music classes

Concert Band

Wind Ensemble

Symphonic Band
Percussion Ensemble

Concert Band

 DGS Concert Band focuses on developing individual performance proficiency and overall musicianship through a comprehensive,engaging curriculum. Literature studies are suited to the ability of the ensemble, and reinforce the theory of music as well as creative thinking.  Students in any of these courses perform 3-5 times each year outside of the school day.

Prerequisites: none

Jazz Band

Jazz Combo (Competitive)

Jazz Ensemble (Competitive)

Jazz Lab Band

Jazz Workshop

DGS Jazz provides music students with an opportunity to explore all forms of jazz through the study of big band, combo, and modern jazz literature. While performing jazz music, students will be encouraged to expand their creativity through the process of improvisation. Students in this course will participate in several jazz festivals and field trips. Additionally, students in this course perform at numerous school and community events. Membership in this course is based on audition

Prerequisites: none

Freshman Choir

The Freshman Choir (grade 9 only) is open to all incoming freshman singers regardless of previous singing experience. This class will focus on the development of basic singing skills, including tone development, part singing, proper body positioning for singing, breath support and control, the establishment of a healthy choral tone, and music reading. This group performs at least four times during the school year. Attendance at all events is expected.

Concert Choir

Treble Choir

A Capella Choir (Grades 11 & 12)

Placement in these choirs is predicated on an audition or simple approval from choral faculty. Instructional emphasis is placed on healthy vocal production, sight reading, tonal memory, singing alone and with others, and balance and blend within a choral ensemble. Concert Choir performs the finest choral literature selected from a wide variety of musical styles and historical periods. Members of this ensemble must attend four major choral events each year, in addition to select festivals and community performances outside of the school day. Attendance at all events is expected.

Prerequisites: none

Music Production

This course is designed to give students of varied musical backgrounds an opportunity to study creative music composition in a high-tech arena. Students will learn how to arrange, compose, and perform music using digitally controlled synthesizers and computers. This one-semester course will combine a study of various contemporary and historical musical styles with hands-on computer sequencing and digital audio editing techniques. The classroom setting will allow students to work both individually and in collaborative teams. Several original compositions will be created that can be saved as digital audio files. This course is designed to accommodate students of all music ability levels.

Prerequisites: none

AP Music Theory

This course is offered for students who have a serious interest in music and want to improve their comprehension of the musical language. Course objectives include a review of the basic elements of music, notation, harmony, and analytical techniques with special emphasis on ear training and sight-reading. Individualized projects focus on historical background, composition, and arranging. The first semester of this course may be taken for 1/2 unit of credit. This class is offered as an Early Bird class (7:00 - 7:50 a.m.). Students must arrange their own transportation. 

Prerequisites: none

Singer's Studio

This course is offered for students who have a serious interest in music and want to improve their comprehension of the musical language.

Prerequisites: none