Music: Band & Chorus

Band 2

(FMB3000) (Open to Grades 10-12) 1 Credit/Year

Prerequisite: Audition or successful completion of BAND 1 and/or Teacher’s approval.

Description: A continuation of BAND 1, with emphasis in band/ensemble literature in Grades II-IV. Continued development of reading and performance skills. Students will continue to study and apply basic music theory concepts. Students must fulfill all rehearsal and performance requirements.

Objectives: 

• Continue objectives begun in BAND 1.

• Build discriminating taste, understanding, and interest in all types of music literature.

• Continue studies in music theory, with emphasis in major/minor key signatures and scales.

• Continue to develop the ability to analyze a listening excerpt and to critique oneself and others.

Band 3

(FMB4000) (Open to Grades 11-12) 1 Credit/Year

Prerequisite: Audition or successful completion of BAND 2 and/or Teacher’s approval.

Description: A continuation of BAND 2, with emphasis in band/ensemble literature in Grades II-V. Continued development of reading and performance skills. Advanced music theory concepts will be introduced and applied. Students must fulfill all rehearsal and performance requirements.

Objectives: 

• Continue objectives begun in BAND 1 and 2.

• Continue studies in music theory, with emphasis in major/minor keys, intervals, and chords.

• Continue to develop the ability to analyze, critique, and evaluate music.

Band 4 

(FMB5000) (Open to Grade 12) 1 Credit/Year

Prerequisite: Audition or successful completion of BAND 3 or and/or Teacher’s approval.

Description: A continuation of BAND 3, with emphasis in band/ensemble literature in Grades II-VI. Continued development of reading and performance skills. Students will continue to study and apply advanced music theory concepts. Students must fulfill all rehearsal and performance requirements.

Objectives: 

• Continue objectives begun in BAND 1 and 2.

• Continue studies in music theory, with emphasis in major/minor keys, intervals, and chords.

• Continue to develop the ability to analyze, critique, and evaluate music.

• Begin studies in accompanied solos.

Orchestra 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A

(Pit Orchestra) (FMV2100, FMV3100, FMV4100, FMV5100)
(Open to Grades 9-12) 0.5 Credit/Semester

After school course. 2nd semester only.

Prerequisite: Audition or recommendation and/or Teacher’s approval. See instructor for information. Very high level of interest and commitment. Students must be musically and technically advanced, and must proficiently read the music being studied. Enrollment in the Symphonic Band is highly recommended; enrollment in the Concert Band for ninth graders is required.

Description: This course is designed to provide the orchestral music for the Performing Arts Learning Center’s musicals. Students will learn styles and techniques of the musical theater while continuing to develop their overall musicianship. Students should be enrolled in a concert ensemble where they can continue to refine their instrumental techniques and music reading. Instrumentation will be determined by the needs of the musical being performed. Repeatable for credit.

Grading will be based on attendance at rehearsals and performances, ability to play the assigned part, and positive effort, attitude, and conduct.

Objectives: 

• Application of instrumental techniques learned in the Symphonic and Concert Bands.

• Learn instrumental and vocal styles used in musical theater productions.

• Develop an understanding of the structure of music written for the musical theater.

• Develop an understanding, respect for, and sensitivity to music of the theater.

• Develop an appreciation for the musical theater.

Chorus 1 

(FMC1000) (Open to Grades 9-12) 1 Credit/Year

Prerequisite: Very high level of interest and/or Teacher’s approval. Not required to have sung before.

Description: This is a beginning chorus class designed to help students to: (1) develop performance skills in vocal music; (2) learn to sing in different textures (unison, 2-4 part, as soloists); and (3) sing with good tone and musicianship. This course will emphasize choral concepts, more so than vocal concepts. Students will study music from a wide range of styles and periods. Basic music theory concepts will be introduced and applied. Students must fulfill all rehearsal and performance requirements.

Objectives: 

• Develop an understanding of the elements of music and their interrelationships.

• Develop basic skills essential to all musicians, including the ability to listen and evaluate.

• Develop an understanding of musical form.

• Develop music reading skills.

• Develop choral skills.

• Develop the ability to sing in different textures (unison, 2-4 part, as soloists)

• Develop the ability to create vocal harmony.

• Develop an appreciation for music of different styles, periods, and cultures.

Chorus 2

(FMC2000) (Open to Grades 10-12) 1 Credit/Year

Chorus 3

(FMC3000) (Open to Grades 10-12) 1 Credit/Year