The purpose of the Music Department is to provide students with a broad, varied program of music education. Bands, choirs, orchestras, ensembles, independent studies, and lessons are offered for that purpose. There is a definite responsibility in being a member of any music performance group. There will be some after school rehearsals and concerts during the year. A student is expected to participate for the full year. Where there are problems with these expectations, a student should see the director when registering. Students are encouraged to join the music programs at any time. Beginning students may join a high school musical group with teacher approval. New students wishing to start an instrument should consider taking an Independent study course.
Note: Private Lessons can be arranged by contacting the band, choir or orchestra directors.
Note: All courses fulfill Art Requirement.
Band Courses
Course: 121100, 121101
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Varsity Band focuses on individual and ensemble sound, music terminology and builds on a fundamental knowledge of the instrument. The band has four performances throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to perform in local, regional, and state honor bands.
Course: 121102, 121103
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 1, Yearlong Course
Identical course to Varsity Band but taken in combination with either Varsity Choir Combo or Varsity Orchestra Combo. Students will split rehearsal time between ensembles. Two “combo” classes fill one hour of the student's schedule.
Course: 121104, 121105
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Prerequisite: Varsity Band
This course is designed for students who have a fundamental knowledge of their instrument. Fundamentals of ensemble playing will be developed with an emphasis on the student’s selected instrument. Concert Band meets every day, performs four concerts during the year, and participates in large group contests. Members also perform in the BHS Pep Band. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121106, 121107
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2 , Yearlong Course
Required: Audition
This course is designed for the accomplished wind/percussion student. The band focuses on ensemble tone production, music terminology, and instrument knowledge. The band has several performances throughout the year including large group contest, and an annual spring tour. Students have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and state honor bands, as well as solo/ensemble contest. Members also perform in the BHS Marching and Pep Bands. Sectionals are required once a week outside of class time. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121112, 121113
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2 , Yearlong Course
Required: Audition
This course is a select jazz ensemble that performs numerous times throughout the year and participates in regional solo/ensemble and jazz festivals. Advanced jazz literature, theory, and improvisation are studied with an emphasis on individual performance. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121108, 121109
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Required: Audition
This course is designed for the highly accomplished wind/percussion student. This select ensemble studies advanced wind band literature with special emphasis on performance. Wind Symphony meets every day, performs numerous concerts during the year, participates in large group contest, and goes on an annual spring tour. Members also perform in the BHS Marching Band and Pep Band. Sectionals are required once a week outside of class time. Students may repeat this course.
Choral Courses
Course: 121300, 121301
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 2 , Yearlong Course
Varsity Choir focuses on individual and ensemble sound, music terminology and builds on a fundamental knowledge of the singing voice. The choir has four performances throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to perform in local, regional, and state honor choirs
Course: 121302, 121303
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 1, Yearlong Course
Identical course to Varsity Choir but taken in combination with either Varsity Band Combo or Varsity Orchestra Combo. Students will split rehearsal time between ensembles. Two “combo” classes fill one hour of the student's schedule.
Course: 121306, 121307
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course is designed for the confident student singing Tenor or Bass. The choir focuses on ensemble tone production, music terminology, and knowledge of the singing voice. The choir has several performances throughout the year including large group contest. Students have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and state honor choirs, as well as solo/ensemble contest. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121304, 121305
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course is designed for the confident student singing Soprano or Alto. The choir focuses on ensemble tone production, music terminology, and knowledge of the singing voice. The choir has several performances throughout the year including large group contest. Students have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and state honor choirs, as well as solo/ensemble contest. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121310, 121311
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Required: Audition
This course is for the highly confident and independent singer. This select choir studies advanced choral literature with an emphasis on performance. The choir performs numerous times throughout the year, records, and tours each spring. Students have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and state honor choirs, as well as solo/ensemble contest. Sectionals outside of class time are required once a week. Students may repeat this course.
Course: 121308, 121309
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Required: Audition
This select choir performs many different genres of chamber music from Madrigals to Vocal Jazz. This group meets daily, performs many concerts throughout the community, and may travel as opportunities arise. Members of this group are expected to learn music independently and must be available for the many concerts that are scheduled. Students may repeat this course.
Orchestra Courses
Course: 121202, 121203
Grade Level: Grade 9 and 10, 11, 12 beginning string players
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Varsity Orchestra focuses on fundamentals of playing in tune, tone production, and ensemble playing. Varieties of musical styles are explored.
Course: 121202, 121203
Grade Level: Grade 9
Credits: 1, Yearlong Course
Identical course to Varsity Orchestra but taken in combination with either Varsity Band Combo or Varsity Choir Combo. Students will split rehearsal time between ensembles. Two “combo” classes fill one hour of the student's schedule.
Course: 121204, 121205
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2 ,Yearlong Course
Required: Audition or teacher approval, (Violins: Completion of Suzuki Book 3) (Violas, Cellos, and Bass: Completion of Suzuki Book 2)
Sinfonia Orchestra is for the emerging string student already playing in tune and with good tone. Sinfonia Orchestra meets every day and studies various styles of classical music, may travel and performs three or more concerts a year. Solid orchestral technique will be developed and emphasis will be placed on competent string playing. Students may repeat this course.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Required: Audition or teacher approval
Violins: Completion of Suzuki Book 4
Violas, Cellos, and Bass: Completion of Suzuki Book 3
This is a concerto level orchestra, which studies and performs difficult orchestral music with mastery. Chamber Orchestra meets every day, performs numerous times throughout the year, travels, and makes recordings. In addition to meeting during the school day, sectional rehearsals are a requirement and are held one day a week. Chamber Orchestra features guest artists and advanced student soloists. Students may repeat this course.
Elective Courses
Course: 121208
Grade Level: 9,10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
This is a class for beginning guitar students. The study of non-electric, acoustic guitar in a class setting that is individualized. Classical guitars are provided for use in school. Students will learn to read music as they play the guitar. Various styles of guitar music will be studied and performed. Basic knowledge of chords and theory will be studied. This course meets every day. This course may perform one concert per semester.
Course: 121209
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Acoustic Guitar
This course is designed for students who already have guitar playing experience. This course will go beyond the basic knowledge of chords and music theory. Fundamentals of ensemble playing will be developed using Acoustic guitars in various styles of music, from Classical guitar to Blues to Classic Rock. Acoustic nylon string guitars are available to use in class or students can bring their own acoustic guitars. This ensemble will perform at least one concert per semester.
Advanced Courses
Course Number: 121400, 121401
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course parallels the basic Music Theory I curriculum at the college level. It focuses on developing both written and aural (listening) skills. Students will develop musicianship skills such as melodic and harmonic dictation, key relationships, Roman numeral analysis, score reading, sight singing and formal analysis. Students will be asked to express their understanding through composition.