Beginning Guitar is an introductory course designed for students with little to no prior experience. Students will explore a variety of musical genres while developing fundamental guitar skills, including proper technique, chord playing, and note reading. Instruction includes both tablature and standard notation, allowing students to build well-rounded musicianship. Repertoire focuses on recognizable pop and contemporary music to keep learning engaging and relevant. Students perform in three department music concerts annually and develop the foundational skills necessary for lifelong music-making or continued study in Guitar Ensemble. Instruments are provided in class, so no prior experience or personal guitar is required to join. 

Guitar Ensemble is the next-level course for students who have completed Beginning Guitar or have prior guitar experience. Students may also audition directly into the class. This ensemble focuses on developing advanced musicianship through a repertoire-driven, rehearsal-based approach, moving beyond basic skill-building to tackle more challenging music across a variety of styles. Students perform in four department music concerts annually and have opportunities to branch out into other ensembles, including rock band and small group performances. Guitar Ensemble is ideal for students looking to refine their technique, collaborate with peers, and continue growing as versatile, confident musicians. 

Symphony Orchestra is the entry-level high school orchestra for students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass and have at least one year of prior orchestra experience at the middle school level. This course is not an introduction to the instrument; students are expected to continue developing their skills in a full orchestral setting. Repertoire includes standard classical orchestra literature, as well as modern and popular music, giving students a well-rounded performance experience. Solo opportunities are frequently offered, and students are encouraged—but not required—to take private lessons outside of class to further enhance their skills. Taught in an ensemble setting with daily rehearsals and skill development, Symphony Orchestra performs in no fewer than five concerts annually, along with additional performances that enrich the program. Most students spend an average of two years in this ensemble, building strong musicianship and collaborative performance experience. 

Chamber Orchestra is the capstone orchestra experience at Willowbrook High School, designed for our highest-level musicians on violin, viola, cello, and bass. This audition-only ensemble provides rigorous daily rehearsals in a standard orchestral format, supplemented by sectionals with specialized coaches to refine technique and ensemble skills. Students have opportunities for leadership within the group and participate in additional performance ensembles, including the Warner Quintet, musical pit orchestra, and full orchestra. While typically composed of juniors and seniors, exceptionally advanced musicians may audition as freshmen. Offered at the honors level, Chamber Orchestra provides enriched opportunities for solo performances, district-level orchestra auditions, and IHSA solo and ensemble competitions, fostering both musical excellence and leadership in an intensive, performance-driven environment. 

Beginning Mixed Chorus is an entry-level vocal course for students interested in learning the fundamentals of singing. Students focus on developing proper vocal technique, sight-reading, music literacy, and ensemble skills while performing a variety of choral repertoire. This course provides a strong foundation for continued vocal study and participation in higher-level ensembles. 

Treble Choir is a mid-level vocal ensemble for students singing in the treble range. Students refine vocal technique, blend, and musicianship while performing a diverse repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, and popular styles. Daily rehearsals emphasize sight-reading, music literacy, and ensemble collaboration, preparing singers for solo opportunities and advancement to higher-level ensembles. 

Concert Choir is an audition-only, capstone vocal ensemble for highly skilled singers. This ensemble performs challenging repertoire and focuses on advanced vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble leadership. Students have opportunities for solos, competitions, and performances in department concerts and special events, fostering high-level musicianship and performance experience. 

Concert Band is the entry-level band course for students who play woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments and have prior experience on their instrument. Students develop fundamental skills in tone production, technique, and ensemble playing while exploring a variety of musical styles. Rehearsals are focused on building musicianship and preparing students to perform in multiple concerts throughout the year. Concert Band lays the foundation for continued growth in the band program and prepares students for advancement into Symphonic Band. 

Symphonic Band is the intermediate-level band course for students with prior band experience who are ready to tackle more challenging repertoire and ensemble responsibilities. Students refine their technique, musicality, and sight-reading skills in a rehearsal-focused, ensemble setting. Repertoire spans classical, contemporary, and popular styles, emphasizing precision, expression, and collaboration. Symphonic Band performs in multiple department concerts annually and provides a pathway for students seeking to advance to Wind Ensemble. 

Wind Ensemble is the capstone, audition-only band for advanced high school musicians. This ensemble focuses on challenging repertoire, including standard literature, contemporary works, and complex arrangements. Students engage in rigorous daily rehearsals, sectionals, and leadership opportunities while refining technical skill, musical expression, and ensemble artistry. Wind Ensemble performs in department concerts, competitions, and special events, providing students with a high-level, performance-driven experience and preparation for college-level music study.

Percussion Methods is an entry-level course for students interested in learning percussion instruments. Students develop fundamental skills in rhythm, technique, mallet and drum set playing, and basic music reading. The course prepares students to participate in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and other ensembles, providing a strong foundation in percussion performance and musicianship. 

AP Music Theory is a college-level course designed for high school students who want to deepen their understanding of music’s structure and language. The class covers key areas including harmony, melody, rhythm, form, ear training, sight-singing, and analysis of musical scores across a variety of styles. Students develop skills in identifying chord progressions, writing original compositions, and analyzing complex works from classical to contemporary repertoire. The course emphasizes both written and aural proficiency, preparing students to take the AP Music Theory exam and to pursue advanced studies in music. This rigorous, skill-building class is ideal for students seeking to expand their musicianship and gain a strong foundation in the theoretical principles that underlie all music. 

Class Piano is a year-long course designed to develop students’ piano skills, musicianship, and overall understanding of music. Students learn foundational techniques, sight-reading, chord progressions, and repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, and popular styles. Emphasis is placed on both individual skill-building and ensemble playing, allowing students to apply their learning in practical performance settings. This course also offers a dual credit option, giving eligible students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit while strengthening their piano proficiency and music theory knowledge. 

Music Production is a hands-on course where students explore the world of creating, recording, and producing music using industry-standard digital tools. Using Soundtrap, students learn to compose original music, experiment with beats, loops, and virtual instruments, and develop skills in mixing and recording. The class covers key aspects of modern music production, including arranging, sound design, and editing, while encouraging creativity and personal expression. Students gain practical experience producing their own projects, preparing them for further study in music technology, performance, or independent music creation.