Music

Freshman Band is an instrumental ensemble emphasizing the performance of wind literature of all genres that builds upon middle school experiences, including listening, rhythm, intonation, and tone quality. Students are required to attend rotating sectional lessons during the school day in addition to a daily in-school band rehearsal period. Attendance is required at additional evening rehearsals and all performances. At the end of the freshman year, students are eligible for Concert Band, or they may audition for Wind Ensemble.

Concert Band

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Prior band experience in grades 5-8 and Freshman Band and/or private lessons with teacher approval/audition.

Concert Band is an instrumental ensemble emphasizing the performance of wind literature of all genres. The selected literature develops students’ skills in ensemble performance, including tone quality, intonation, and overall musicianship. Students also refine listening skills and awareness of the history and evolution of instrumental music. Music reading, appreciation, interpretation and solo performances are also incorporated. Students are required to attend rotating sectional lessons during the school day in addition to a daily in-school band rehearsal period. Attendance is required at additional evening rehearsals and all performances. Students are encouraged, not required, to audition for Wind Ensemble for the following school year. Students may also take this class their sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Wind Ensemble CP & H

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful audition with teacher approval after Freshman Band and/or Concert Band

This course emphasizes wind literature of all genres. Musical pieces are chosen to challenge students in all aspects of theory and performance. The focus of this course is the same as that in Concert Band but with a higher level of musical difficulty. Students are required to attend rotating sectional lessons during the school day in addition to a daily in-school band rehearsal period. Attendance is required at additional evening rehearsals and all performances. Students are encouraged to take the class in their sophomore, junior, & senior years, however, all students must re-audition annually. Students receive CP credit in their first year of this ensemble and Honors credit each subsequent year.

Orchestra

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: 9th grade - orchestra participation consecutively for 4 years in grades 5-8 and/or private lessons with teacher approval/audition; 10-12th grades - at least one year of HHS Orchestra and/or private lessons with teacher approval/audition.

String Orchestra emphasizes the performance of string literature of all genres. Literature is selected to develop the students’ skills in ensemble playing, tone quality, intonation, and overall musicianship. Students will also enhance their listening skills, music reading, interpretation and solo performance. An awareness of string music history, appreciation, and careers in music are also incorporated throughout the course. Students are required to participate in additional after-school rehearsals and performances. Students will have rehearsal daily as an orchestra as well as mandatory rotating lessons once a week.

Concert Choir

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Concert Choir is a vocal ensemble emphasizing the performance of choral literature of a variety of genres and styles. It builds upon middle school experiences including physical foundations of singing, sight-singing, rhythm, intonation, tone quality, and mechanics of music. Introductions to ear training, music history, and conducting are also taught. A piano accompanist (approved by the Choral Director) is also eligible for credit in this course. Students are required to attend rotating sectional lessons during the school day in addition to a daily in-school rehearsal. Attendance is required at additional evening rehearsals and all performances. Upon the completion of the course and a successful audition, students are eligible for Mixed and Treble Chorale, or may take Concert Choir again in future years.

Mixed Chorale CP & H

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: A successful audition after at least one year of Concert Choir or teacher approval after previous participation in Mixed/Treble Chorale.

Mixed Chorale is an auditioned vocal ensemble emphasizing the refined performance of choral literature for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass (SATB) voices. Musical selections are chosen to represent the highest quality of choral compositions of all genres and styles as well as to challenge students in all aspects of music theory and choral performance. This course further develops the students’ choral sound, individual musicianship, and awareness of choral music history. A piano accompanist (approved by the Choral Director) is also eligible for credit in this course. Students are required to attend additional evening rehearsals and performances in addition to daily in-school rehearsals and rotating sectional lessons. Students receive CP credit in their first year of this ensemble and Honors credit each subsequent year. Acceptance into this ensemble will only be for the following school year; all students must audition annually.

Show Choir

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: A successful audition after at least one year of Concert Choir or teacher approval.

This course provides the opportunity for select music students to learn jazz vocal music in a show

atmosphere. Students will study vocal technique, microphone technique, choreography, and stage

presence. Students enrolled in this course are expected to attend mandatory rehearsals/performances which may occur outside of school hours (advanced notice of dates and times will be provided in September). Special dress apparel may be required for performances.

Treble Chorale CP & H

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: A successful audition after at least one year of Concert Choir or teacher approval after previous participation in Mixed/Treble Chorale.

Treble Chorale is an auditioned vocal ensemble emphasizing the refined performance of choral literature for Soprano and Alto voices (SSA and/or SSAA). Musical selections are chosen to represent the highest quality of choral compositions of all genres and styles as well as to challenge students in all aspects of music theory and choral performance. This course further develops the students’ choral sound, individual musicianship, and awareness of choral music history. A piano accompanist (approved by the Choral Director) is also eligible for credit in this course. Students are required to attend additional evening rehearsals and performances in addition to daily in-school rehearsals and rotating sectional lessons. Students receive CP credit in their first year of this ensemble and Honors credit each subsequent year. Acceptance into this ensemble will only be for the following school year; all students must audition annually.

Guitar

Credits: 2.5

Course Length: 1 Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None; however, it is strongly recommended students have access to a guitar at home to practice with for this course.

This course is an introduction to the guitar and basic musical skills. Students will develop the skills necessary to perform a variety of musical styles on the guitar. Skills in listening and understanding musical form will also be developed. A major part of this course is developing a solid technique on the guitar as well as basic musical elements. Classical Guitars are supplied for in-class use only. It is strongly suggested that students have guitars at home for practicing and furthering their progress.

Advanced Guitar I & II

Credits: 2.5

Course Length: 1 Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: Guitar plus teacher approval after audition

The advanced guitar course is open to students who have successfully completed Guitar or any student who is otherwise approved by the teacher. Students will advance their skills in guitar technique. Emphasis is placed on enhancing individual and ensemble playing, musicianship, technique, developing an awareness of the histories of various music styles and genres, music appreciation, listening skills, and composition skills. Due to the performance skill nature of this course and its focus on individual musicianship skills, students can take this course up to two times and receive credits.

Music Technology & Applications

Credits: 2.5

Course Length: Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

This course is for students interested in learning music production skills using a professional-level software-related Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This is a hands-on project-driven course where students get a chance to explore their musical creativity, regardless of their previous musical experience. Through classroom experiences, students will develop listening and analytical skills, an appreciation of musical structures, and experience using music production tools and techniques within a professional-level software environment. While this is an introductory course for most students, the hands-on approach and project-driven nature of this course will give the student a sophisticated insight into digital music as well as a richer understanding of musical elements.

Advanced Music Technology & Applications

Credits 2.5

Course Length: Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: A minimum final average of 85 in Music Technology and Applications

This course is designed for students who have already completed the Music Technology course, have experience with Digital Audio Workstations, and have previous musical experience. Students will create music based on assigned projects. Students will enhance their musical skills and explore the realm of digital music. The students will work in a music production environment utilizing a software-based multi-tracking system MIDI, synthesizers, digital audio, and notation software. The students will develop an understanding of the signal process and tools of music production as they incorporate text, sound, graphics, and other disciplines into their projects. Further enhancement of music editing and mixing techniques will be explored and utilized within a professional music production software environment. This is a course where sound, music, technology, and art combine to give the student a rich palette for self-expression and a deeper understanding of music, and the art of music production.

Music Theory I

Credits: 2.5

Course Length: 1 Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Music fundamentals with particular emphasis on reading and writing music are the focus of this course. No prior music experience is necessary. Other content areas include introductions to the mechanics of music (pitch names, meters, and writing skills), history, major and minor key signatures and scales, harmony (intervals, chords, and harmonization), listening, ear training, musical analysis, and composition. It will be expected for all students enrolled in any level of Music Theory to sing not only as a part of small and large groups but individually as well. Students will be required to take tests comprised solely of singing short melodies on sight (Sight Singing) in addition to listening to short melodies and writing down the correct notes and rhythms that were played (Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation). Students interested in music-related careers are encouraged to enroll in theory classes to prepare for college theory requirements.

Music Theory II

Credits: 2.5

Course Length: 1 Semester

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite: A minimum final grade average of 85 in Music Theory I or teacher approval after student testing

This course is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to further their knowledge of music theory. Content areas include musical analysis, composition, harmonic progressions, form, listening, history, and melodic organization. It will be expected for all students enrolled in any level of Music Theory to sing not only as a part of small and large groups but individually as well. Students will be required to take tests comprised solely of singing short melodies on sight (Sight Singing) in addition to listening to short melodies and writing down the correct notes and rhythms that were played (Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation). Students interested in music-related careers are encouraged to enroll in theory classes to prepare for college theory requirements.

AP Music Theory

Credits: 5

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Music Theory I and II or teacher approval after student testing

This course offers students an opportunity to receive college credits by taking a college-level music theory and composition course. The goal is to develop the students’ abilities to recognize, understand, and describe the materials and processes of music that are heard and presented in score. Aural, analytical, and composition skills are enhanced through written and listening exercises. Building upon this foundation, this course includes more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of melody by selecting appropriate chords in composing a musical bass line to provide a two-voice counterpoint or the realization of figured-bass notation. Students are encouraged to compose original works based on their knowledge of music theory. Students who perform successfully on the Advanced Placement Exam given each May will receive advanced standing and /or credit in a majority of colleges and universities.