COURSE OFFERINGS AND DESCRIPTIONS
Band
Pre-Requisites: 9th Grade Band
Description
High School Band builds on the skills and knowledge students have developed in their 5-9 band experience. The prerequisite for high school band is junior high band. All students enrolled in high school band participate in Marching Band and Concert Bands as well as lessons. Additionally, optional performance opportunities include Jazz Bands, All-State, Winter Pep Band, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and others.
Orchestra
Pre-Requisites: 9th Grade Orchestra
Description
High School Orchestra is a continuation of study of violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp for students who began learning their instrument in 4th or 5th grade. This class meets daily and presents four major evening concerts each year, as well as performances at the All-City Orchestra Festival in April, and IHSMA Large Group Contest in May. Each of these performances are required, and are included in the grading requirements of this course. The Orchestra strives for continuing musical growth by studying a variety of literature and by the preparation of selected works for musical performance. In addition to the large group experience, students have the opportunity to excel as chamber music and solo performers by participating in the IHSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest. In the lesson experience, students will receive instruction to expand upon prior musical skills and become more accomplished performers in both the individual and group setting. All orchestra students are required to complete playing 3-4 playing tests each semester. Advanced players are eligible to audition for the All-State Orchestra in the fall, and will have opportunities to participate in other honor orchestras during the school year. Note: If a student did not participate in orchestra in the previous school year, they must have director permission to register for this course.
Concert Choir
Pre-Requisites: Entrance into the class is by audition only.
Description
Concert Choir is a mixed choir of advanced level musicians. The ensemble will continue on to more advanced levels of sight reading and vocal techniques learned in Treble Clef and Bass Clef Choirs. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of advanced secular and sacred literature that spans cultures, genres and time periods. Concert Choir will perform four concerts per year as well as Large Group Festival. Small groups will be created from the larger ensemble to perform at Solo/Ensemble Contest as well as other community performances. Students are encouraged to participate in additional extra-curricular choral ensembles.
Treble Clef Choir
Pre-Requisites: None
Description
Treble Clef Choir is open to any high school student in the treble clef and meets daily. All incoming sophomore women interested in singing will sign up for Treble Clef Choir. No prior musical training is required for the class. Treble Clef Choir members will learn healthy vocal technique specific to their instrument. Students will learn to read music and identify and apply musical terminology. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of sacred and secular literature that spans cultures, genres and time periods. The difficulty level of repertoire will range from moderate to difficult in order to challenge students to become better singers and musicians. Students will have the opportunity to be a part of small groups for Solo/Ensemble Contest as well as other community performances. Students are encouraged to participate in additional extra-curricular choral ensembles. Course requirements include performing on all concerts, Large Group Contest, and attendance at voice sectionals/lessons throughout the semester. Grading is based upon rehearsal attendance and participation/effort, sectional/lesson participation, and performance attendance.
Bass Clef Choir
Pre-Requisites: None
Description
Bass Clef Choir is open to any high school student in the bass clef voice range and meets daily. No prior musical training is required for the class. Bass Clef Choir members will learn healthy vocal technique specific to their instrument. Students will learn to read music and identify and apply musical terminology. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of sacred and secular literature that spans cultures, genres and time periods. The difficulty level of repertoire will range from moderate to difficult in order to challenge students to become better singers and musicians. Bass Clef Choir will perform on three concerts per year as well as Large Group Contest. Students will have the opportunity to be a part of small groups for Solo/Ensemble Contest as well as other community performances.
Pre-Requisites: Course Instructor Approval
Description
This course is designed for students who are intending on majoring in music in college, to develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and music theory. The emphasis will be on the rules of theory and composition, ear training, sight singing, score analysis, and keyboard skills. While the main emphasis is placed on music of the common period (1600-1750), music of other stylistic periods will also be studied. Upon completion of the course students will be prepared to take the AP Music Theory Exam. Students planning to major in music in college may be able to enroll in an advance music theory course, depending on individual college or university AP policies.