Music
9th Grade
Band 9 A, B, C
Course # 5001, 5002, 5003
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
Description: Band 9 (also called Allegro Band), is made up of 9th graders, stresses the fundamentals of ensemble playing, historical perspective, and aesthetic appreciation through the rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of musical styles. Small group lessons are provided during band rehearsal for all students. Allegro Band presents three formal concerts per year. Incoming 9th graders may audition to play in Band 10-11. Contact music teachers for details.
Concert Choir A, B, C
Course # 5201, 5202, 5205
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None (no singing experience necessary)
Description: Concert Choir is open to all students in grades 9-12. All freshmen students registering for choir should register for this class (students in other grades will be placed in this choir or another one based on grade level and audition). In this year-long ensemble course, students will learn the basics of vocal production and musical notation. Students must commit to attending all performances throughout the year. Concert Choir presents three formal concerts per year.
Concert Orchestra A, B, C
Course # 5105, 5106, 5107
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Orchestra Experience
Description: The RAHS Concert Orchestra is an ensemble that meets daily. All ninth grader string players are part of this ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing the techniques and knowledge to acquire good orchestral performance skills through practice. The development of these performance skills will be demonstrated through public concerts and field trips throughout the school year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to further develop skills by participating/performing in small ensembles or as a soloist. Students will be offered small group lessons during the school day. The enjoyment and appreciation of music is of primary importance. Registering for this course indicates an acceptance of the expectation to attend all performance events during the entire school year and enrolling for a full three credits due to performance schedules that do not coincide with trimester breaks.
Band 9 & Orchestra 9
Course # 5260, 5261, 5262
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Orchestra and Band Experience
Description: Band/Orchestra 9 is open to musicians in grade 9 who play both a string orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, and string bass) and a concert band instrument. No audition is required for this class. Students who are new to RAHS or did not participate in both middle school band and middle school orchestra, however, must gain instructor approval to ensure correct placement in the ensemble. The course content centers around preparing and performing string orchestra and band works from the Baroque period through the work of contemporary composers. Students will also prepare and perform chamber music in small ensembles for much of the school year. A student registered for this "switch" class will alternate days between band and orchestra, and will perform concerts with both ensembles. Registration for all three trimesters (full year) of the course is required for the continuity and instrumentation of the ensemble and a performance schedule that does not always strictly follow the trimester calendar.
Band & Choir 9 A, B, C
Course # 5231, 5232, 5233
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
Description: Enrollment for this course is restricted to 9th Graders ONLY. Enrolling in Band/Choir means that students in the 9th grade will report to band for two days and sing in choir every third day. This arrangement of “sharing” between band and choir allows students to experience both instrumental and vocal formats/genres of music making. It is offered as an option because the music faculty at the high school holds a firm belief that participation in many facets of music making only serves to increase the musicianship of student performers. It takes no more credits to “share” than to enroll in either band or choir as a single course. See the Band 9 (5001, 5002, 5003) and Choir 9 or 10 (5201, 5202, 5205) course descriptions for further information.
Orchestra & Choir 9
Course # 5235, 5236, 5237
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Orchestra Experience
Description: Enrollment for this course is restricted to 9th Graders ONLY. Enrolling in Orchestra/Choir means that students in the 9th grade will report to orchestra for two days and sing in choir every third day. This arrangement of “sharing” between orchestra and choir allows students to experience both instrumental and vocal formats/genres of music making. It is offered as an option because the music faculty at the high school holds a firm belief that participation in many facets of music making only serves to increase the musicianship of student performers. It takes no more credits to “share” than to enroll in either orchestra or choir as a single course. See the Concert Orchestra (5106, 5107, 5108) and Choir 9 or 10 (5201, 5202, 5205) course descriptions for further information.
Band
Band 9 A, B, C
Course # 5001, 5002, 5003
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
Description: Band 9 (also called Allegro Band), is made up of 9th graders, stresses the fundamentals of ensemble playing, historical perspective, and aesthetic appreciation through the rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of musical styles. Small group lessons are provided during band rehearsal for all students. Allegro Band presents three formal concerts per year. Incoming 9th graders may audition to play in Band 10-11. Contact music teachers for details.
Varsity/Concert Band A, B, C
Course # 5011, 5012, 5013
Grade Offered: 10, 11
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
Description: Band 10-11 is divided into two equal ensembles, called Concert Band and Varsity Band. These bands each present three formal concerts per year, perform at Graduation, and participate in State Large Group Contest. A minimum number of Pep Band events are required. Small group lessons are provided during band rehearsal for all students.
Symphonic Band A, B, C
Course # 5031, 5032, 5033
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
Description: Symphonic Band presents three formal concerts per year, plays in two evenings of Pops Concerts, and participates in the Suburban East Conference Music Festival. A minimum number of Pep Band events are required. Symphonic Band also tours out of state for four days in the Spring.
Choir
Concert Choir A, B, C
Course # 5201, 5202, 5205
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None (no singing experience necessary)
Description: Concert Choir is open to all students in grades 9-12. All freshmen students registering for choir should register for this class (students in other grades will be placed in this choir or another one based on grade level and audition). In this year-long ensemble course, students will learn the basics of vocal production and musical notation. Students must commit to attending all performances throughout the year. Concert Choir presents three formal concerts per year.
Cantus Choir A, B, C
Course # 5249, 5250, 5251
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Audition
Description: Cantus Certus is a select choir for students in grades 10-12. This year-long course offers students an in-depth exploration of advanced choral repertoire. Students are expected to demonstrate this knowledge through solo and small ensemble performances. Cantus Certus performs for the Suburban East Conference Music Festival and the POPS concerts, and takes a national performance tour each spring. As such, students will need to make significant commitment to the rigorous performance schedule and explore ways to make travel a possibility.
Bel Canto Choir A, B, C
Course # 5246, 5247, 5248
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Audition
Description: Bel Canto is a select choir for sopranos and altos in grades 10-12. This year-long course explores more challenging repertoire for treble voices. Students will be held to high musical standards and are expected to commit to a more rigorous performance schedule, including a multi-day tour in the early spring. Bel Canto presents three formal concerts per year.
Orchestra
Concert Orchestra A, B, C
Course # 5105, 5106, 5107
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Orchestra Experience
Description: The RAHS Concert Orchestra is an ensemble that meets daily. All ninth grader string players are part of this ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing the techniques and knowledge to acquire good orchestral performance skills through practice. The development of these performance skills will be demonstrated through public concerts and field trips throughout the school year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to further develop skills by participating/performing in small ensembles or as a soloist. Students will be offered small group lessons during the school day. The enjoyment and appreciation of music is of primary importance. Registering for this course indicates an acceptance of the expectation to attend all performance events during the entire school year and enrolling for a full three credits due to performance schedules that do not coincide with trimester breaks.
Philharmonic Orchestra A, B, C
Course # 5110, 5111, 5112
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Previous Orchestra Experience
Description: The RAHS Philharmonic is open to string players (violin, viola, cello, and string bass) in grades 10-12. No audition is required for this orchestra. Students who are new to RAHS or did not participate in the RAHS Concert Orchestra, however, must gain instructor approval to ensure correct placement in the ensemble. The course content centers around preparing and performing string orchestra works from the Baroque period through the work of contemporary composers. Students will also prepare and perform chamber music in small ensembles for much of the school year. Registration for all three trimesters (full year) of the course is required for the continuity and instrumentation of the ensemble and a performance schedule that does not always strictly follow the trimester calendar.
Symphony Orchestra A, B, C
Course # 5103, 5104, 5105
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 3 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: Audition
Description: The RAHS Symphony Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble that meets daily. Emphasis is placed on developing the techniques and knowledge to acquire good orchestral performance skills through practice. The development of these performance skills will be demonstrated through public concerts and field trips throughout the school year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to further develop skills by participating/performing in small ensembles or as a soloist. Students will be offered individual or small group lessons during the school day. The enjoyment and appreciation of music is of primary importance. An audition is required to advance from the Concert Orchestra or Philharmonic to the Symphony Orchestra (regardless of age). A few 10th graders who play at an advanced level and have an outstanding audition may be placed in Symphony Orchestra as space in the ensemble allows. Registering for this course indicates an acceptance of the expectation to attend all performance events during the entire school year, enrollment for three trimesters due to performance schedules that do not coincide with trimester breaks. Also, a willingness to explore multiple ways to make travel possible is a must.
Music Electives
Guitar Methods A
Course # 5193
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: This one trimester course is for students interested in learning basic guitar and ukulele skills or improving their current guitar and ukulele skills. The course will cover playing chords and melodies, guitar and ukulele care, an overview of different guitar styles, and other basic concepts. Guitars and ukuleles will be provided for students who do not have their own instruments.
Guitar Methods B
Course # 5194
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: [5193] Guitar Methods A
Description: Guitar Methods B is designed as a continuation of the RAHS Guitar Methods course and is intended for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Focus will be on advanced knowledge of chords, scales, practical music theory, and guitar techniques. There will also be a greater focus on guitar ensemble playing (with up to two public performances per term). Students must have passed Guitar Methods at RAHS or have instructor approval (via an audition) to register.
Popular Music/Garage Band
Course # 5196
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: Popular Music is a chance to explore pop or rock instruments and playing pop and rock music with a group. Students may play their own instrument or one provided by the school. Previous experience is helpful but not required. Instruments include guitar, drum set, electric bass, piano/keyboard, and anything else one can dream up.
Music Production
Course # 5195
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: Are you passionate about recording, producing, and mixing music? This course will explore the wide range of technology available in the music industry, and provide hands-on training for students who wish to learn more about the music business. Students will learn how to create beats, arrangements, and record voice and instruments. Students will learn how to use technology to write, arrange, record and produce songs. Previous music experience is helpful, but not required.
Music Production Online
Course # 5195L
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: Are you passionate about recording, producing, and mixing music? This course will explore the wide range of technology available in the music industry, and provide hands-on training for students who wish to learn more about the music business. Students will learn how to create beats, arrangements, and record voice and instruments. Students will learn how to use technology to write, arrange, record and produce songs. Previous music experience is helpful, but not required.
Music Theory
Course # 5191
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is for the study of Western European music theory. The course covers notation and harmonic practices of the music from Bach and Beethoven and their contemporaries, which impacted much of American classical music as we know it today.
Music and Social Justice
Course # 5258
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: In this class, we will explore music’s role in dismantling walls and boundaries, bolstering courage, and aiding healing processes for individuals and communities that historically -- and continue to -- struggle against unequal and inequitable social and political positions in the United States. By asking the questions ‘How does music impact social issues?’ ‘What is the role of music in social justice movements?’ and ‘How can music inspire social change?’ we will explore music’s power to inspire, promote, and sustain positive social change. We will give special attention to impactful music and musical practices that came into existence during pivotal points throughout American history such as the long era of African American slavery, the Civil Rights, Feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements, and current affairs such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Beginning Band
Course # 5024
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1 Fine Arts
Prerequisites: None
Description: Beginning Band is a chance to start on a concert band instrument with no previous experience. Students may play their own instrument or one provided by the school. After one trimester, students may have the option of a position in one of the existing curricular bands at RAHS. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Experienced instrumentalists may take this course for a full credit as a Peer Instructor, assisting with the teaching of these instruments.