Music

Concert Band 101

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / 1/2 credit

Level: Standard

Have you ever wanted to play a band instrument but never took the chance? Did you used to play an instrument but don't really remember how? Did you play in middle school but didn't love the instrument you chose? Do you play an instrument but want to learn a new one? This is your chance! Join Concert Band 101 and you will be ready to join Concert Band for the second half of the year. Concert Band 101 puts a focus on learning (or relearning!) a band instrument, getting comfortable with reading music, and honing in on your instrument playing skills. Receive an introduction to different band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion) and then choose the instrument that is right for you! At the conclusion of this class, you will have the skills to join the band family and perform in Concert Band. Students may bring their own instrument, sign out school-owned instruments, as available, or may choose to rent an instrument of choice for this course. Students enrolled in both Concert Band 101 (Semester 1) and Concert Band (Semester 2) are eligible to participate in the GHS Music Department's annual trip. 

Concert Band

Open to: All

Prerequisite: 1+ year of previous instrument experience (middle or high school)

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Standard

Buckle up for an exciting year of music with “The Pride of Griswold”! Work collaboratively with your peers to have a blast while you work to achieve your maximum potential with your instrument of choice! All band students are welcome with a minimum of one year of previous band experience at the middle or high school level. It's never too late to pick up your instrument again and join the GHS band family! Band instruments include: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, upright bass, and percussion. All members of this band perform in at least two major concerts and are eligible to travel with the GHS Music Department's annual trip. 

Wind Ensemble 

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Audition Required 

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Honors

Time to Level Up! Our prestigious Wind Ensemble hosts our school's highest achievingwind players and percussionists. Following a successful audition, musicians will continue to master the art of music performance and leadership. These independent musicians are expected to be active music learners both within the rehearsal block and outside of class. Wind Ensemble members are eligible to participate in the GHS Music Department's annual trip. 

Chorus

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Standard

Do you love to sing?  Chorus is for you.  Chorus is a non-auditioned choir for anyone who loves to sing, wants to improve their vocal technique and develop musicianship skills.  Chorus is traditionally our largest group of 80-100 members.  The members of this choir are eligible to travel with the GHS Music Department on their yearly music trip.

Concert Choir

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Audition Required

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Honors

If you want to have your musical boundaries pushed, then Concert Choir is your new home. Students work at a quicker pace and tackle more challenging repertoire than Chorus.  This is an auditioned ensemble who perform All-State caliber music from many different genres.  The members of this choir are eligible to travel with the GHS Music Department on their yearly music trip.

Chamber Choir

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Audition Required

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit

Level: Honors

Chamber Choir is an auditioned choir of approximately 20 singers.  The members of this ensemble will perform  challenging music of many different genres.  These members must be willing to be available after school hours for frequent performances in the community.  Vocal technique, musicianship, and time management skills are a must for this group.   The members of this choir are eligible to travel with the GHS Music Department on their yearly music trip.

String Orchestra

Open to: All

Prerequisite: 1+ year of string instrument experience (middle or high school)

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit 

Level: Standard

Join the GHS Music Department family as you work to grow as an independent musician and a team member. All string players who have a minimum of one year of orchestra experience at the middle or high school level are welcome in this ensemble. It is never too late to pick up your instrument again and join our String Orchestra! We will work as a team to help you progress musically and as a leader while we have a blast making music together. Explore many different styles of music as we prepare for a minimum of two major performances each year. All orchestra members are eligible to participate in the annual GHS Music Department trip. Orchestra instruments include: Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass. We can’t wait to see what YOU achieve in the GHS String Orchestra!

Chamber Strings

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Audition Required

Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit 

Level: Honors

Chamber Strings is an audition-based ensemble made up of members from the GHS String Orchestra. Advanced musicians on consisting violin, viola, cello, double bass, or piano may audition for this select ensemble. Members will perform a high-level repertoire of different eras and genres and must be willing to take on afterschool hours for rehearsals, performances, recording opportunities, and community outreach. Students in this ensemble must be independent musicians who are ready to take on the challenge of advanced repertoire. Chamber String musicians perform in at least two major concerts per year and are eligible to travel and participate in the GHS Music Department's annual trip.  

Unified Music

Open to: All

Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This experiential music course is designed for students with intellectual and/or physical impairments. We will explore instruments, singing, dance, musical theater, signing to song, and much more! Regular education students may enroll in this course as peer mentors with instructor approval. 

Piano & Music Theory I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Have you ever wanted to be “that kid” at the party?  You know, the kid that can sit down, at the piano, and WOW the crowd?  Then take Piano & Music Theory I!  This is a beginner music theory and piano technique class that will get you well on your way to understanding basic musicianship and playing two hand piano. No experience necessary.

Piano & Music Theory II

Open to: All

Prerequisite: Piano & Music Theory I

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Ok, so now you know the piano basics. You took Piano & Music Theory I and are ready to move on.  Piano & Music Theory II will be taught at a more accelerated level.  We will take students from where they currently are and progress with a curriculum tailored to their level. This class can take you as far as you want to go!

ECE Fundamentals of Ear Training (Music Theory)

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Prior Advanced and/or Honors coursework

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Advanced

Advance your knowledge of music theory, ear training, and composition. Spend the semester learning the ins and outs of all things music with the goal of composing and arranging your own music. Though this course will start with basic music literacy, it will quickly advance into topics such as chord progressions, harmonization, solfege, and arranging. This fun but rigorous course will prepare students planning to major in music in college but is also a fantastic opportunity for musicians who want to take their performance to a new level and those who are motivated to simply dive into music composition. This course is developed as a University of Connecticut ECE course. Students have the opportunity to earn three UConn credits for MUSI1011: Fundamentals/Ear Training I. Students must complete registration with UConn to be eligible (at their expense). 

Musical Theater

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

“Places, places please!”  If you are interested in a completely immersive experience in the world of musical theater, then you are in luck.  This class will lead students through discovery of many aspects of musical theater.  From theater tech to improvisational acting, this class will cover it all. This class is very hands-on and evaluations are based on willingness to try new things, an overall retention of content, and a positive attitude for the discovery process.  No previous theater experience is needed.  Members of this class will also assist with the technical and scenic art for the Spring Musical.

History of Rock & Roll

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

From Elvis to Dre, Beyonce to Kenny Chesney, all of these great American musicians were influenced by a hundred years of American music that came before them. Join us and learn about the American musical experience from the 1880’s to the present day. We study the performers and cultural conditions that created such memorable genres of music such as: Tin Pan Alley/Ragtime/Blues/Country/Jazz/Rock n Roll/Motown/Hip Hop/R&B/Rap.

Guitar I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Want to be a rockstar? Maybe a country star? Maybe you're a metalhead who aspires to shred on the guitar? Guitar I will offer you the basics of guitar and beyond. You will train your hands and fingers to take control of the instrument and learn the chords and scales that it takes to learn the vast majority of popular music.

Guitar II

Open to: All

Prerequisite: Guitar I or teacher recommendation

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Now that you've got the basics down, it is time to take it to another level. In Guitar II you will further your understanding of theory and take a deeper dive into advanced techniques like finger picking, palm muting, harmonics, and flamenco strumming.

Music Production

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Ever wonder how they made that sound in your favorite song? Ever listen to a beat or a track that just captivated your ear? If you have ever become obsessed with a song for a week, or wanted to know how to create audio that you can play on your phone, Music Production is the class for you. You will learn recording techniques, mixing techniques, music theory, basic keyboard skills, and song writing. No previous music experience or knowledge required.