Music
K-12 Coordinator: Christopher Goppold
The goal of the Music Department is to bring to every student the deepest possible understanding and realization of his or her full potential through musical self-expression. This is the joy of making and experiencing music. It is available to everyone regardless of previous training and experience.
Students enrolled in performance groups will be expected to attend two after school or evening practices before each major scheduled performance. Students in instrumental groups are required to attend a minimum of three individualized testing sessions each semester.
CHORUS*
Grades 9-12
MUS110 1.0 credit
Chorus provides an opportunity to study and perform choral music from many different styles and eras. Part-singing, note reading, and proper choral technique will be studied, with three opportunities for concert singing as part of Combined Choirs which are part of the course requirements. Chorus is open to all students without audition.
Grades 10-12
MUS120 1.0 credit
This is a select choral ensemble, which specializes in American popular, jazz and contemporary music. Students will be taught various vocal and choral blending techniques. Participation in performances outside of school is required. Students are also required to sing three concerts per year which includes the Winter Concert, Fine Arts Festival, and the Spring Concert. Admission is by audition only.
PREREQUISITE: Audition.
Grades 10-12
MUS130 1.0 credit
This is a select choral ensemble specializing in chamber music of all eras in the original language. Emphasis is on development of an ensemble sound and musical style. Participation in performances outside of school is required. Students are also required to sing three concerts per year which includes the Winter Concert, Fine Arts Festival, and the Spring Concert. Admission is by audition only.
PREREQUISITE: Audition.
CONCERT BAND*
Grades 9-12
MUS210 1.0 credit
This course is designed to give the student an enriching and diverse instrumental music education. This class provides a number of performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. Concert Band presents three or more concerts annually which are part of the course requirements.
Lab Fee: $12 (Smart Music software)
PREREQUISITE: Must play a band instrument.
ORCHESTRA*
Grades 9-12
MUS220 1.0 credit
Orchestra is offered to entering 9th grade Orchestra students and 10th-12th grade students as a continuation for students with previous orchestral experience. Educational emphasis is placed on the advancement of instrumental technique, further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, and a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music, and orchestral literature. Literature will contain both Classical and Popular music. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Symphony Orchestra will perform outside of class on a regular basis. The WTHS Orchestra presents three or more concerts annually which are part of the course requirements.
Lab Fee: $12 (Smart Music software)
PREREQUISITE: Must play an orchestral string instrument.
WIND ENSEMBLE*
Grades 10-12
MUS230 1.0 credit
This is the most advanced of the ensembles and is designed for the student who is a highly competent performer. The student is challenged by music of the highest caliber, requiring more sophisticated understanding of complex rhythms, all key signatures, musical terminology, ensemble skills, and extra effort on the part of the student. Wind Ensemble is a major performing ensemble, and participation in concerts, festivals and assemblies is required. This group annually performs at significant events outside the community, as well as, three annual school concerts that are part of the course requirements.
Lab Fee: $12 (Smart Music software)
PREREQUISITE: Audition
MUSIC THEORY
Grades 9-12
MUS301 0.5 credit
This course gives students a working knowledge of the fundamentals of music, with opportunities to use this knowledge for creative expression. Some of the topics covered are elements of sound, pitch and rhythmic notation, melodic and rhythmic dictation, sight singing (solfege), major and minor scales and chords.
MUSIC THEORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Grades 10-12
MUS440 1.0 credit
This course covers first year college music theory in depth and detail. Students study advanced theory, harmony and ear training in preparation for the AP Music Theory Exam. This includes four-part writing using functional harmony from the common practice period, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation, and solfeggio. Homework assignments are graded and assigned daily. Students will be required to complete a summer assignment. This is an excellent class for students wishing to compose music, perform music, or who wish to major or minor in music at the college level.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Music Theory with a grade of “B” or higher on the Music Theory Final Exam or departmental approval.
NOTE: Students are strongly encouraged to schedule and take the Advanced Placement examination administered by the College Board. The successful student has the possibility of advanced credit standing in a college or university.
GARAGE BAND
Grades 9-12
MUS501 0.5 credit
Students will learn to create musical compositions through various composing techniques using Garage Band. Students do not need musical knowledge in order to take this course. This course will focus on basic music theory, editing techniques, musical styles, basic keyboard techniques, voice altering techniques, and composing forms and styles.
ADVANCED GARAGE BAND AND DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION
Grades 10-12
MUS502 0.5 credit
This class builds on the skills learned in Garage Band I. Students will continue to learn various composition, keyboard and recording techniques. In addition, students will study basic sound reinforcement and recording techniques and equipment.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of “B” or higher in Garage Band I or departmental approval.
GUITAR CLASS
Grades 9-12
MUS701 0.5 credit
This course is an opportunity to continue working on the basic guitar skills taught in middle school. Students will improve their note reading, rhythmic skills, picking and fingering techniques, while learning to play enjoyable songs to entertain family and friends. School owned guitars are used for this class.
Lab Fee: $12 (Smart Music software)
MUSICAL KEYBOARDING
Grades 9-12
MUS503 0.5 credits
Beginning Keyboard offers students an opportunity to learn to play the piano through a series of sequential skill-building and performance activities. Students will be encouraged to apply their knowledge to perform both self-selected pieces as well as a required repertoire list that includes songs from many different styles and time periods. Students will demonstrate basic music theory concepts, as well as the ability to read and write standard music notation. This class will meet as a group but will be differentiated at the individual level. There will be support for students who are truly beginners with no piano experience at all, and there will also be opportunities for students to excel and go beyond the course requirements to meet personally set goals and interests. Students will not be required to have access to a keyboard at home, although their experience will be enhanced if they do.
BROADWAY MUSIC
Grades 9-12
MUS703 0.5 credit
This is a class for the student who loves the stage and musicals! This course will focus on auditioning techniques, sight reading, improvisation, acting, staging, and directing. Students will also be guided in vocal technique with individual and group lessons. Students do not need musical knowledge in order to take this course.