Music

Band

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

Prerequisite: A minimum of three 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.

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 is a continuing study of techniques, rhythms, and scales in relationship to the string family of instruments. This is a performing group, which has four concerts every year and participates as a group at the District Music Contest. The orchestra or sections of it also participate in: All-Suburban Orchestra (by audition only); small ensembles and solos which participates at District Music Contest; and in small groups that have the capacity of performing dinner music or special musical entertainment for the community and for drama productions when needed. 

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 is a survey of various aspects of music including the philosophy, science, theory, anthropology, sociology, history, and the physical act of producing music.  A wide variety of musical styles and associated composers will be used to explore these aspects of music. Students will complete in class listening assignments, listening and written tests, and research projects.

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: 

1. Must be a senior and a member of their respective ensemble for four years.

2. Must attend all required performances and special rehearsals for their respective ensemble.

3. Must complete the audition process for district honors ensembles (Fall Semester).

4. Must participate in St. Louis Suburban District Solo ensemble Festival and receive at least a "B" or "II" rating (Spring Semester).

5. 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.).

6. Must display the attitude, conduct, and participation becoming of an Affton ensemble member.

7. Must comply with all guidelines and policies established for their respective ensemble.