Fine Arts - Music

(1.0 credit) 

This course is designed for the student with no formal prior experience performing on a band instrument. Students with prior experience (even if it was for 1 year) should audition for intermediate band. In this course, students will learn to play one of the following band instruments: (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba and percussion) Students will also learn the basics of music notation and theory, learn the piano keyboard, develop their tone and perform in two concerts during the year. The class will be taught in two sections - Brass /Percussion and Woodwinds. Students will be tested on all the instruments to determine their proficiency and placement. 

(1.0 credit) 

This course is designed for students with no prior experience learning a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).  Emphasis is placed on the refinement of playing technique and comprehension of musical rudiments.  Blended learning approaches that include individual, small group and ensemble experiences, audio and video demonstrations and assessments, and use of web-based applications, seek to offer students in Beginning Orchestra a well-rounded experience that prepares them for further musical study.  

(1.0 credit) 

This course is designed for students with no formal prior experience in vocal or choral studies. Students learn the fundamentals of healthy voice production, expressive musicianship, and music reading (written and aural theory and notation). Learning and assessment includes individual and full-ensemble experiences, with opportunities for demonstrating growth during in-class coachings and video assessments.  Students are prepared and inspired for continued participation in the choral class sequence and are confident to seek supplementary music-making opportunities both in and out of school.  The students will have public performance opportunities each quarter, along with the other choral ensembles in the program.

(1.0 credit) 

This course is designed for students with no formal prior experience in piano. Students will learn the fundamentals of music theory and sightreading, jazz/pop chart reading, expressive musicianship, and piano technique. Learning and assessment includes mostly individual performances and written work. Students will get to explore a range of genres from classical to the here and now. Students will not be expected or required to have a piano at home, as most practicing will be done in class. However, they will be encouraged to take advantage of the practice rooms and hallway pianos provided at NCP. 

 (1.0 credit) 

This course is designed for students with no formal prior experience in playing guitar. Students will learn the elements of standard acoustic guitar playing while also learning the fundamentals of music theory, notation, and chord chart reading. Emphasis will be placed on in-class practice and performance, both individually and as a full ensemble. Students will be provided with a school-owned guitar, but may use theirs if preferred. Evaluation for this class will take place through playing performance and theory assessment. Students will get to experience performing different musical genres and differing styles of acoustic guitar playing. 

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Beginning Band or experience on a band instrument and audition) 

In this course, students will further their musicianship by reviewing and/or learning music notation, note subdivision, meter and counting. Along with learning the piano keyboard, major scales and key signatures, they will also learn how to develop a refined tone.  The Intermediate Band will also perform alongside the Advanced Band in concerts and band competitions. Performance in concerts and competitions is mandatory, and private lessons are recommended. Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class.

 (1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Intermediate Band or experience on a band instrument and audition) 

In this course, students are expected to adhere to high standards regarding musical interpretation and tone in the preparation and performance of advanced concert band literature. Participation in solo and ensemble competitions, concerts, and band competitions is mandatory. Private lessons are strongly recommended. Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Intermediate Band or experience on a jazz instrument and audition.  All guitarists, drummers and keyboardists need to have taken a performance ensemble (band, choir or orchestra) previously.)

In this course, students will learn to read and play jazz phrasings. In addition, students will learn the basics of swing, Latin, and rock and blues styles. Students will also study and practice the art of jazz improvisation. The Jazz Ensemble performs in concerts and competitions throughout the year. Upper level jazz classes learn more complex theory, technique and improvisations. Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Beginning Orchestra or experience on a string instrument, completion of Level 1 requirements (scales, rhythms) and successful audition with director)

This course is designed for students with one year of prior experience learning a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).  Emphasis is placed on the sustained refinement of playing technique and comprehension of musical concepts.  Blended learning approaches that include individual, small group and ensemble experiences, audio and video demonstrations and assessment and use of web-based applications, seek to offer students in Intermediate Orchestra a well-rounded experience that prepares them for further musical study.  Participation in dress rehearsals, concerts, festivals and competitions is mandatory.  Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Intermediate Orchestra or experience on a string instrument, completion of Level 2 requirements (scales, rhythms) and audition)

This course is designed for students with two or more years of prior experience learning a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass).  Emphasis is placed on the sustained refinement of playing technique and comprehension of musical concepts.  Blended learning approaches that include individual, small group and ensemble experiences, audio and video demonstrations and assessment, and use of web-based applications, seek to offer students in Advanced Orchestra a well-rounded experience that prepares them for further musical study.   Participation in dress rehearsals, concerts, festivals and competitions is mandatory. Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Intermediate Orchestra or experience on a string instrument, completion of Level 2 requirements (scales, rhythms) and audition)

This course is audition-based, and is the highest level orchestra, designed for students with advanced prior experience on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp).  Emphasis is placed on the sustained and advanced refinement of playing technique and comprehension of musical concepts.  Blended learning approaches that include individual, small group and ensemble experiences, audio and video demonstrations and assessment, and use of web-based applications, seek to offer students in Chamber Orchestra a well-rounded experience that prepares them for further musical study.  Participation in dress rehearsals, concerts, festivals and competitions is mandatory. Students are expected to practice their instrument outside of class. 

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus or at least one year of previous choral or instrumental music ensemble experience or successful audition which will assess sight-reading skills, and the student’s ability to match pitch) 

Students learn the intermediate levels of bass voice production, expression of emotion and meaning through singing, and music reading. Many low-voiced singers identify as men, however students of all gender identities who are comfortable singing in the tenor/bass range are welcome to join. There is a public performance opportunity each quarter on campus and sometimes performances off-site, as well.  Additionally, the ensemble is encouraged to perform for community organizations, and collaborate with the Advanced Ensemble for large-scale works.  Students are expected to rehearse repertoire outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus or at least one year of previous choral or instrumental music ensemble experience or successful audition which will assess sight-reading skills, and the student’s ability to match pitch) 

Students learn the intermediate levels of treble voice production, expression of emotion and meaning through singing, and music reading. Many high-voiced singers identify as women, however students of all gender identities who are comfortable singing in the soprano/alto range are welcome to join. There is a public performance opportunity each quarter on campus and sometimes performances off-site, as well.  Additionally, the ensemble is encouraged to perform for community organizations, and collaborate with the Advanced Ensemble for large-scale works.  Students are expected to rehearse repertoire outside of class.

(1.0 credit; Prerequisite: Intermediate Chorus or at least one year of previous choral or instrumental music ensemble experience or audition which will assess sight-reading skills, and the student’s ability to match pitch) 

Students with advanced musical and vocal skills are encouraged to audition for this ensemble, which will perform regularly on campus, at state and regional festivals and competitions, and often collaborate with neighboring high schools and universities. This is the premier choral ensemble of the school, and performers are expected to attend all contests, dress rehearsals, and concerts, have excellent music reading and vocal performance skills. Many members are inspired to take advantage of other music experiences offered at Northside, such as the NCP Chamber Singers, and the musical theater production.  Students are expected to rehearse repertoire outside of class.