(1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

This course is a project-based investigation of the relationship between music and our own human experiences. Students gain listening, composing and analytical skills as they develop student-driven projects. This course develops a student’s awareness and appreciation of music from many different historical and cultural traditions. Students also develop their ability to critique a piece of music for a better understanding of its style, moods, and themes. Additional topics include music and identity, music and advertising, music and film, as well as music and storytelling.

(1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 10, 11, and 12.

Music Production explores the vast possibilities of creating, editing and mixing digital music through hands on, real world, collaborative project based learning. The course offers use with Apple products like Garage Band and Pages as well as exploring other music editing software available utilized in the field. Completion in the course provides preparation for future study and essential skills for entry level industry employment

(1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 10, 11, and 12.
Prerequisite: Student should posses a basic ability to read music.

This class is recommended for students interested in pursuing college studies in music, or a future in music performance. Through analysis, ear training and composition, students will further their knowledge of harmonization, tonality, part writing, texture, and form. Additionally, students will be introduced to jazz harmony, composition and analysis.

(1 CREDIT) (3 CHS CREDITS, SCCC, MUS 147)

Prerequisite: Successful

completion of Music Theory or Music IB.

This class is recommended for students interested in pursuing College studies in music. Through analysis, ear training and composition, students will gain an understanding of advanced harmonization, tonality, part writing, texture, form, counterpoint and orchestration. Additionally, students will be introduced to jazz harmony, composition and analysis, as well as basic recording and production techniques.

(1 CREDIT) (3 CHS CREDITS, SCCC, MUS 121)

IB music introduces high school music students to college-level music studies. This course addresses the fundamentals of world music and music history from an analytical perspective. Special attention is given to musical analysis through listening. In addition, students select from several independent projects, including solo or group performances, compositions, and a research-based musical investigation. This course can be taken in conjunction with SSFA performance ensembles. It is offered at both the standard and higher levels, and fulfills the arts requirement for the IB diploma. Interested students should be proficient either vocally or instrumentally, and posses a basic knowledge of music theory.

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT)

Open to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: An audition for the orchestra director and/or a recommendation by the Middle School orchestra Director.

Concert Orchestra is open to all 9-12 graders who play a string instrument. It is designed to improve students’ technical skills and develop their ability to play in an ensemble. Weekly small group lessons are provided for students to fine-tune their skills as well as work on solo repertoire. Concert Orchestra performs a variety of musical styles including classical, original works, fiddle/folk and modern music. Participation in concerts and other performances is a course requirement.

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT)

Open to grades 10-12.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least 1 year of Concert Orchestra and/or an audition for the Orchestra director

Patriot Orchestra is open to string players in grades 10-12 who have met the above prerequisites. It is designed to refine students’ technical skills and advance their ability to play in an ensemble. Weekly small group lessons are provided for students to fine-tune their skills as well as work on solo repertoire. Patriot Orchestra performs a variety of musical styles including classical, original works, fiddle/folk and modern music. Participation in concerts and other performances is a course requirement.

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT)

Open to grades 10-12.

Prerequisites: Audition/Recommendation with the Orchestra Director or

Chamber Strings is a select ensemble who focuses on higher level Chamber music. Weekly small group lessons are provided for students to fine-tune their skills as well as work on solo repertoire. Chamber Strings performs a variety of musical styles including classical, original works, fiddle/folk and modern music. Members of Chamber Strings will also perform with the Patriot Orchestra. Participation in concerts and other performances is a course requirement.

(1/2 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 9-12.

(one section per year)

No previous experience required

Students will learn the skills of drum performance including hand drumming and percussion from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Students will play a variety of instruments that may include djembes, congas, timbales, bongos, darbukas and shekeres. Additionally, students will study the basic stick techniques and apply them to snare drum, bass drum, drum set and drum line. Students will be required to perform at school events and may play an active role in accompanying other programs such as the dance program.

(1/2 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 9-12.

No previous experience required

This course is designed for students with no previous guitar experience. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar at a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful guitarist. Areas of concentration include: correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat-picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, finger-picking styles, musical forms, improvisation and performing experiences

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 9-12.

This course is designed to present a beginning high school piano student with group instruction utilizing electronic piano keyboarding experience. The approach will be a chordal approach with application to popular and familiar song material. Students will gain familiarity with key signatures, scales, rhythmic and pitch reading in both the treble and bass clefs. Keyboard ensemble repertoire will also help their musical independence. Students will learn to critique a piece of music for its style and its cultural and historical significance. Students will gain confidence in their performance skills with recitals as their skills.

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT)

Open to grades 10-12.

Pre-requisite: Intro to Piano

This is the advanced piano class including demanding piano repertoire and study of different styles and historical periods of music. Students will have the option of participating in recitals in school and in the community. Students expand reading to all types of piano literature.

(1/2 OR 1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement

Open to grades 9-12.

The SSFA Concert Choir is open to all students who have an interest in singing. It is designed to help students develop skills such as pitch matching, harmonization, vocal production, sight reading and musical interpretation. Concert Choir performs a variety of musical styles including gospel, pop, jazz, and traditional. Concert attendance is part of students’ quarterly grade. Students who want to play an instrument in band or orchestra and sing can alternate Concert Choir with an instrumental ensemble.

(1/2 CREDIT)

Open to grades 10-12.

Prerequisite: Requires an audition for the director

Chamber Choir is a select choral group which specializes in a cappella arrangements of various styles ranging from the Renaissance to jazz and pop tunes. Membership is dependent on an audition where students need to show sight reading abilities, musical independence and good musicianship. Students in this group must also perform with Serenaders and SSFA Concert Choir. Attendance at sectional rehearsals and the various performances throughout the year is essential .

(1/2 CREDIT)

Open to grades 9-12.

Prerequisite: Requires an audition for the director

This ensemble will concentrate on literature written and arranged for the treble (high) voices from renaissance to rock and Broadway. Performance demands include four major school concerts as well as opportunities in the community. Performance is part of course requirement.

(1/2 CREDIT)

Open to grades 10-12.

Prerequisite: Requires an audition for the director

Serenaders is a select choral group that performs music of various styles from classical to popular. Membership is dependent on an audition where students need to show good musicianship. Since performing at civic events, concerts and competitions are part of this choral experience students are expected to show responsibility and good attitude. Serenaders must also perform with the Concert Choir. Attendance at sectional rehearsals and the various performances throughout the year is essential.