High School Music Department Courses

Carle Place High School Music Department Offerings for the 2026 - 2027 School Year

High School Chorus 1 Credit  Gr. 9-12

Development of the voice as a musical instrument is stressed with emphasis on tone, intonation, reading, interpretation and awareness of various musical styles in singing. Students are encouraged to participate in New York State music festivals. This course meets the graduation requirement of one unit of music and can be taken for credit all four years of high school.

High School Band 1 Credit  Gr. 9-12

Individual and/or class instruction is received weekly by each band and orchestra member. Sight-reading skills are stressed in rehearsals as well as rehearsal procedures and mechanics of band and orchestra operation. Individual competence is constantly emphasized and students are encouraged to participate in New York State Music Festivals. Periodic 0 Period lessons may be required. This course meets the graduation requirement of one unit of music and can be taken for credit all four years of high school.

High School Orchestra 1 Credit  Gr. 9-12

Individual and/or class instruction is received weekly by each band and orchestra member. Sight-reading skills are stressed in rehearsals as well as rehearsal procedures and mechanics of band and orchestra operation. Individual competence is constantly emphasized and students are encouraged to participate in New York State Music Festivals. Periodic 0 Period lessons may be required. This course meets the graduation requirement of one unit of music and can be taken for credit all four years of high school.

Music Theory 1 Credit  Gr. 10-12

This elective covers a broad spectrum of traditional written music, arranging, and the fundamentals of the MIDI music studio. Emphasis is placed on composition, and students are required to create pieces in standard music notation as well as on the computer. Other topics will include multi-track recording, the mixing board, and careers in the music field.

Piano Theory and Practice 1 Credit  Gr. 9-12

This course is a beginner’s class designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills. Students will learn proper playing position, note names and locations of notes on the staff in relation to their placement on the keyboard. Students will learn to identify, construct and play note intervals, major, minor, chromatic scales, and major and minor chords in various rhythmic patterns. No prior experience or a home piano needed.

Piano Theory and Practice II 1 Credit  Gr. 10-12

This course is a beginner’s class designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills. Students will learn proper playing position, note names and locations of notes on the staff in relation to their placement on the keyboard. Students will learn to identify, construct and play note intervals, major, minor, chromatic scales, and major and minor chords in various rhythmic patterns. No home piano needed.                                                                                                                                Prerequisite: Piano Theory and Practice

Guitar I 1⁄2 Credit Gr. 9-12

This course is designed to introduce students to the wide variety of music that can be played on this popular instrument. Students will learn basic chord shapes, note reading, left and right hand technique, and begin to learn the skills required to play songs by themselves or in groups. In class performances are encouraged. (Students are encouraged to provide their own instrument, though it is not required).

Guitar II 1⁄2 Credit Gr. 9-12

This course is a continuation of the Guitar I sequence and is designed for serious guitarists who want to develop their skills in improvisation, chord theory, and alternate tuning systems. Students are expected to participate in solo performances, group pieces, and composition assignments.                                                                                                                    Prerequisite: Guitar I or teacher recommendation

Women’s Choir

This High School Select Choir meets weekly for students to learn SSA repertoire at an accelerated pace and advanced level. Students must be part of the High School Chorus in order to participate.

HIgh School Jazz Band

High School Chamber Orchestra

Tri-M Music Honor Society

This Music Honor Society is open to students in grades 9-12 that meet specific criteria regarding grades, leadership abilities, character, and more. The objective of this chapter shall be to inspire music participation, create an enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, and promote leadership in the music students of our school.

7th Grade General Music

In this course, students will learn music notation, create and perform their own music and the music of others in the classroom setting, work with and understand various music instruments and resources, analyze and respond to music, and understand the cultural dimensions and contributions of music throughout the decades.

Middle School Chorus

In this course, students learn to sing in three part harmony and sight-sing at a NYSSMA Level IV. Major emphasis is on vocal development, music reading skills, ear training, and the study of varied choral literature. Repertoire includes but is not limited to classical, traditional, folk, Broadway, pop, and more! Students perform in concerts, music festivals, and community events.

Ensemble Juniors

This Middle School Select Choir meets weekly for all students that have a passion for singing. They work on advanced music in two and three part harmony from a varied repertoire list.

Middle School Jazz Band