Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music
*Satisfies Fine Arts Credit*
Concert Band
Length: 2 semesters
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: None Fee: See board approved fee schedule
This course is designed to offer the beginning or intermediate music instrumentalist a variety of musical experiences. Required performances include, but are not limited to concerts, solo and ensemble contests, large group contest, school functions and public events.
Guitar I
Length: 1 semester
Credit: ½ credit (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: None Fee: See board approved fee schedule
Students must own or purchase an Acoustic Guitar. This class is designed for the beginning acoustic guitar player. Students will learn to read and notate music/rhythm as well as read chords and tablature. Students will also develop fundamental skills in rock, classical, and folk songs through a variety of repertoire. The class will include a public performance.
Guitar II
Length: 1 semester
Credit: ½ credit (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: Guitar 1 Fee: See board approved fee schedule
Students must own or purchase an Acoustic Guitar. This class will provide an opportunity for advanced guitar players to improve their skills in reading music, playing chords, and playing as part of an ensemble. The focus of the group will be on ensemble playing. Students will have several opportunities for public performance.
Strings Class
Length: 2 semesters
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: None Fee: See board approved fee schedule
Students who play the following String instruments are eligible to participate in this class: Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass. Students must provide their own correctly sized instruments. The curriculum will include skills and technique development specific to each instrument. Students will have an opportunity to perform in concerts, solo and ensemble contests, large group contest, school functions and public events. A beginning students who would like to learn one of these instruments is welcome to join after consulting with the instructor.
Jazz Band
Length: 1 semester
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: Audition Fee: See board approved fee schedule
This course is designed for the clearly advanced instrumental musician who wants to learn to play in the Jazz/Big Band genre. This class includes the study of styles of jazz as well as learning to lay improvisational solos. Required performances will include, but are not limited to a concert each quarter, contest, school functions, and public events. Students are required to be enrolled in another FHS instrumental music course.
Symphonic Band
Length: 2 semester
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: Audition Fee: See board approved fee schedule
This course is designed to offer the experienced music instrumentalist a variety of musical experiences. Required performances include, but are not limited to concerts, solo and ensemble contests, large group contest, school functions, and public events.
Wind Ensemble
Length: 2 semesters
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts)
Prerequisites: Audition Fee: See board approved fee schedule
This course is designed to offer the experienced music instrumentalist a variety of musical experiences. Required performances include, but are not limited to concerts, solo and ensemble contest, large group contest, school functions, and public events. This class is limited to 60 instrumentalists. Admission is based on audition and the instrument needs of the group.
Marching Band
Length: 1 semester
Credit: ½ per semester (Fine Arts and P.E. credit)
Prerequisites: Must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble. Color guard is exempt from this prerequisite.
Fee: See board approved fee schedule
This course includes a balanced comprehensive study of music and movement that develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Classroom activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship and precise body movement, as well as leadership and teamwork skills.
There is a periodic assessment to monitor students progress. Time outside of the school day (two days a week for two hours and most Saturdays all day) is scheduled for rehearsals and performances. In addition, a camp is held for approximately one week before school begins. This is also required as part of the grade.
Students will also be expected to practice and perform during fall break. A number of public performances at football games, contests and parades are expected. These rehearsals and performances count as a major portion of a students’ grade in marching band. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom.