Course Overviews

Kindergarten General Music is a year-long course for all Kindergarten students. The class meets for 40 minutes, once every six days for a total of about 30 classes per year.

The Kindergarten General Music Curriculum provides our students with entry level music experience and content knowledge. This includes a strong focus in the areas of steady beat and rhythm, melody and vocal production, expression, and instruments.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Core Arts Standards and New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Third Grade General Music is a year-long course for all third-grade students. The class meets for 40 minutes, once every six days for a total of about 30 classes per year.

The third-grade general music curriculum provides our students with entry level music experience and content knowledge which includes a strong focus in the areas of steady beat and rhythm, melody and vocal production, expression, and instruments. All third-grade students have the opportunity to perform in a district sponsored performance once a year.

The curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards-Visual and Performing Arts.

First Grade General Music is a year-long course for all first grade students. The class meets for 40 minutes, once every six days for a total of about 30 classes per year.

The first grade General Music Curriculum provides our students with entry level music experience and content knowledge. This includes a strong focus in the areas of steady beat and rhythm, melody and vocal production, expression, and instruments. All first grade students are provided the opportunity to perform in a district sponsored performance once a year.

The curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Fourth Grade General Music is a year-long course for all fourth-grade students. The class meets for 40 minutes, once every six days for a total of 30 classes per year.

The fourth-grade general music curriculum provides our students with entry level music experience and content knowledge. This includes a strong focus in the areas of steady beat and rhythm, melody, harmony and vocal production, expression, and instruments. All fourth-grade students are provided the opportunity to perform in a district sponsored performance once a year.

The curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

Second Grade General Music is a year-long course for all second-grade students. The class meets for 40 minutes, once every six days for a total of about 30 classes per year.

The second-grade music curriculum provides our students with entry level music experience and content knowledge. This includes a strong focus in the areas of steady beat and rhythm, melody and vocal production, expression, and instruments. All second-grade students are provided the opportunity to perform in a district sponsored performance once a year.

The curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

This full year pull-out elective performance class is the foundation of the district-wide band program which originates in the 5^th grade and culminates in the 12th grade. Student instruction consists of one instrument- specific, small group lesson and one large ensemble rehearsal during a 5-day week. Students will receive approximately 32 small group lessons and 29 ensemble lessons. Small group instruction is devoted to individualized, instrument-specific performance technique. Ensemble instruction focuses on the application of individual skills in a cooperative learning setting to meet the performance goal of basic band literature levels .5 – 1. The performance-based class requires that students attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Student achievement is directly related to the amount of instructional time; therefore, all efforts must be made to avoid interruption of scheduled instructional time. Students will be expected to meet or exceed proficiency levels in common performance assessments. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an expectation that students will commit to additional personal practice time in order to reinforce learned skills.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts are addressed through the performance of instructional material and band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in compositional elements, history and culture, individual musicianship, ensemble performance, critique and evaluation.

This full year pull-out elective performance class is the second year of the district-wide band program which originates in the 5^th grade and culminates in the 12th grade. Student instruction consists of one instrument specific, small group lesson and one large ensemble rehearsal during a 5-day week. Students will receive approximately 32 small group lessons and 30 ensemble lessons. Small group instruction is devoted to individualized, instrument-specific performance technique. Ensemble instruction focuses on the application of individual skills in a cooperative learning setting to meet the performance goal of basic band literature levels 1 - 1.5 The performance-based class requires that students attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Student achievement is directly related to the amount of instructional time; therefore all efforts must be made to avoid interruption of scheduled instructional time. Students will be expected to meet or exceed proficiency levels in common performance assessments.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year pull-out elective performance class is the foundation of the district-wide orchestra program which continues through the 12th grade. It meets twice a week for 40 minutes providing approximately 80 minutes of instruction per week. One class period per week is devoted to group instruction in instrument-specific performance technique and one class period per week is spent in ensemble rehearsal. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of orchestral literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the NJ Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

General Music is a part of the related arts curriculum for all of 6^th grade. The class meets for 40 minutes on alternating days for the duration of approximately 45 class periods.

The course is an extension of the skills learned throughout the K – 4 General Music Curricula and includes a strong focus in the areas of rhythmic and melodic notation, African music, jazz music from the swing era, and sight singing in vocal performance. Instructional materials and literature are selected to specifically develop skills and solidify understanding. Students will be expected to meet or exceed proficiency levels in semester performance and written assessments.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 6 is a continuation of the district-wide orchestra program which begins in 5th grade. It meets twice a week for 40 minutes providing approximately 80 minutes of instruction per week. One class period per week is devoted to group instruction in instrument-specific performance technique and one class period per week is spent in ensemble rehearsal. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are addressed through the performance of orchestral literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and 21^st Century Life and Careers), along with integrations to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

The choral program is offered to HMS students as a co-curricular course. The program is a full year course which meets bi-weekly for 34 weeks of instruction. The choral program is designed for the experience, developing and novice singer. Students who participate in the HMS Choral program will explore vocal technique, musicianship training, and choral performance. The program is stratified with three curricular choirs to provide for the spectrum of skill levels. Raider Choir is open to all students on a non-auditioned basis. Concert Choir is open to students who demonstrate a developing skill level and have choral or singing experience. Chorale is an advanced auditioned ensemble. Students in the Chorale ensemble demonstrate a high level of proficiency in vocal technique and musicianship skills. The Choral program is a performance-based music program that focuses on choral performances throughout the school year.

The study of choral music in middle school provides students with the unique experience in community vocal performance. Through participation in this program, students will develop a deeper sense of the human experience in emotion, compassion, understanding, beauty, creativity and communication. The middle school student especially is at a unique developmental stage. The opportunity to creatively explore their musical intelligence and develop self-confidence through choral music is vital in a healthy curriculum. The middle school child lives in a volatile emotional world.” The choral experience can make them aware of the world and themselves. The singer grows not only in technique but in emotional and musical sophistication.

“For any human being to make beautiful sounds ...they must believe in their own inner beauty.” (Jordan, 2009)

General Music is a semester course included as part of the related arts curriculum for all 7^th grade students. The class meets for 42 minutes each day for the duration of one marking period. The course is an extension of the skills learned throughout the K – 6 General Music Curricula and includes a strong focus in the areas of Meter/Rhythm, Electronic Keyboard Performance, Music Notation/ Terminology, Historical and Cultural influences of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic era and an in depth analysis of the composers Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Instructional materials and literature are selected to specifically develop skills and solidify student understandings. Students will be expected to meet or exceed proficiency levels in semester performance and written assessments.

The 7^th Grade General Music Curriculum addresses the New Jersey Student Learning Standards:

Creating

Responding

Performance

Connecting

All standards are addressed through the performance and analysis of instructional material selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, performance, individual musicianship and self -reflection. The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 7 and 8 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Concert Band meets twice per week for approximately 50 minutes each rehearsal for a total of 100 minutes ensemble time. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 40 minutes once per week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 140 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time. To better serve all Hillsborough Middle School band students, ensemble placement is based upon performance level, not grade level and there can be fluidity (i.e. changes) to placement if needed. This allows for improved flexibility and personalized, differentiated instruction. Additionally, students are placed into the performance group that will best support individual growth, musical development, and achievement after an informal ensemble fall placement screening. All ensembles provide the appropriate developmental musical progression from the ARIS 6th Grade Band experience.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

General Music is a semester course included as part of the related arts curriculum for all 8^th grade students. The class meets for 42 minutes each day for the duration of one marking period. The course is an extension of the skills learned throughout the K – 7 General Music Curricula and includes a strong focus in the areas of Meter/Rhythm, Electronic Keyboard Performance, Music Notation/ Terminology, Historical and Cultural influences of African American music and an in depth analysis of the evolution of “Rock and Roll.” Instructional materials and literature are selected to specifically develop skills and solidify student understandings. Students will be expected to meet or exceed proficiency levels in semester performance and written assessments.

The 8^th Grade General Music Curriculum addresses the following New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

NJ Student Learning Standards

Creating

Performing

Responding

Connecting

All standards are addressed through the performance and analysis of instructional material selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship and self -reflection. The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 7 and 8 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Symphonic Band meets twice per week for approximately 50 minutes each rehearsal for a total of 100 minutes ensemble time. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 40 minutes once per week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 140 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time. To better serve all Hillsborough Middle School band students, ensemble placement is based upon performance level, not grade level and there can be fluidity (i.e. changes) to placement if needed. This allows for improved flexibility and personalized, differentiated instruction. Additionally, students are placed into the performance group that will best support individual growth, musical development, and achievement after an informal ensemble fall placement screening. All ensembles provide the appropriate developmental musical progression from the ARIS 6th Grade Band experience.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 7 is a continuation of the district-wide orchestra program which begins in 5th grade and continues through the 12th grade. Grade 7 Orchestra meets twice a week for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 40 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 140 minutes of instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of orchestral literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standard areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and 21^st Century Life and Careers), along with integrations to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 7 and 8 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Wind Ensemble meets twice per week for approximately 50 minutes each rehearsal for a total of 100 minutes ensemble time. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 40 minutes once per week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 140 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time. To better serve all Hillsborough Middle School band students, ensemble placement is based upon performance level, not grade level and there can be fluidity (i.e. changes) to placement if needed. This allows for improved flexibility and personalized, differentiated instruction. Additionally, students are placed into the performance group that will best support individual growth, musical development, and achievement after an informal ensemble fall placement screening. All ensembles provide the appropriate developmental musical progression from the ARIS 6th Grade Band experience.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 8 is a continuation of the district-wide orchestra program which begins in 5th grade and continues through the 12th grade. Grade 8 Orchestra meets twice a week for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 40 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 140 minutes of instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are addressed through the performance of orchestral literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and 21^st Century Life and Careers), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 10-12 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Concert Band meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

This semester-long elective class for students in any grade level is an introduction into the fundamentals of music, music performance, and music writing. The class meets every day for approximately 50 minutes for two marking periods, culminating with a final exam at the end of the second consecutive marking period. There are no prerequisites for this course, and students do not need any prior musical knowledge in order to be successful. 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 and chords), listening, ear training, and musical analysis. There are three distinct areas of music theory: aural (listening), performance (sight-singing), and written work, in which all students are expected to actively participate.

Students interested in music at a fundamental level and students interested in music-related careers are encouraged to enroll in this course.

This 2.5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 9-12 is a continuation of the district-wide choral music program which begins at the elementary level. Concert Choir meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of repertoire selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators have been noted (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This semester-long elective class for students in any grade level builds upon the introductory knowledge learned in Music Theory I and works to apply conceptual understanding to the analysis of the structure and intent of various genres. The class meets every day for approximately 50 minutes for two marking periods, culminating with a final exam at the end of the second consecutive marking period. Music Theory I is a prerequisite for Music Theory II. There are three distinct areas of music theory: aural (listening), performance (sight-singing), and written work, in which all students are expected to actively participate.

Students interested in music at a more in-depth level and students interested in music-related careers are encouraged to enroll in this course.

This 2.5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grade 9 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Freshman Band meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

Advanced Placement Music Theory is intended to develop musicianship skills- ear training, sight singing, composition, and keyboard harmony- along with cognitive knowledge of the elements of music and the foundations of tonal harmony. Topics covered include: review of notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, intervals, triads; basic principles of chord progressions and voice leading; elementary formal concepts such as cadence, phrase and period.

Advanced topics will include larger musical forms, diatonic harmony, non-chord tones, second-inversion triads, seventh chords, harmonic progression, introduction to chromatic harmony and further analytical concepts such as levels of harmony.

There are three distinct areas of music theory: aural (listening), performance (sight-singing), and written work. Teaching and learning in the Advanced Placement Music Theory class takes place in the variety of modes through which music is experienced. Theory is studied through:

• Writing: written exercises, analysis, and practice examples;

• Listening: listening to major historical musical works and analysis of aural examples;

• Performance: Sight-singing performance as well as performance of musical examples, scales and chords on the piano and basic keyboard harmony;

• Composition: composing on paper and in the music computer lab various examples in the style of music that is being studied (i.e. composition in sonataallegro style).

Course Objectives:

1. Development and refinement of aural skills

2. Development of written musical skills (music notation) • writing music in any key signature • use of major and corresponding minor keys

3. Composition of music in various forms, including binary, rounded-binary, sonataallegro, Bach chorale-style, theme & variations

4. Understanding and correct use of advanced musical vocabulary

5. Singing and performing (on the keyboard) scales, intervals, rhythms and melodies

6. Analysis of musical forms, harmonies, and melodic elements according to musical period

7. Construction of bass lines and harmonies in four-part Bach-chorale style

8. Development of an understanding of harmonic progression and proper treatment of chords

9. Roman numeral analysis and composition of a bass line given Roman & Arabic numerals

Course Time & Prerequisites: This course is open to students in grades 10-12 who have taken Music Theory 1 & II. It provides students with a music experience that will take place in one fifty minute class period every school day for the entire school year. In the years that Advanced Placement Music Theory runs, it has been through the AP Audit and has been approved. The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Core Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and 21^st Century Life and Careers), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This 5 credit semester course helps fulfills the state mandate contained in NJ.AC. 6A:8- 5 .1 ( a) 1 vii for "at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts" for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity) - Albert Einstein

“During the Gulf War, the few opportunities I had for relaxation I always listened to music, and it brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children.”

- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf — United States Army

Guitar provides students with a music experience that will take place in one forty-eight-minute class period every school day for half the year. Guitar offers the student an introduction to the study of music through the medium of the guitar. Students will develop the skills necessary to perform a variety of musical styles on the guitar. The emphasis of the course is on proper guitar technique, developing a fundamental knowledge of music notation and music theory, ensemble playing and creating a solid foundation for a continuing development of the student as a musician. An ensemble performance at the end of the semester provides a culminating experience.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics.

This 2.5 credit half-year course helps fulfill the state mandate contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)1vii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 9-12 is a continuation of the district-wide orchestra program which begins in 5th grade. Orchestra meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of orchestral literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity) - Albert Einstein

“During the Gulf War, the few opportunities I had for relaxation I always listened to music, and it brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children.”

- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf — United States Army

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics

This 2.5 credit half-year course helps fulfill the state mandate contained in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)1vii for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts” for all students who entered high school in 2010 or later.

Annually, students must audition and successfully meet the specified criteria for acceptance into the ensemble. Membership is not guaranteed year-after-year as students must re-audition.

Honors Credit:

The purpose of honors credit for Treble Chorale is to provide the opportunity for advanced work and to promote rigorous academic study and practical application of knowledge and skills. This course is designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of interest, learning and achievement in instrumental music. Furthermore, students should be informed and understand that honors courses are more demanding and have requirements beyond those of standard courses. Students in their first year of Treble Chorale earn CP credit while students in their second year or seniors in their first year of Treble Chorale earn honors credit.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 10-12 singing in parts S-A is a continuation of the district-wide choral program which begins in elementary school. Occasionally, the directors audition incoming 9th graders for specific seats to fulfill proper ensemble voicing when a sophomore, junior, or senior is not qualified. Treble Chorale meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Annually, students must audition and successfully meet the specified criteria for acceptance into the ensemble. Membership is not guaranteed year-after-year as students must re-audition.

Honors Credit:

The purpose of honors credit for Mixed Chorale is to provide the opportunity for advanced work and to promote rigorous academic study and practical application of knowledge and skills. This course is designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of interest, learning and achievement in instrumental music. Furthermore, students should be informed and understand that honors courses are more demanding and have requirements beyond those of standard courses. Students in their first year of Mixed Chorale earn CP credit while students in their second year or seniors in their first year of Mixed Chorale earn honors credit.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 10-12 singing in parts SATB is a continuation of the district-wide choral program which begins in elementary school. Occasionally, the directors audition incoming 9th graders for specific seats to fulfill proper ensemble voicing when a sophomore, junior, or senior is not qualified. Mixed Chorale meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards (including the NJSLS areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer Science & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills), along with integrations to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Annually, students must audition and successfully meet the specified criteria for acceptance into the Ensemble. Membership is not guaranteed year-after-year as students must re-audition.

Honors Credit:

The purpose of honors credit for Wind Ensemble is to provide the opportunity for advanced work and to promote rigorous academic study and practical application of knowledge and skills. This course is designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of interest, learning and achievement in instrumental music. Furthermore, students should be informed and understand that honors courses are more demanding and have requirements beyond those of standard courses.

This full year elective performance class for students in Grades 10-12 is a continuation of the district-wide band program which begins in 5th grade. Occasionally, the directors audition incoming 9th graders for specific seats in order to complete proper instrumentation when a sophomore, junior, or senior is not qualified. Wind Ensemble meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, there is a pull-out, rotating lesson period for approximately 50 minutes once a week. These class times and lesson times provide approximately 300 minutes of total instruction per week. Because this is a performance-based class, students are expected to attend and perform in every performance scheduled for the ensemble. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of band literature selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of music in history and culture, compositional elements, ensemble performance, individual musicianship, critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

This half-year course curriculum is designed to meet the needs of small groups of special education students. It meets each day for approximately 50 minutes. Skills and concepts are adapted to meet each student’s particular learning needs.

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted including the areas of English, Math, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Computer & Design Thinking, and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, & Key Skills.

Music Technology & Applications provides students with a music experience that will take place in one forty-eight-minute class period every school day for half the year. Music Technology and Applications is an exploration of musical elements and their relationship with audio processing. Music Technology and Applications fits the needs of a variety of students. The course does not require the student to have a musical background. This does not imply Music Technology is a beginning music course, as the accomplished music student will find much to advance their musicianship as well. The thrust of this course is in the creation of music and the study of audio production techniques in a contemporary computer-based, digital audio environment. The students use concepts of musical form, rhythm, melody and harmony, orchestration and texture as they progress through the projects of this course. Software synthesizers, sample libraries and student recordings become the tools and objects of the projects. At the same time, these projects utilize and explore audio production techniques and strategies. It offers the conscientious student a creative experience unique in their music education.

This 2.5 credit semester course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”

The curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Core Arts Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The interdisciplinary and experiential nature of the Arts (where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world hands-on lessons) allows connections to many NJ standard areas. As such, where applicable, integrations to the other New Jersey Student Learning Standards have been noted (including the NJ Student Learning Standards areas of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, and 21^st Century Life and Careers), along with integrations to English Language Arts and Mathematics.

"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity) - Albert Einstein

“During the Gulf War, the few opportunities I had for relaxation I always listened to music, and it brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children.”

- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf — United States Army

Dance at the middle school level is a one semester course that meets every other day for 40 minutes. Students will receive an introduction to the basic knowledge and movements of theatrical dancing, ballet, modern, and contemporary as well as exploring the areas of improvisation and composition. The initial unit provides students with anatomical and physiological concerns for dances and this information will be infused throughout all units.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are used within each unit. Completion of this course will prepare students for future study in dance at the high school level.

This full year elective performance class for students in grades 9-12 that would like to explore the history and basic elements of dance. Dance meets every day for approximately 50 minutes. In addition, this is a performance-based class that requires students to participate in physical activity daily as well as performances for their peers and audience. Above and beyond the times listed here for the classroom, there is an understanding that students will commit to additional personal practice time.

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are addressed through the performance of dance movements selected specifically to develop the students’ skills and understanding of dance in history and culture, choreography, group performance, and critique, and self-reflection.

This 5-credit full-year course helps fulfill the state graduation requirements for “at least 5 credits in Visual and Performing Arts.”