Performing Arts

This course is open to any student who plays a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students will work to develop and refine their technical and musical skills, and will play a wide variety of band literature. Performances include school and community events throughout the year and attendance is required at all scheduled performances. Students must be a member of Concert Band to participate in and/or audition for Jazz or Classical All State music festivals. Students are expected to have a minimum of one year of experience playing a band instrument to participate in the ensemble. 

This course is open to any student interested in participating in a vocal ensemble and developing their vocal technique. Students will sing from a variety of vocal literature, while developing and refining technical and musical skills. Performances include school and community events throughout the year and attendance is required for all scheduled events. No previous singing experience is necessary for participating in Concert Choir. 

This course is open to any student who plays a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or string bass). Students will play a wide variety of string orchestra literature as they develop and refine their technical and musical skills. Performances include school and community events throughout the year and attendance is required at all scheduled performances. Students must be a member of the String Orchestra to audition for the Classical All State Orchestra.  Students are expected to have previous string instrument experience to participate in the ensemble.  String Orchestra will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm and students will receive .5 credit for being a member of the ensemble for the entire year. 

Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Have you been playing piano for years and want to continue to develop your skills, as well as have time to practice during the school day? Piano is designed for every level of piano student, from beginner to advanced. Students will work at their own pace to develop their level of proficiency on the piano and will be evaluated according to individual musical growth. Piano keyboards will be provided for the class and students are expected to bring headphones to plug into the pianos as they work individually. No prior musical experience or knowledge is necessary for this class, though students with prior music experience are encouraged to take the class as well. 

Learn to play the guitar! Students in beginning guitar will learn the fundamentals of the guitar, enabling them to accompany a vocalist, play in a garage band, jam with friends, read music notation, and understand basic music theory. Music performed in class will range from pop, rock, and blues, with primary focus on music from the 1960s to the present. Students in guitar should have less than one year of previous guitar experience. Acoustic guitars will be provided for students to use, but students are welcome to bring their own acoustic guitars to class as well. No prior musical experience or knowledge is necessary for this class, though students with prior music experience are encouraged to take the class as well.  

This course is intended for students who missed out on joining band in middle school, students who haven’t played their instrument in a few years, or students who already play an instrument but are looking to learn a second one. They will learn the fundamentals of reading music and technical skills on a wind instrument (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba). Students who successfully complete Second Chance Band may have the opportunity to enroll in Concert Band. 

This course is designed for students who have a basic fundamental knowledge of music and have had experience playing an instrument or singing in chorus and can read music. Students will study the foundations of music, including scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, voice leading, and transposition. Students will be introduced to score study and composition and will be exposed to composers and musical examples from all eras of European classical music.  This course will be offered in 2025-2026 and alternating years thereafter. 

This course is designed  to explore the events, issues, and people surrounding the development of rock and roll music.  Students will look at the evolution of rock and roll from jazz and blues in the 1930s to the present and the relationship of the music to American history and pertinent social issues.  Topics will include the development of the rock band, important musical events, albums, and artists, and biographies of musicians and bands.  No prior knowledge/musical experience is necessary for this course.  This course will be offered in 2024-2025 and alternating years thereafter.

Are you a musician, or maybe intrigued by marketing strategies or even have been known to dabble with editing and mixing instruments, sounds and vocals?  Look no further than Flying Falcon Records. This course is your opportunity to explore what goes into album production. Students will explore and embody the roles of Artist and Repertoire representatives, producer, sound engineer and artist. Throughout the semester there will be various opportunities for guest speakers who are and have been part of the profession.  Additionally, students will forge the way to create their own album. 

Prerequisite: Audition with the performing arts director

This course is open by audition only to saxophonists, trombonists, trumpet players, and rhythm section players (piano, bass, guitar, and drum set). This is an ensemble for serious, advanced musicians who are interested in playing Big Band jazz, with a focus on swing, ballads, Latin, and funk. Performances include school and community events throughout the year and attendance is required at all scheduled performances. Jazz Ensemble will meet on Wednesday evenings from 8-9 PM and students will receive ½ credit for being a member of the ensemble for the entire year.

Prerequisite: Advanced approval by the performing arts director for participation in this class

Making music together is a powerful force for learning, growth, friendship, and understanding. This inclusive, hands-on music class is designed for students with strong music skills to work with students from our LINKS program to develop musicianship and foster meaningful connections through music. The class will focus on playing instruments, singing, music and movement, and the use of basic music technology.

Prerequisite: Audition with the performing arts director

This course is open by audition only to vocalists who are currently enrolled in Concert Choir. This ensemble is for vocalists who are interested in performing more complex repertoire in a chamber choir setting. Repertoire will be selected from traditional choral literature, acapella music and vocal jazz. Performances include school and community events throughout the year and attendance is required at all scheduled performances. Select Choir will meet on Wednesdays during Flextime and students will receive ½ credit for being a member of the ensemble for the entire year.