grades 9-12
CR: 1 – Full Year (Orchestra Strings) ¼ - Full Year (Non-strings)
Prerequisite: None
Orchestra provides a large group experience for string players and selected woodwind, brass and percussion players who have gained a degree of musical and technical facility with their chosen instrument. The music performed is chosen from the standard repertoire and includes works from all periods. The Full Orchestra meets once a week. The String Orchestra rehearses three times a week. The Orchestra performs three major concerts per year. Members are encouraged to participate in chamber ensembles and music festivals. Wind, brass and percussion players are admitted by audition, and must be enrolled in concert band in order to participate in full orchestra. Students must be registered for orchestra in order to audition for the All-State Music Festival.
World Music Drumming
Grades 9-12
CR: 1/2 Per Semester
Prerequisites: None
This course involves the study and practice of West African drumming, singing, dancing, bucket drumming and body percussion. No previous experience is needed, all skills will be taught in class. It is designed as an enjoyable, interactive performance class in which students of all musical abilities feel comfortable. Self-discipline, respect, teamwork, and good listening skills are all integral components in this class. Students are graded on participation and preparation of material.