Performing Arts

SEMESTER 1 PIONEER BAND

SEMESTER 2 SYMPHONY BAND/CONCERT BAND

9, 10, 11, 12  

1.0 credit 

Band is open to all high school students who demonstrate adequate proficiency of technical skills on a band instrument. Marching band students are also expected to attend band camp which is held at EGR the last week of July. Those unable to attend will need to make special arrangements with the directors to receive materials learned during the band camp week. The band rehearses every day during school, and, during the football season rehearses for one evening every week. After the football season, the band transitions to a concert curriculum. Students will audition for two groups: Concert and Symphony band that both meet during the 1st hour. Members are also eligible for various solo and chamber group experiences including, but not limited to: drumline, musical theater pit orchestra, and solo and ensemble. The Concert and Symphony Bands will perform throughout the year including a Winter Concert, a Pre Festival Concert, Spring Concert, Graduation, and various school assemblies that take place during a typical school day. Both bands will also participate in the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association's Band Festival and all students will have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble performances. NOTE: Students selecting this course are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedule accordingly. 

JAZZ BAND 

9, 10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

The prerequisite for this course is enrollment in either Band, Orchestra or Choir. This is a performance-based class, and will serve as an introduction to the rich history of jazz music. Through ensemble rehearsal, individual practice, and a variety of performance opportunities, the student will gain an understanding and appreciation for this great art form. Emphasis will be placed on not just performance technique, but also rudimentary improvisational skills, musicianship, and a sense of personal accountability. This ensemble is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. Students should expect to have at least three school performances as well as participation in jazz festival(s). 

PIONEER ORCHESTRA

9, 10

1.0 credit

Pioneer Orchestra is an intermediate level ensemble for 9th and 10th grade students focused on intermediate to advanced string technique. The course content includes studying basic music theory, shifting and position work and learning orchestral musicianship in preparation for public concerts throughout the year. Music repertoire includes a variety of musical styles throughout music history as well as contemporary music for intermediate student ensembles. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Chamber Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, District and State Orchestra Festival and Spring Concert. Students will also be provided the opportunity to participate in State Orchestra auditions and Solo and Ensemble. Note: Students electing in Pioneer Orchestra are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedules accordingly. Students will have the opportunity to audition into the Varsity Orchestra during the Spring Semester.

VARSITY ORCHESTRA

11, 12

1.0

Varsity Orchestra is an advanced level ensemble for 11th and 12th grade students focused on intermediate to advanced string technique. The course content includes studying basic music theory, shifting and position work and learning orchestral musicianship in preparation for public concerts throughout the year. Music repertoire includes a variety of musical styles throughout music history as well as contemporary music for advanced student ensembles. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Chamber Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, District and State Orchestra Festival and Spring Concert. Students will also be provided the opportunity to participate in State Orchestra auditions and Solo and Ensemble. Note: Students electing in Varsity Orchestra are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedules accordingly.

TREBLE CHORUS

9, 10 (11)

1.0 credit

Treble Chorus is a non-auditioned, primary level ensemble, providing the young treble singer with basic vocal technique.  The course content includes learning to read music, studying basic music theory, and learning choral musicianship in preparation for public concerts throughout the year.  Music repertoire includes a variety of musical styles from all of music history, as well as music written specifically for the young treble singer.  Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day.  This includes the Autumn Concert, Holiday Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, District and State Choral Festival, and the Spring Pops Concert.  

PIONEER CHORUS

9, 10, (11)

1.0 credit

Pioneer Chorus is a non-auditioned, primary level ensemble, providing specialized vocal training for the young tenor/bass voice. The course content includes learning to read music, studying basic music theory, and learning choral musicianship in preparation for public concerts throughout the year. Music repertoire includes a variety of musical styles from all of music history, as well as music written specifically for the young male singer. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes the Autumn Concert, Holiday Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, District and State Choral Festival, and the Spring Pops Concert.  

VARSITY VOICES

(10), 11, 12

1.0 credit

Varsity Voices is the main ensemble of EGRHS and provides the student with intermediate choral training. The purpose of the choir is to provide independence as a choral musician. Course content includes learning to read music at an intermediate level, studying basic music theory, and learning choral musicianship in preparation for public concerts throughout the year. Music repertoire includes intermediate level music from music history that is specifically written for mixed voices, including vocal jazz from the swing era to 21st century jazz fusion. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes the Autumn Concert, Holiday Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, District and State Choral Festival, and the Spring Pops Concert. Students electing Varsity Voices are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedules accordingly.

BELLA VOCE

(10), 11, 12

1.0 credit

Bella Voce provides the treble singer with advanced choral training. This ensemble sings challenging choral music from all of music history, including vocal jazz from the swing era to 21st Century jazz fusion. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, the Autumn Concert, Holiday Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, Choral Festival, Melodies in March, and the Spring Pops Concert. Audition required. Students accepted into Bella Voce are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedules accordingly. 

MADRIGALS

(10, 11), 12

1.0 credit

Madrigals is designed to provide students the opportunity to sing difficult choral literature for small ensembles, with an emphasis placed on music from the 15th -17th centuries, as well as contemporary music written for the small ensemble.  This course nurtures musicianship for students possessing high music aptitude, trained voices, and music reading skills that go far beyond the other choir levels. Each student is expected to attend concerts outside of the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, the Autumn Concert, Holiday Winter Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, Solo and Ensemble Festival, Choral Festival, Melodies in March, and the Spring Pops Concert. During the month of December, this ensemble forms the EGRHS Carolers and performs at many public service events in Victorian Costumes. Audition required. Students accepted into Madrigals are expected to complete both semesters of the course and should plan their schedules accordingly. 

IB MUSIC SL

11 and 12

1.0 credit per year

This two-year course seeks to develop students’ knowledge and potential as musicians, composers, and performers through the lens of personal, local, and global approaches to music.  Much of the IB music curriculum is individually student-driven and directed, allowing students to forge their own musical paths.  Students will develop aural perception and understanding of music by learning about musical elements, including form and structure, music notation, musical terminology, and context.  In addition, the course enables students to enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts; become informed, reflective, and critical practitioners in the arts; understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts; explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures; express ideas with confidence and competence; develop perceptual and analytical skills. Historically, IB Music has met every other day during band, choir, or orchestra. However, the course meeting schedule may change year-to-year based on staffing and the music program model.