Courses Offered

Band Classes

Black and GoldBand  Band - Open to All Freshmen

Black and Gold  Band is offered to all freshman instrumentalists who demonstrate the ability and interest to learn and grow and individual musicians and band members.  The primary goal of this course is to develop the technical proficiency and musical knowledge needed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of music as an art form.

Blaze Band - Open to All Sophomores

Blaze Band is offered to all sophomore instrumentalists who demonstrate the ability and interest to learn and grow as individual musicians and band members.  The primary goal of this course is to develop the technical proficiency and musical knowledge needed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of music as an art form, as well as to make future advancements in the Burnsville High School band program.

Symphonic Band - Open to All Juniors & Seniors

Symphonic Band is offered to all junior and senior instrumentalists who demonstrate an interest in improving their performing skills and technical proficiency through performance in band.  The primary goal of this course is to foster the growth of the individual musician as an ensemble member and enhance his/her knowledge of music as art form.

Wind Ensemble - Audition Required

Wind Ensemble is offered to all instrumentalists who demonstrate a high level of technical and musical proficiency and the interest in improving these skills to attain the highest level of artistry possible for both the individual and the ensemble.  A position in the Wind Ensemble is earned through an audition process in the spring of the previous year.  The primary goal of this course is to foster the growth of the individual musician and teach music as an art form through performance in band.

Jazz Ensemble - Audition & enrollment in one of the above band classes is required

Jazz Ensemble has a balanced instrumentation of 18-21 members, exploring the jazz idiom at an advanced level.  Students perform original artistic jazz music in concert and learn the basics of jazz improvisation.  Students also interpret and evaluate the music performed through the study of basic music theory and jazz history. These outstanding musicians play several concerts and community events throughout the school year. The BHS Jazz Ensemble has also participated in the Essentially Ellington Competition by sending in recordings to be judged.

Piano & Guitar Classes

There are three levels of piano classes and three levels of guitar classes offered at BHS.  At all three levels, students will play individually and in groups.  Repertoire will include classical, folk, jazz, and pop music.  From the knowledge acquired in any of these courses, students will be able to further study any musical instrument and gain the knowledge necessary to form a lifelong enjoyment of music!

Beginning Piano - Open to Grades 9-12 

This course is designed for piano beginners.  Basic notes, rhythms, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play beginning piano music. 

Intermediate Piano (Prerequisite of Beginning Piano or Instructor Approval)

This course is designed to continue course work taught in beginning piano. Intermediate notes, rhythms, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play more difficult piano music.  

Advanced Piano (Prerequisite of Beg & Int Piano or Instructor Approval)

This is a course designed to continue course work taught in intermediate piano. Advanced notes, rhythms, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play challenging piano music.  

Beginning Guitar - Open to Grades 9-12

This course is designed for guitar beginners.  Basic notes, rhythms, chords, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play beginning guitar music. Students can use their own acoustic guitar or a school-owned instrument.

Intermediate Guitar (Prerequisite of Beginning Guitar or Instructor Approval)

This is a course that is designed to continue course work taught in beginning guitar. Intermediate notes, rhythms, chords, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play more difficult guitar music.

Advanced Guitar (Prerequisite of Beg & Int Guitar or Instructor Approval)

This course is designed to continue course work taught in intermediate guitar and will be more performance-based.  Advanced notes, rhythms, and theory will be taught to give students the ability to play challenging guitar music.  You will play mostly in groups.  A small number of performances outside the school day are possible. 

Orchestra Classes

Blaze Orchestra - Open to Grades 9-12 (Prerequisite of prior string experience)

Blaze Orchestra reinforces the playing techniques and habits learned in middle school orchestra while performing a wide variety of challenging repertoire.  Technical focus will be on sound development, ensemble balance, and blending of sounds. 

Symphonic Orchestra - Open to Grades 9-12 (Audition required)

Students in Symphonic Orchestra will study and perform a variety of musical styles/genres in a small group setting.  Symphonic Orchestra is a comprehensive music class that combines advanced playing techniques with critical thinking to improve performance.

Attendance at a limited number of rehearsals and a variety of performances outside of the school day is required of all orchestra members.  Members will be responsible for obtaining proper performance attire and miscellaneous supplies.

History of Rock & Roll- Open to Grades 9-12

Whether you are a musician or not, if you like music, this is the elective for you!  This class  focuses on the history of popular music and its impact on society and culture.  Students will study the chronological history of significant rock & roll icons, performers, and events.  Study will cover popular music from the early 1950s through present day and will focus on influential performers such as Elvis, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Public Enemy.  Students will study the progression of rock music styles, including R&B, punk rock, and rap through projects, exploration, and film.