FHS BAND
Concert Band is offered to all students with previous experience on a traditional band instrument. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expression are studied within a variety of repertoire from many genres, styles and cultures. As performers, students will make interpretative decisions based on their understanding of musical works, applying technical aspects of expressive elements in the music. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome the challenges of developing, evaluating and refining ensemble performances using a variety of musical software and technology. Performance skills are showcased in the concerts and different service learning opportunities in the community. Performance activities occur outside of school hours and are considered an extension of the classroom requirements for course completion.
Symphonic Band is offered to all students with previous experience on a traditional band instrument. Through direct, explicit instruction, skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expression are studied within repertoire from many genres, styles and cultures. Students must demonstrate skills in precision teamwork, musicianship, and showmanship. Students as performers make collaborative interpretative decisions based on their understanding of musical works applying feedback from multiple sources in the refinement of personal and ensemble performance. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome personal and ensemble challenges of developing, evaluating and refining ensemble performances using a variety of technology programs. Performance activities occur outside of school hours and are considered an extension of the classroom requirements for course completion.
Wind Ensemble is a select group of instrumental music students who thrive on the challenge of advanced music literature. Students must demonstrate collaboration, musicianship, and performance skills as written in the National Core Arts Standards and VOGC. Students as performers make collaborative interpretative decisions based on their understanding of musical works, applying feedback from multiple sources in the refinement of personal and ensemble performance. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome the challenges of developing, evaluating and refining ensemble performances using a variety of musical software and technology.Independently students perform with appropriate interpretation, expression and technical accuracy in a manner appropriate to the context of style and audience. Students are expected to participate in the all-state and regional music audition, adjudication, and performance process. Performance activities occur outside of school hours and are considered an extension of the classroom requirements for course completion.
Percussion Ensemble is for all percussion students who have previous experience in band and are interested in further developing their ability in the percussive arts. This course places an emphasis on the fundamentals of comprehensive percussion performance (snare drum, timpani, keyboards, marching percussion, drum set, and more), including tonal concepts, technical skills, rehearsal skills, aural skills, and rudimentary music theory. Ensemble members are required to perform for concerts with the bands and at various school/community performances. Attendance at these functions outside of school hours is a course requirement.
Jazz Ensemble Honors is an auditioned instrumental ensemble. A wide variety of jazz styles are studied in this ensemble. Rehearsals and performances are held outside the school day. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the musical intent through their technical and expressive qualities as a means for connecting with the audience. Performances, rehearsals, festivals and service learning occur outside of the school day and are required for the completion of the course. Students in Jazz Ensemble Honors must be enrolled in a daytime music ensemble or given prior approval by the instructor.
Music Studio and Ensemble will focus on performing in small groups, as well as the elements of production and recording. Through a variety of genres and rhythms including funk, fusion, latin, rock, and afro-cuban, students will be able to arrange, track, edit and mix their live recordings. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome the challenges of developing, evaluating and refining ensemble performances using a variety of digital and analog technology. Performances, rehearsals, festivals and service learning occur outside of the school day and are required for the completion of the course. Attendance to all classes and performances is required for class credit.