Bloomfield prides itself on offering a full range of options when it comes to Music Education.
Freshman Band (9) 6 CR. Prerequisite: None
Freshman Band provides group experience for wind and percussion instruments. In addition to full ensemble band music, every student will have the opportunity to perform in smaller groups such as Jazz Band, Percussion Ensembles, Brass Choir, and Wind Ensembles. All freshman band members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
Mixed Chorus (9) 6 CR. Prerequisite: None
Mixed Chorus is designed for students in their first year of choir. Students are introduced to the principles of singing, note reading, ensemble skills, and performance. All members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
String Orchestra (9) 6 CR. Prerequisite: Prior String Experience
Freshman Orchestra provides a group experience for string players. Students are expected to practice at home, keep their instruments clean and in good playing condition and improve their sight-reading ability. Students perform with the Upperclassman Orchestra. Freshman Orchestra members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
Music Technology (9- 12) 5 CR. Prerequisite: None
Music Technology students will use music software and hardware to learn the basics of music, basic piano skills, composition, and digital recording. No knowledge of music or pianos is necessary, but basic computer skills will be helpful.
Music Theory 1 (9-12) 5 CR. Prerequisite: None
Music Theory is an exploration of the elements found in all types of music, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and meter. This course focuses on music compositional skills as well as aural (listening) skills. Students should know the fundamentals of reading music, but do not need to be advanced. This class is an aid in performing and arranging both classical and popular music.
Piano 1 (9-12) 2.5 CR. Prerequisite: None
Piano 1 focuses on instruction in basic music theory, note reading, music composition, history, and piano performance techniques. No prior piano experience is necessary. Students will have access to a piano in the Music Technology Lab. Students will be expected to perform prepared pieces at the culmination of the class.
Piano 2 (9- 12) 2.5 CR. Prerequisite: Piano 1 or Teacher Recommendation
Piano 2 builds on skills and information learned in Piano 1. Students should have some prior piano experience. Students will have access to a piano in the Music Technology Lab. Students will be expected to perform prepared pieces at the culmination of the class.
Music History and Appreciation (9-12) 5 CR.
In this course, students will learn about European music history dating back to the Middle Ages all the way to the present day. They will learn about traditional music styles of the Eastern and Western worlds, including Music from Japan, India, the Middle East, North and South America, and the Celtic Regions of Europe. Through this course, students will learn about the recording and writing process from paper to film, and gain a deeper understanding of how music is a vital and essential part of society worldwide, then and now.
Concert Band (Upperclassmen Band) (10-12) 6 CR. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Concert Band is open to all upperclassmen and provides group experience for wind and percussion instruments. In addition to full ensemble band music, every student will have the opportunity to perform in smaller groups such as Jazz Band, Percussion Ensembles, Brass Choir, and Woodwind Ensembles. Students are expected to improve techniques particular to their instruments, including intonation, dexterity, sight-reading, and fingerings where appropriate. All Concert Band members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
Concert Choir (Upperclassmen Choir) (10-12) 6 CR. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Concert Choir is open to all upperclassmen. Students are expected to learn proper singing techniques, improve music reading skills and perform high-level music. All Concert Choir members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
Symphony Strings (10-12) 6 CR. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Upperclassmen Orchestra provides a group experience for string players. In addition to full orchestra and string orchestra music, students will have the opportunity to audition for the Select Strings Ensemble, which meets at night and performs for school and community functions. All orchestra members are required to attend evening rehearsals and concerts throughout the year and participate in a lab one day every other week.
Music Theory 2 (10-12_ 5 CR. Prerequisite: Music Theory 1
Music Theory 2 is an advanced class that builds from the concepts and skills presented in Music Theory 1. Students will explore complex music concepts, including chromatic harmony, scoring, and writing for instrumental ensembles.