Music - Senior

10-12 CONCERT BAND (576/588)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.00 credits

The D-Y Concert Band is open to students who possess competency on a wind or percussion instrument. While no prerequisite is required for entrance, it is assumed that registrants will have studied an instrument for several years prior to enrollment. Students should feel comfortable reading music of moderate difficulty and should have the ability to practice and successfully play grade three music.

The D-Y Concert Band prepares and performs traditional, popular and show music as well as contemporary symphonic band literature. There are typically two concerts, January Formal and May Pops. Students also perform at Senior Last Assembly and Graduation.

Concepts emphasized include intonation, harmonic blend, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and technical competence. Attitudes emphasized include positive team effort, respect for student leadership, acceptance of constructive criticism, tolerance for and consideration of other students, a desire for artistic improvement, pride of the organization and positive self-esteem. Proper posture, embouchure and hand position are stressed. An emphasis will be placed on technical improvement, tonal improvement and dynamic control.

Teaching methods include rehearsal, sectional drill, mini-lecture, audio and video, printed handouts, class discussions, student presentations and guest conductors. Rehearsals and concerts are required of students and will be assessed as part of the term grade.

10-12 JAZZ BAND (582/587)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.00 credits

Prerequisites:

1. Must also be enrolled in 10-12 Concert Band

2. Successful completion of one full year of 8-9 Band or 10-12 Concert Band

3. Teacher recommendation

The D-Y Jazz Band is open to all Concert Band students who possess a high level of competency on a wind, string, keyboard, or percussion instrument. While the course is open to all Concert Band instrumentalists, recommendations and special consideration will be given based on a balanced jazz band instrumentation and level of musical ability. Students should feel comfortable reading music of moderate difficulty and should have the ability to practice and play grade three music. No previous jazz experience is required.

The D-Y Jazz Band prepares and performs jazz music in the styles of Blues, New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland, Big Band/Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Latin, Free Jazz, Pop, and Funk. Concepts emphasized include intonation, harmonic blend, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, technical competence, and improvisation. Attitudes emphasized include positive team effort, respect for student leadership, acceptance of constructive criticism, tolerance for and consideration of other students, a desire for artistic improvement, pride of the organization, and positive self-esteem.

Teaching methods include rehearsal, sectional drill, mini-lecture, audio and video, printed handouts, class discussions, student presentations and guest conductors. Rehearsals and concerts are required of students and will be assessed as part of the term grade.

10-12 CONCERT CHORALE (579/589)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.00 credits

Concert Chorale is open to students who enjoy singing and want to sing in a large group ensemble. No audition or prior choral experience is necessary. Students must be willing to rehearse after school and evenings on occasion and be available to participate in evening concerts.

The Concert Chorale studies and rehearses music from various historical periods and musical styles. This includes classical, show and popular music. The concepts of tone quality, pitch discrimination, harmony and rhythm are emphasized.

Rehearsals, concerts and competitions are some of the chorale's activities. Teaching methods include direct instruction, rehearsal, sectional drill and listening and analyzing. Students are expected to study and learn the music issued. Students must prepare and perform sight singing and rhythmic examples and proper vocalizing techniques. Quartet parts are assigned to selected students to prepare for festival auditions.

9-12 SELECT TREBLE CHOIR

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.00 Credits

Prerequisites:

1. Must also be enrolled in grade appropriate choir

2. Successful completion of one full year of 8-9 Chorus or 10-12 Concert Chorale

3. Teacher recommendation

The Select Treble Choir is open to Chorus students who possess a high level of competency as a vocal musician. Enrollment in the course is based on the recommendation of the teacher and special consideration will be given based on a balanced voicing and level of musical ability. Students should feel comfortable reading music of moderate difficulty and should have the ability to practice and play grade three music.

The Select Treble Choir will prepare a wider and more challenging range of music than can normally be covered in the traditional chorus ensemble due to the nature of the treble music. Concepts emphasized include intonation, harmonic blend, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, technical competence, and improvisation. Attitudes emphasized include positive team effort, respect for student leadership, acceptance of constructive criticism, tolerance for and consideration of other students, a desire for artistic improvement, pride of the organization, and positive self-esteem.

Teaching methods include rehearsal, sectional drill-student and teacher lead, mini-lecture, audio and video, printed handouts, class discussions, additional student concerts and performances, and guest conductors. Rehearsals and concerts are required of students and will be assessed as part of the term grade.

BEGINNING PIANO (637)

Grades 8 -12: Level 2

(Semester) .50 credits

Have you ever wanted to be able to play a piece you've heard off of the radio or even a Bach Minuet in G? Then come to Beginning Piano. Basic fundamentals such as reading music and basic theory will be covered in order to get to a novice level of playing capability. Students will be expected to learn a range of music from classical to pop and also be encouraged to sing with various pieces of music as a part of the curriculum. Ability to read music is a plus, but not required to take the class.

INTRO TO MUSIC THEORY (594)

Grades 9 -12: Level 2

(Semester) .50 credits

Intro to Music Theory is for students who express an interest in furthering their studies in music beyond the performance ensemble/personal performing venues. Intro to Music Theory will consist of studies in sight singing, melodic, and basic functional harmony. The class will utilize piano keyboards for lab studies as well as auditory and visual aids. Students utilize the keyboards for a variety of exercises, including developing the skills necessary to play some homework assignments, harmonic progressions, and melodies. Access to a piano/keyboard and a computer outside of school is strongly recommended.

AP MUSIC THEORY (596)

Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.50 credits

Prerequisite:

1. Recommendation of Band, Chorus or orchestra teacher.

2. A grade of B or better in Intro to Music Theory

AP Music Theory is for students who express an interest in furthering their studies in music beyond the performance ensemble/personal performing venues. AP Music Theory will consist of vigorous studies in sight singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and functional harmony. We will use the Solfege theory of sight-singing and tonal harmony. The class will utilize piano keyboards for lab studies as well as auditory and visual aids. Students utilize the keyboards for a variety of exercises, including developing the skills necessary to play some homework assignments, harmonic progressions, and melodies. Access to a piano/keyboard outside of school is strongly recommended.

Those students who choose to pursue this course are expected to take the Music Theory AP Exam in May.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (564)

Grades 8-12: Level 2

(Semester) .50

Students interested in exploring the technical side of music including, but not limited to: recording practices, mixing and sampling, synthetic creation and composition, editing, and production would benefit from this course. Music technology is an ever evolving field and develops itself further every day. Students will learn how to create their own music using a Digital Audio Workstation. Basic music theory knowledge is helpful, but not required.

ROCK AND POP MUSIC – FROM THE BLUES TO WOODSTOCK (566/571)

Grades 8-12: Level 2

(Semester) .50

Just exactly how did Rock and Pop music begin? Come discover the wonder that is this popular genre of music. Students will explore the development of rock and pop music from its beginnings in the blues, to the end of the 1960’s with the Woodstock Festival. Students will learn about different musicians and how they developed styles such as Rhythm and Blues, Mo-Town, Rock and Roll, The British Invasion, Surfer Music, Psychedelic Rock, and Pop Rock. Students will also examine social, political, cultural and economic issues and how they relate to the history of rock and pop music.