Music

Full-year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Honors level music class and approval of instructor

This course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, and form towards the individual student’s development of musicianship skills in dictation, sight‐singing, music terminology, composition, and score analysis. Students independently research, analyze, and evaluate the structural aspects of a piece and how it interacts with the social, historical, and cultural contexts of music. Students will independently cite researched and personal criteria to evaluate and refine the craftsmanship in the treatment of the elements of music. Interpretational analysis of a musical work reflecting the composer’s intent will be included in student analysis. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. 

Students enrolled in AP Music Theory may elect to concurrently enroll in UConn's Early College Experience (ECE) course, for a fee. The aligned UConn courses are MUSI 1011: Fundamentals/Ear Training 1101 (semester 1) and MUSI 1012: Fundamentals Ear Training 1102 (semester 2) 3 credits per semester.The culminating work of the student includes the creation of original music using a variety of recording and notation software. Students will create their own musical compositions selecting multiple musical ideas for specific purposes that emerge from personal interests. Interdisciplinary connections include partnerships with the business and media community members with projects in advertising and video games.

AP Music Theory is open to 9th graders, but enrollment requires prior approval from the music department. 

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Vocal/Choral proficiency as determined by instructor

Advanced Treble Chorale is  a select group of students with Soprano or Alto voice types who thrive on the challenge of advanced music literature. Students are selected for this ensemble based on the level of crucial skill development in Treble Choir such as sight reading level and vocal technique abilities. This choir performs a wide variety of musical styles and also incorporates technological literacy through various music and educational software. Performance skills are showcased in the concerts, rehearsals, festivals, and service learning opportunities in the community. Students are encouraged to participate in the state-sponsored 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. 

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit               Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Vocal/Choral proficiency as determined by instructor

Bass Choir is an entry-level chorus offered to all students with Tenor/Bass/Baritone voice types who can match pitch and work in a group. It is open to students in all grade levels. The focus of this ensemble is to develop proper vocal production, basic musicianship, and musical skills for use in the honors-level Chamber Singers ensemble. This choir performs a wide variety of musical styles and also incorporates technological literacy through various music and educational software. Performance skills are showcased in regular concerts, rehearsals, festivals and 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. 

Half-year course College Prep 0.5 credit               Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This fall semester course is designed for both beginners and students with some prior experience on the guitar. Instruction is tailored to the specific needs of each student with an emphasis placed on the practical knowledge needed to become competent guitarists. Students will learn basic chords, scales, standard notation and rhythm reading, tab notation, beginning barre chords, and basic music theory concepts. The culmination of these skills will allow students to create their own song by using various musical composition and recording software. Students are expected to own or rent their instrument and have a set of extra strings. If a student is unsure of their level of proficiency or placement in course, should contact the instructor. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

In this Capstone course you can explore your passion as a creator, performer, composer, teacher, or many other positions in the field of music. Examples of previous projects include creating original compositions, conducting ensembles, developing a music curriculum, studying the impact of music on society, and music production.  Projects may involve other students who are enrolled in the honor ensemble classes for the completion of the projects. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.  

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Vocal/Choral proficiency as determined by placement audition

Chamber Singers is a highly selective mixed-voice choir with students of any voice type who thrive on the challenge of advanced music literature. Students are selected for this ensemble based on the mastery of previous choral skills in leveled sight reading and vocal technique. This choir performs a wide variety of musical styles and also incorporates technological literacy through various music and educational software. Performance skills are showcased in the concerts, rehearsals, festivals, and service learning opportunities in the community.  Students are encouraged to participate in the state-sponsored 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. 

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by instructor

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. 

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by instructor

Concert Strings is offered to all students with previous experience on a traditional orchestra instrument. Through direct, explicit instruction, skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music literacy, and musical expression are studied within repertoire from many genres, styles and cultures. Students must demonstrate collaboration, musicianship, and performance skills as written in the National Core Arts Standards and VOGC. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome challenges in developing, evaluating, and refining ensemble performances using a variety of musical software and technology. Performance skills are showcased in the concerts, rehearsals, and service learning opportunities in the community. These performance activities occur outside of school hours and are required in the course completion.

Half-year course Honors 1/2 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course introduces students to the world of audio production and sound design, focusing on the creation, manipulation, and integration of sound in digital media. Students will explore the fundamentals or recording, editing, and mixing using industry-standard software, while learning techniques for designing soundscapes, special effects, and music for a variety of applications, including film, video games, and podcasts. Through hands-on projects, students will develop technical skills and creative expression, preparing them for further study or careers in digital audio and multimedia production.

Half-year course College Prep ½ credit               Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar

This spring semester course is designed for students who have completed Beginner Guitar, or can demonstrate basic proficiency on the guitar through an assessment administered by the course instructor. Intermediate Guitar challenges students to broaden their technical skills, learning more advanced chords and music theory in order to play more challenging songs and use proper guitar techniques. Students will collaborate with peers to prepare duets and small group performances, as well as explore other genres of guitar including jazz, classical, rock, pop, and beyond. More projects in composition allow for students to develop an advanced comprehension of music technology and recording software. All instruction is catered to each individual student’s skills, interests, and goals. Students are expected to own or rent their instrument and have a set of extra strings.

Full-year course Honors 1 credit               Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by the instructor

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. 

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This academic, non-performance-based course offers an introduction to popular music and its reflection of diversity in America. Students will undertake a historical and cultural study of major popular genres, including jazz, blues, Top 40 pop, rock, hip hop, and other styles. Musicians and their music are studied in the context of twentieth-century and contemporary American society. The course emphasizes analyzing music as a product of and contributor to major social dynamics, with a specific focus on issues of race, gender, class, and resistance. Through critical listening and analysis, students will explore how popular music has served as a primary site for the expression of identity and for challenging social norms throughout American history. Students will develop an understanding of music not only as an art form but as a powerful historical and sociological document.

Full-year course                             College Prep                     1 credit                                    Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by instructor 

String Ensemble is offered to all students with previous experience on a traditional orchestra 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 collaboration, musicianship, and performance skills as written in the National Core Arts Standards and VOGC. Students apply appropriate strategies to overcome challenges in developing, evaluating, and refining ensemble performances using a variety of musical software and technology. Students in this ensemble work toward the mastery of VOGC skills that support collaboration and goal-setting. Performance skills are showcased in the concerts, rehearsals and service learning opportunities in the community. These performance activities occur outside of school hours and are required in the course completion.

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by instructor

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.

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by placement audition.

Symphony Orchestra is a select group of  students who thrive on the challenge of advanced music. Students must demonstrate collaboration, musicianship, and performance skills as written in the National Core Arts Standards and VOGC. As performers, students 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 musical softwares and technological resources. 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. 

Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11

Prerequisite: Vocal/Choral proficiency as determined by instructor

Treble Choir is an entry-level chorus offered to all students with Soprano/Alto voice types who can match pitch and work in a group. It is open to students in all grade levels. The focus of this ensemble is to develop proper vocal production, basic musicianship, and musical skills for use in the honors-level Advanced Treble Chorale and Chamber Singers ensembles. This choir performs a wide variety of musical styles and also incorporates technological literacy through various music and educational software. Performance skills are showcased in regular concerts, rehearsals, festivals and 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. 

Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Instrumental proficiency as determined by placement audition

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. 

Full-year course Honors ½ credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Audition only. Students must be enrolled in a daytime music ensemble.

Chamber Orchestra is a select ensemble for students capable of performing advanced literature in a small group.  This ensemble performs at many community events as well as school concerts. Students will demonstrate their understanding of musical intent through their technical and expressive qualities as a means for connecting with the audience.  Additionally, the individual performer will make interpretative decisions based on their understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the music.  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. 

Full-year course Honors ½ credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Audition only. Students must be enrolled in a daytime music ensemble.

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 director. 

Full-year course Honors ½ credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Audition only. Students must be enrolled in a daytime music ensemble. 

This small a cappella group is open to singers of all voice types and is filled by audition only. Students will perform a variety of repertoire and must be capable of performing advanced literature in a small group setting. Students must practice their music literature independently and be prepared for classes. 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. 

Full-year course Honors ½ credit Grades 10, 11, 12

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.