Music

Prerequisite: Proficiency on a wind, percussion or other participating instrument.

Concert Band studies and performs standard wind band repertoire, with an emphasis on technical development, control of tone and intonation, musical terminology and balanced ensemble sound. The band experience includes pep band, concert band, small ensembles, and sectional rehearsals. Musical development is reinforced through group instruction and daily practicing. Concert Band performs at school and community events throughout the year.  The band program may also include an optional international performance tour approximately every four years. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. Concert Band is open to students in grades 9-12.

Prerequisite: Willingness to sing and contribute to the team

Choral music at Ipswich High School is an elective academic subject with CONCERT CHOIR as the core chorus organization: a performance-oriented class where students develop the vocal technique through the use of vocal exercises and literature to enhance tone quality, breathing, intonation, diction, and vocal development, as well as solfege and sight-reading skills. This mixed chorus rehearses and performs a wide range of challenging choral music representative of many styles, genres, cultures, and periods and performs at school and community events. The choral program may also include an optional international performance tour approximately every four years. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. 

Prerequisite:  Proficiency on a string instrument, permission of the instructor

Orchestra at Ipswich High School is a performance-oriented ensemble in which students develop advanced musicianship and technical skills on their string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). Instruction focuses on tone production, intonation, rhythm, articulation, ensemble balance, and musical interpretation through weekly rehearsal and performance literature. Students rehearse and perform a wide range of repertoire representing diverse styles, genres, cultures, and historical periods, and perform regularly at school and community events. The orchestra program may also include an optional international performance tour approximately every four years. All students in grades 9-12 are welcome. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.

Ipswich High School students enrolled in Band, Chorus, and Orchestra have the option to pursue honors credit. Students seeking honors credit are expected to demonstrate leadership within their respective ensembles and must complete two additional requirements per semester. Honors Contracts are available from ensemble instructors and must be approved during the first week of Semesters 1 and 2. All honors projects must be completed prior to final exams each semester.

Prerequisite: Competitive audition, permission of the instructor and registration in Orchestra. 

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA is a select group of string students that perform challenging and original works for string orchestra. Repertoire will include works from the Renaissance, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary periods. The Chamber Orchestra will perform at school concerts, district and state competitions. Chamber Orchestra will also represent the Orchestra Program at community functions. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances and individual practice is expected outside of the classroom rehearsal.

Prerequisite:  Competitive audition, permission of the instructor and registration in Concert Band.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE meets once a week and performs, listens to, and analyzes the music from the 20th Century to modern day. This music includes Afro-American jazz, fusion, funk, and popular songs. Students will perform in a big band setting with emphasis placed on jazz style, improvisation, and the historical aspects of the development of the jazz genre. Jazz ensemble performs at festivals, school concerts, and in the community throughout the year. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisite:  Competitive audition, permission of the instructor and registration in Band.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA is a select group of brass, woodwind and percussion students that will perform challenging music written for Symphonic Orchestra. Students will develop advanced sight reading, solo and ensemble skills. Repertoire will be drawn from Renaissance, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist and Contemporary periods. The Symphony Orchestra will perform at school performances, district and state competitions. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisite:  Competitive audition, permission of the instructor and registration in Concert Choir

CHAMBER SINGERS is a select choir drawn from the Concert Choir dedicated to the performance of literature best suited to a chamber group of advanced musicians. Students should be able to read and memorize music quickly and hold their own part in a small ensemble. All of the requirements and standards of excellence in Concert Choir are maintained. As this chorus offers a more rigorous and comprehensive repertoire and honors approach to choral concepts, individual practice is expected outside of classroom rehearsal.  Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisite: Competitive audition, permission of the instructor and registration in Concert Choir.

BEL CANTO is a select women’s choir drawn from the Concert Choir for the performance of advanced treble literature. Students should be able to read and memorize music quickly and hold their own part in a small ensemble. All of the requirements and standards of excellence in Concert Choir are maintained. As this chorus offers a more rigorous and comprehensive repertoire and honor approach to choral concepts, an emphasis is placed upon each singer’s responsibilities, particularly in the individual’s preparation for rehearsals and performances. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisite:  Competitive audition, permission of the instructor, and registration in band or orchestra.

WIND ENSEMBLE is a select group of woodwind, brass, and percussion students that will perform challenging music written for wind ensemble. Students will develop advanced sight reading, solo, and ensemble skills. Most sections include only one or two students per part, so members must be strong musicians and take ownership of their unique roles. Repertoire will be drawn primarily from the 20th and 21st centuries, and features greater musical and technical challenges than concert band repertoire. Wind Ensemble performs at Spring concerts. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

This course will offer instruction in the development of advanced performing skills and techniques. Students will design their own performance projects in collaboration with the instructor and other students in the class. Students may work as individuals or as a small ensemble and will need to choose one of the following tracts. This course is designed for the serious music student with an interest in developing a performance project/recital, exploring jazz improvisation, or recording a music supplement for college acceptance.

Students must choose one of the following tracts per semester: Chamber Music; Jazz Improvisation; or Solo Performance.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

This course is designed to teach the elements of music and to develop basic musical skills such as sight-reading, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and composition.  Students will learn to read and write Western music notation in different clefs, keys and meters: will construct scales, and identify and spell intervals, study basic harmony, and learn basic compositional techniques.

Prerequisite: Completion of Music Theory I, and/or permission of the instructor.

This course reinforces concepts learned in Music Theory I, continues with ear training and dictation exercises, and introduces additional elements of music, including modes, 7th chords, inversions, cadences, and melody writing. Extensive work in voice leading and 4-part writing is included, along with harmonic analysis and compositional technique. This is an excellent course for students planning on studying music at the college level.

This course will teach basic guitar techniques for the beginning guitarist. The course will cover music notation including chord frames, lead sheets and tablature, basic harmonic structure, chord symbols and chord strumming patterns, solos, basic music theory, and basic guitar maintenance and care. Students will be introduced to various guitar styles including folk, classical, blues and rock as well as exposure to string music from around the world.  The course culminates in an “open mic” performance to showcase students’ work. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar for use in class. 

This introductory course is designed for students interested in exploring the fundamentals of acting and stage performance. Through improvisation, scene work, and character development exercises, students will build confidence, creativity, and stage presence. The course will cover essential acting techniques, including voice and movement, script analysis, and emotional expression. Students will also learn the basics of theater etiquette, collaboration, and performance preparation. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to engage, take risks, and explore storytelling through acting. The course culminates in a performance showcasing students' growth and skills.

This course introduces students to acting techniques and theater appreciation. Over the course of the semester, students will examine elements of playwriting, acting, design, directing, and production. Students will also learn to analyze plays and learn a little bit about the history of theater in hopes of fostering an appreciation of live performances. The course will build to the production of a one act play (performed in class) as an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and concepts learned over the course of the semester. 

This course introduces students to acting techniques and theater appreciation. Over the course of the semester, students will examine elements of playwriting, acting, design, directing, and production. Students will also learn to analyze plays and learn a little bit about the history of theater in hopes of fostering an appreciation of live performances. The course will build to the production of a one act play (performed in class) as an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and concepts learned over the course of the semester. 

Designed for students interested in exploring the musical theatre genre, this course offers in-depth training in acting, voice, and dance, with a focus on solo performance, character development, and audition preparation. Students will study scenes and songs from classic and contemporary musicals, receive individualized feedback, and participate in masterclasses and mock auditions. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, storytelling, and technical precision.