Music

This music class is for students who enjoy music but are not part of chorus, band, or orchestra.  Class activities are designed with the interests of the students in mind.  Students will examine different styles of music, and have hands-on experiences with keyboard, guitar, composing, and creating. 

High School Music Theory will focus on the inner workings of music, exploring scales, harmony, rhythm, music analysis and composing.  Students enrolling in this course should also be members of a school performing ensemble or be proficient in reading and performing written musical notation.

No previous experience is required; all are welcome who enjoy singing. This course includes two evening concerts and concert attendance is mandatory. Students will gain confidence with reading music and understanding their unique voice better.  The music performed throughout the year covers a wide variety of styles, time periods, and cultures.

Octet will perform more challenging music than what is presented by the Chorus. Enrollment is by audition only and students must also participate in Chorus. Students who audition should have participated in NYSSMA vocal solo festivals and All-County vocal festivals. This group will perform two formal concerts each year as well as guest engagements throughout the community.

This large instrumental wind ensemble provides a performance-oriented environment for students currently playing a wind or percussion instrument.  Students will experience a variety of musical challenges within this setting in order to learn about the proper interpretation and performance of all types of traditional concert band literature.  The symphonic band performs in two concerts per year, in addition to the Memorial Day Parade. In addition to the scheduled band course, students will receive small group instruction each week.

This smaller ensemble provides a performance- oriented environment in the area of traditional and contemporary jazz literature.  Many types of jazz literature are introduced and rehearsed, as well as improvisational techniques for the jazz musician. Enrollment is by audition only, with the instrumentation limited to a traditional jazz ensemble composition. This group performs two traditional concerts per year, as well as an occasional special event.

Current string students will rehearse orchestral literature from all of the major time periods of musical history and be challenged to perform them appropriately. The orchestra performs in two formal concerts each year as well as at graduation. Attendance at all of these performances is mandatory. In addition to the scheduled Orchestra course, students will receive small group instruction each week.

This small performance group affords string students the opportunity to perform different, more challenging music literature than that currently offered by the High School Orchestra. Students who audition for this ensemble are required to be members of the High School Orchestra and should currently be able to play at NYSSMA Solo Levels 3-6. Members of Chamber Orchestra are required to perform a solo at NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival each year. It should be understood that in addition to performing two traditional concerts per year, many performances will take place outside of the normal school day.