PERFORMING ARTS - MUSIC
PERFORMING ARTS - MUSIC
MUSIC DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The Medfield High School Music Department is committed to providing music education to all students in all grades, in a variety of settings, and across all genres. This education is grounded in standards-based instruction, high expectations, and equity of access. Our curriculum will allow students to grow as individual musicians and become productive and collaborative ensemble members.
MUSIC OBJECTIVES
Students will gain knowledge and skills in relation to individual growth as a musician.
Students will gain knowledge and skills in relation to being part of an ensemble.
Students will demonstrate an appreciation and respect for the music making process, facilities, and equipment.
Honors Credit
Students enrolled in Concert Band, Concert Choir, and String Orchestra have the opportunity to take these ensembles for honors credit/weight. In order to receive honors credit/weight students will complete additional tasks/assessments and be held to higher preparation standards. Specific requirements are available from ensemble directors, and a summer assignment will be given in June.
FULL YEAR COURSES
CONCERT BAND
Course #813
Grades 9-12
Full year - 5 credits
Concert band students will study and perform a variety of music in the wind band tradition. Students will have the opportunity to audition for the Eastern District Music Festival and enroll in the Medfield Private Lesson Program. Members of the Concert Band will have the option of participating in the Football Pep Band. Depending on the year, the Concert Band will participate in music festivals locally and/or nationally. Attendance at all school and community performances is required.
CONCERT CHOIR
Course #851
Grades 9-12
Full year - 5 credits
Students in Concert Choir will study and perform music from a wide range of genres in a SATB setting. Students will have the opportunity to audition for the Eastern District Music Festival and enroll in the Medfield Private Lesson Program. Depending on the year, the Concert Choir will participate in music festivals locally and/or nationally. Attendance at all school and community performances is expected.
STRING ORCHESTRA
Course #817
Grades 9-12
Full year - 5 credits
Students in the String Orchestra will study and perform a wide variety of orchestral literature. Students will have the opportunity to audition for the Eastern District Music Festival and enroll in the Medfield Private Lesson Program. Depending on the year, the String Orchestra will participate in music festivals locally and/or nationally. Attendance at all school and community performances is expected.
SEMESTER OPTION FOR CONCERT BAND, CONCERT CHOIR, AND STRING ORCHESTRA
A half-year semester option is available for students who meet one of the following criteria:
Any student who needs a full year of academic support
Juniors who are planning to take 6 full year courses in addition to an ensemble and wellness
Students are required to obtain approval from the Music Department Chair for the semester option.
SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES
MUSIC THEORY HONORS
Course #857
Grades 10-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
In Honors Music Theory, students will learn how to analyze and discuss music using universal terminology and strategies. They’ll be introduced to the basic building blocks of how music is constructed and explore how composers write music in a variety of genres and styles. Using music written over the past 4 centuries and for a variety of different ensembles, we’ll discuss how music evolves from basic ideas to large works of art and learn how musicians talk about music.
Prerequisite:
Although this is not a performance class, students must be able to read music in at least one clef.
BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY
The following courses are offered beyond the school day.
Students will receive a letter grade for the following courses, however, these courses are not calculated in the GPA.
Students must audition for the following after-school ensembles in September:
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Course #816
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 2 credits
Students in Chamber Strings will study and perform string orchestra literature in a smaller and more independent setting than String Orchestra. Students in Chamber Strings must be members in good standing of the String Orchestra as specified in the Program of Studies. Members are selected by audition and emphasis will be placed on independence and preparedness for rehearsal. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.
JAZZ BAND
Course #814
Grades 9-12
Full year - 2 credits
Students in Jazz Band will study and perform jazz literature from a variety of genres. Students in Jazz Band must be members in good standing of the Concert Band as specified in the Program of Studies. Members are selected by audition and emphasis will be placed on independence and preparedness for rehearsal. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.
JAZZ CHOIR
Course #815
Grades 9-12
Full year - 2 credits
Students in Jazz Choir will study and perform jazz literature from a variety of genres and contemporary A Cappella. Students in Jazz Choir must be members in good standing of the Concert Choir, Concert Band, or String Orchestra as specified in the Program of Studies. Members are selected by audition and emphasis will be placed on independence and preparedness for rehearsal. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.