Program Descriptions

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General Music Program

The Pennridge School District provides a comprehensive music experience to all students in the elementary program in Grades K-5. The Elementary Music program is designed to engage your child in a variety of musical avenues through diverse learning styles so that they will develop as a person who will continue to enjoy and participate in music through his/her lifetime.

Band Program

Students in the 4th and the 5th grades have the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument. Students will receive weekly thirty minute group lessons throughout the school year. Each week we will focus on the aspects of playing quality music on our instruments. Each year we will present a Winter and Spring Concert. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in small and large ensemble instruction prior to each of these concerts. Upon completing elementary school, students will be able to continue with band at the middle school level.

Orchestra Program

Students in the 3rd, 4th and the 5th grades have the opportunity to learn to play a string instrument. Students will receive weekly thirty minute group lessons throughout the school year. Each week we will focus on the aspects of playing quality music on our instruments. Each year we will present a Winter and Spring Concert. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in small and large ensemble instruction prior to each of these concerts. Upon completing elementary school, students will be able to continue with orchestra at the middle school level.

Chorus/Vocal Program

Students in the 4th and the 5th grades have the opportunity to participate in the Chorus/Vocal program. Each year we will present a Winter and Spring Concert. Students will have the opportunity to participate in small and large ensemble instruction prior to each of these concerts. Upon completing elementary school, students will have the opportunity to continue with choir at the middle school level.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Middle School General Music Program

Grade 6 - 1 trimester/year; 3 days a cycle

Grade 7 – 1 semester/year; every day of the cycle

The general music curriculum is activity and performance-based.

Middle School Band Program

Students receive weekly instruction on their band instrument in two settings - a small group lesson and an ensemble rehearsal (i.e. Band, Jazz Band, etc.). Small group lessons occur during the school day and rotate through the schedule. Ensemble rehearsals are held during the activity period (Pd. 11). Both lessons and rehearsals are designated by weekday (Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.). Each year there is a Winter Concert and a Spring Concert performance.

Middle School Orchestra Program

Students receive weekly instruction on their string instrument in two settings - a small group lesson and an ensemble rehearsal (i.e. Orchestra, String Ensemble, etc.) Small group lessons occur during the school day and rotate through the schedule. Ensemble rehearsals are held during the activity period (Pd. 11). Both lessons and rehearsals are designated by weekday (Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.). Each year there is a Winter Concert and Spring Concert performance.

Middle School Choral Program

Students have the opportunity to participate in choral groups. In 6th and 7th grades, Chorus is a scheduled class during the 1st semester, and then chorus rehearsals occur during the activity period (Period 11) in the 3rd marking period. 8th grade choral rehearsals are held during Period 11 throughout the year. These rehearsals are scheduled by weekday. Students attend one rehearsal per week on their assigned day. Every year there is a Winter and Spring Concert performance.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Music Composition and Theory

Music Composition and Theory is offered to students in grade 10th through 12th. This course is designed to give students the fundamentals necessary to create their own music. Students study the elements of music, the mechanics of music, and musical notation. Each student will be able to take the learned composition skills and successfully create various styles of music. Piano skills are recommended.

Advanced Placement Music Theory

AP Music Theory is a continuation of Music Theory with a greater emphasis on composition. Along with the continuation of learning theory concepts, students will compose music from various historical eras and styles. Additional emphasis is placed on ear training and sight-singing. Students are encouraged to take the AP Music Theory Placement test in May. Music Composition and Theory is a prerequisite for this class.

Mixed Choir

Mixed Choir is offered to first year choral students in grades ninth through twelfth who love to sing and perform. Active participation and pursuit of individual musical growth are essential for the successful performance of choral music. Students learn to develop proper vocal techniques and performance discipline. Emphasis is placed on training the singers to become better musicians through learning the fundamentals of music and singing. The choral repertoire prepares them for eventual participation in the Concert Choir. The Mixed Choir performs both classical and contemporary works at the appropriate developmental level. A repertoire is chosen that reflects a variety of styles, forms, and cultures and includes both sacred and secular texts. At least two school and community performances are scheduled throughout the year. Participation in the Mixed Choir includes required after school rehearsals (as determined by the director) and all community performances. Ninth grade students are eligible to audition for the BCMEA County Chorus. Students can participate in Concert Band or String Orchestra along with mixed choir by scheduling .5 credit of choir and .5 credit of one of the instrumental groups.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is offered to students who have auditioned and met the requirements to become a Concert Choir Member. Students continue to develop proper vocal technique and performance discipline. The choir performs both classical and contemporary works at the highest standard. A challenging level of repertoire is chosen to reflect a variety of styles, forms, and cultures having both sacred and secular texts. Participation in the Concert Choir includes required after school rehearsals (as determined by the director) and all community performances. School and community performances are scheduled throughout the year. Students are eligible to audition for Chamber Choir, BCMEA County Chorus, and PMEA XI District Chorus.

Orchestra

Orchestra students will develop their skills in music theory, advanced tone production, music reading, instrumental technique, and ensemble performance. The class will study quality classical literature as well as modern and popular selections in string orchestra class and chamber ensembles. Students are required to perform in the annual Winter and Spring concerts. Students are strongly encouraged to perform in festivals, solo/ensemble contests, and community functions.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is offered by audition to qualifying students who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Students develop their technical and musical proficiency through the study of a variety of advanced instrumental literature. Technique, music reading, artistic interpretation, tone production, articulation accuracy and advanced musicianship are all developed. This course promotes student achievement at the highest level of performing and technical skills. Students are expected to prepare a solo concert piece and to audition for County and District ensembles.

Prerequisite: Auditions by director

Note: Course requirements for students receiving Honors credit include:

1. Students must participate in Marching Band, which performs at all football games and other festivals and community events throughout the year;

2. Students must attend the mandatory band camp prior to school as well as all required rehearsals and performances both in school and at evening and weekend events; and

No exemptions will be allowed from the Marching Band requirement when the Honors credit of Symphonic Band is selected.

Concert Band

Concert Band is offered to students who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Students play a variety of concert literature that will develop their music reading ability, instrumental technique, ensemble skills, interpretation, tone production and general musicianship. Designed as a developing band class, students are encouraged, but not required to participate in marching Band. Concert Band students are required to attend after school re-hearsals and concert performances. Concert Band (907) available in combination with .5 credit of Mixed-Choir or .5 credit of Concert Choir or .5 credit of String Orchestra.

Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school band or orchestra programs or the equivalent, and/or the approval of the director

Music Technology

Students are introduced to various methods of creating and performing music utilizing technology. The material covered includes synthesizer performance, Finale, Garage Band, and Logic Pro.

Prerequisite : Demonstrated piano or keyboarding skills or instructor approval

Electronic Keyboard Lab

The Electronic Keyboard Lab is designed for students who want to learn to play the piano and electric keyboard. Students do not need any music back-ground. This is an introductory course, and covers every aspect of keyboard playing from reading music notation to basic performance practice. Students further their keyboard and piano skills through independent practice. Students are required to provide a pair of headphones on a daily basis for this course.