Music

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: All students are required to pass a minimum of one credit of Fine Art to graduate.

one credit of Fine Art (Art, Music, Drama)

Course Descriptions

Band

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: A minimum of one year of prior band instruction or instructor approval

Course Description: The Affton Band program is open to all students who play a wind or percussion instrument (see list of instruments). As a member of Concert/Symphonic Band, each student is also a member of the Marching Band, a co-curricular ensemble and activity. Concert/Symphonic Band is both an academic class and a performing ensemble that includes but is not limited to events such as formal concerts, competitions, graduation, special events and assemblies. Attendance and participation in ensemble performances are a substantial component of a student’s grade.

Symphonic Band

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite:

Course Description:

Orchestra

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: Instructor approval/audition

Course Description: The orchestra is open to students who can play an appropriate stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Proficiency should be at least at an intermediate level. The course of study will include varied types and styles of music, ranging from the Baroque masters through contemporary pop music. Both string orchestra and full orchestra repertoire will be studied. Students enrolled are required to participate in all group performances, with a portion of their grade being based on performance participation.

Chamber Orchestra

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: Instructor approval/Audition

Course Description: The chamber orchestra is an audition only group for students who can play an appropriate stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Proficiency should be at an advanced level. The course of study will include varied types and styles of music, ranging from the Baroque masters through contemporary pop music. Both string orchestra and full orchestra repertoire will be studied. Students enrolled are required to participate in all group performances, with a portion of their grade being based on performance participation. Performances include regularly scheduled school performances, as well as addition special performances.

Chorale

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: none (student audition recommended)

Course Description: Chorale is open to students who are interested in singing in a choir consisting of sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. The course curriculum includes developing vocal skills, reading and notating music, singing a varied repertoire of music, and understanding music in relation to history and culture. Students will perform at concerts and special events. Performances are required for grade. All choir members are encouraged to audition for the St. Louis Suburban Honor Choir or All-District Choir in the Fall. All students are encouraged to participate in Solo and Small Ensemble Festival held in the Spring.

Treble Choir

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: none (student audition recommended

Course Description: Treble Choir is open to students who are interested in singing in a women's ensemble consisting of sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, and altos. The course curriculum includes developing vocal skills, reading and notating music, singing a varied repertoire of music, and understanding music in relation to history and culture. Students will perform at concerts and special events. Performances are required for grade. All choir members are encouraged to audition for the St. Louis Suburban Honor Choir or All-District Choir in the Fall. All students are encouraged to participate in Solo and Small Ensemble Festival held in the Spring.

Survey of Music

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Survey of Music provides an opportunity for students to study numerous aspects of music. The areas of study include: basic fundamentals of music notation and reading, composers and their music, various facets of the music business and music careers, and basic instruction on guitar and keyboard. Survey of Music is a non-public performance course with grades based on written and playing test scores and class participation.

MyPath Music

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 0.5 Elective Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Course Description: MyPath Music is open to all students wishing to play a standard Band or Orchestra instrument. Piano and Guitar are allowed as approved by the instructor. The class provides students the opportunity to create a personal music elective to fit their needs. Students can choose one of two pathways - Beginning Instrumentalist and Excelling Instrumentalist. The beginning instrumentalist will select their instrument of choice and will begin to learn to play with help from the instructor. No prior knowledge is necessary, nor is it required to continue into Band or Orchestra after completing MyPath Music, though the student may choose to do so with approval from the Instructor of those courses. The excelling instrumentalist will already be playing their instrument of choice, and will continue to improve their skills through private practice and instructor assistance. With few exceptions, it is the expectation that the student provides his/her own instrument for this course.

Honors Band/Orchestra/Choir Requirements

The following criteria must be met by students of band, orchestra, and choir in order to receive honors credit:

Must be a senior and a member of their respective ensemble for four years.
Must attend all required performances and special rehearsals for their respective ensemble.
Must complete the audition process for district honors ensembles (Fall Semester).
Must participate in St. Louis Suburban District Solo ensemble Festival and receive at least a "B" or "II" rating (Spring Semester)
Must participate in a minimum of one extra performing group comprised of members from full ensemble, if applicable (i.e. Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Drum Line, special occasion performances, musical chorus/leading role, & other at discretion of the director.)
Must display the attitude, conduct, and participation becoming of an Affton ensemble member.
Must comply with all guidelines and policies established for their respective ensemble.

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