Music Department
Music Department
Course Title Credit Length
Festival Chorus 1 40 Weeks
Theory I 1 40 Weeks
Theory II 1 40 Weeks
Theory III 1 40 Weeks
Theory IV 1 40 Weeks
Advanced Placement Theory 1 40 Weeks
Concert Band 1 40 Weeks
Symphonic Band 1 40 Weeks
Wind Ensemble 1 40 Weeks
String Orchestra 1 40 Weeks
Concert Choir 1 40 Weeks
Symphonic Orchestra 1 40 Weeks
Guitar & Social Instruments 1 40 Weeks
Treble Choir 1 40 Weeks
THEORY I (MU01)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: 1 Year of MS/HS Performance Ensemble
Theory I covers the rudiments of music, chords, music notation, note values, time signatures and rhythm. Elementary skills in ear training, sight singing, basic keyboard, and harmony will be taught. Students should possess knowledge of note reading and rhythmic values.
THEORY II (MU02) - Not offered 25/26 school year
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Theory I
Theory I is a prerequisite. Theory II covers the more advanced study of chords, ear training, sight singing, keyboard, and 4 part harmony.
THEORY III (MU03) - Not offered 25/26 school year
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Theory II or AP Theory
Theory II is a prerequisite. Theory III is meant for students who wish to follow music as a career. It covers the study of very advanced harmony and altered chords, advanced composition, arranging and advanced ear training.
THEORY IV (MU04) - Not offered 25/26 school year
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Theory III
ADVANCED PLACEMENT THEORY (MU13) - Not offered 25/26 school year
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Theory I with an average of 85% or better and teacher recommendation
Advanced Placement Theory is a 40 week course designed as an equivalent to a Theory II or III course on the college level. It will cover the study of very advanced harmony and altered chords as well as ear training, arranging, and composition. This course is open to those students who have successfully completed Theory I and intend to follow music as a career. This curriculum will be based on the Nationally Standardized Placement program and all students will be expected to take the prepared final exam, at their own cost. Successful completion of the AP exam entitles the student to apply for college credit from any participating college or university in the country. Students are required to take the AP Exam, which is given in early May. The AP exam fee is approximately $100.
CONCERT BAND (MU05)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band
An opportunity for music students studying wind and percussion instruments to perform literature of the band repertoire. The band will perform music of the grade 4 & 5 levels. Both serious and light music will be performed. The student must prepare their music and keep their instrument mechanically sound and clean. The student receives one music lesson per week. Attendance at all Performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
WIND ENSEMBLE (MU06)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: By Audition
The contemporary symphonic wind ensemble is a small band of very select performers whose sole purpose is the further development of band music in the concert hall. Membership to this organization will be by audition. The music performed by this ensemble will demonstrate skill development at an advanced level. The band will perform music of the grade 5 & 6 levels. The student receives one music lesson per week. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
STRING ORCHESTRA (MU07)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: 1 Year of MS/HS Performance Ensemble
The String Orchestra will provide an opportunity for music students studying a string instrument to focus on the necessary skills to achieve a higher level of playing while performing literature from the string repertoire. The focus will be on shifting, vibrato, and advanced bow strokes. The student receives one lesson per week. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA (MU15)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: 1 Year of MS/HS Performance Ensemble
The Frontier Symphonic Orchestra provides an understanding of music through the study and performance of orchestral works. By working together, orchestra members develop the attitudes of commitment, responsibility, self-discipline, and teamwork. Musicians develop an understanding of global cultures through the study of music from many lands. Membership will be by audition. The student receives one music lesson per week. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
SYMPHONIC BAND (MU08)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band
An opportunity for music students studying wind and percussion instruments to perform literature of the band repertoire. The band will perform music of the grade 4 & 5 levels. Both serious and light music will be performed. The student must prepare their music and keep their instrument mechanically sound and clean. The student receives one music lesson per week. Attendance at all Performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
CONCERT CHOIR (MU09)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 (Male and Female) Prerequisite: Audition
The Concert Choir is the premier mixed-voice choral ensemble in the district. Students in grades 9-12 sing very high-level music spanning 10 centuries and at least 8 different languages (over four years). Members are selected via a rigorous audition which includes sight-singing, ensemble singing and solo performance. The Concert Choir travels and competes and individuals are strongly encouraged to compete as soloists at the county, state and national levels. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
FESTIVAL CHORUS (MU10, MU10F)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Male (MU10F) and Female (MU10) Prerequisite: None
Festival Chorus is composed of students in grades 9-12 who have a desire to sing serious as well as light choral repertoire. There is no audition required for this ensemble and students learn basic singing techniques including vocal production, music reading and music literacy. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
TREBLE CHOIR (MU16)
Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 (All Female) Prerequisite: Audition
The Treble Choir is the premier treble-voice choral ensemble in the district. Students in grades 9-12 sing very high-level music spanning 10 centuries and at least 8 different languages (over four years). Members are selected via a rigorous audition which includes sight-singing, ensemble singing and solo performance. The Treble Choir travels and competes and individuals are strongly encouraged to compete as soloists at the county, state and national levels. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory for credit.
GUITAR & SOCIAL INSTRUMENTS (MU14)
Credit:1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None
This class is designed for the BEGINNING guitar player. Chord charts, tablature and chord progressions will be studied as students prepare basic songs in the folk, rock, blues and contemporary genres. The school will provide an acoustic folk guitar for each student, but it is highly recommended that the student have an instrument at home as well. The second semester consists of experimentation and development of skills in piano, bass, drums and voice. The course culminates in performances by student bands, with other students running audio, lights, stage and technical aspects of the performance.