Prerequisite: Middle School Band

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Offered: yearly

Meets Requirement For: Elective / Fine Art

Fees: possible School Instrument Rental Fee

Description: High School Band students continue to develop musical knowledge, appreciation, and skills through the performance of a variety of musical styles. Performance opportunities include: parades, pep band, solo and ensemble contests, large group contests, band festivals, and numerous concerts throughout the year. High School Band members are committed to something bigger than themselves and accountable to one another, resulting in a strong ensemble and a meaningful musical experience. Band members in grades 10, 11, and 12 are able to earn a Fine Arts college credit through the College In Our Schools program and Central Lakes College-Brainerd. 

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for performance

• Make artistic choices in order to convey meaning through performance

• Analyze and construct interpretations of musical work

• Evaluate musical performance by applying criteria

• Integrate knowledge and personal experiences while responding to, creating, and presenting artistic work

• Demonstrate an understanding of how musical selections are influenced by or impact personal, societal, cultural, or historical contexts

• Generate and develop original musical ideas

• Create original musical work

• Revise and complete original musical work

Prerequisite: High School Band

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Offered: yearly

Meets Requirement For: Elective

Fees: possible School Instrument Rental Fee

Description: Ya like Jazz? Jazz Band is an extension of the High School Band. Jazz Band members perform a wide variety of musical styles including swing, rock, blues, Latin, and pop, while exploring improvisation, and refining aural skills. Jazz Band meets twice per week from 7:15-8:00 am. Performance opportunities include: concerts, solo and ensemble contests, jazz festivals, and additional fun gigs throughout the year. 

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for performance

• Make artistic choices in order to convey meaning through performance

• Analyze and construct interpretations of musical work

• Evaluate musical performance by applying criteria

• Integrate knowledge and personal experiences while responding to, creating, and presenting artistic work

• Demonstrate an understanding of how musical selections are influenced by or impact personal, societal, cultural, or historical contexts

• Generate and develop original musical ideas

• Create original musical work

• Revise and complete original musical work

Prerequisite:

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 Year

Offered: Yearly

Meets Requirement For: Elective / Fine Art

Fees: None

Description:

The Concert Choir will learn choral music from a variety of genres.  Students who are in Concert Choir will be expected to read music, sing independently, memorize music and express music through movement.  Students in Concert Choir will also perform solo and ensemble literature. Other performance opportunities include large group contests, solo and ensemble contests, choir festivals, and 3-4 concerts during the year.  Students will be assessed on vocal range and pitch memory before being placed in the appropriate section for their vocal range.  

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Demonstrate an understanding of various genres and styles of music by applying musical elements to prepare for a performance

• Perform music for an audience by responding to notation and using expressive skills

• Identify the musical or technical skills needed in musical selections to convey meaning or possible intent including cultural or historical contexts

• Identify and describe the musical and technical skills evident in a performance

• Describe why various musical choices are made when creating or performing

• Identify cultural or historical influences on musical compositions

• Create or improvise musical ideas that can be combined into a melody with expressive elements

• Develop and revise a composition to include expressive elements and a form, using notation or technology

Prerequisite: 6th Grade Band

Grade: 7-8

Length: 1 year

Offered: yearly

Meets Requirement For: Music Requirement

Fees: possible School Instrument Rental Fee

Description: Middle School Band students develop musical knowledge, appreciation, and skills through the performance of a variety of musical styles. The interpersonal skills developed in band, such as teamwork, responsibility, self-confidence, critical thinking, and perseverance, benefit students in every area of life. Middle School Band members are committed to something bigger than themselves and accountable to one another, resulting in a strong ensemble and meaningful musical experience. 

Middle School Music Standards

• Demonstrate an understanding of various genres and styles of music by applying musical elements to prepare for a performance

• Perform music for an audience by responding to notation and using expressive skills

• Identify the musical or technical skills needed in musical selections to convey meaning or possible intent including cultural or historical contexts

• Identify and describe the musical and technical skills evident in a performance

• Describe why various musical choices are made when creating or performing

• Identify cultural or historical influences on musical compositions

• Create or improvise musical ideas that can be combined into a melody with expressive elements

• Develop and revise a composition to include expressive elements and a form, using notation or technology

Prerequisite: 6th Grade Choir

Grade: 7/8

Length: 1 Year

Offered: Yearly

Meets Requirement For: Music Requirement

Fees: None

Description: 

Middle school choir offers students the opportunity to develop their vocal skills, learn music theory, and perform a variety of choral pieces in a supportive and fun environment. Through group rehearsals, students will explore different musical genres, build confidence, and strengthen their teamwork abilities. In addition to learning proper vocal technique and sight-reading, students will participate in school concerts and community performances. This course fosters creativity, discipline, and a love for music while providing a foundation for future musical pursuits.

Middle School Music Standards

• Demonstrate an understanding of various genres and styles of music by applying musical elements to prepare for a performance

• Perform music for an audience by responding to notation and using expressive skills

• Identify the musical or technical skills needed in musical selections to convey meaning or possible intent including cultural or historical contexts

• Identify and describe the musical and technical skills evident in a performance

• Describe why various musical choices are made when creating or performing

• Identify cultural or historical influences on musical compositions

• Create or improvise musical ideas that can be combined into a melody with expressive elements

• Develop and revise a composition to include expressive elements and a form, using notation or technology

Prerequisite:

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 Semester

Offered: Yearly

Meets Requirement For: Elective

Fees: None

Description: 

Music Appreciation is a course designed to deepen students' understanding of music through analysis, historical study, and creative expression. Focusing on Western classical music, students will explore major composers, influential works, and the evolution of musical styles. They will learn to identify key elements of music, develop analytical skills, and discuss music’s cultural impact. The course also includes opportunities for students to experiment with creating and arranging their own musical ideas.

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area, including elements, principles, and terminology.

• Create original music or musical ideas using elements and structures of music.

• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate works of music based on elements, style, purpose, and artistic intent.

• Develop and articulate personal and cultural interpretations of music.

• Synthesize knowledge of music, history, and culture to deepen understanding of music’s role in society.

Prerequisite: None

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 Semester

Offered: Dependent on demand

Meets Requirement For: Elective

Fees: None

Description: 

Music Theory is an advanced course designed to equip students with a strong foundation in music theory, preparing them for college-level music studies. The course covers essential topics such as notation, scales, intervals, chords, harmonic analysis, and basic composition techniques. Through listening exercises, score analysis, and practice in sight-singing and ear training, students develop a comprehensive understanding of musical structure and analysis. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze complex compositions and apply theoretical concepts to their own musical creations.

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Analyze and interpret musical structures, scales, and chord progressions, applying music theory language and symbols accurately.

• Use foundational knowledge of music theory to compose and arrange music that demonstrates understanding of harmony, melody, and form.

• Apply theoretical principles to create original musical ideas, including structured compositions and exercises in four-part writing.

• Perform harmonic analysis on pieces of music and interpret the structural role of theoretical elements within compositions.

• Analyze and evaluate works of music by applying advanced theoretical concepts, including harmonic progression, voice leading, and form.

Prerequisite: None

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 Semester

Offered: Dependent on demand

Meets Requirement For: Elective

Fees: None

Description: 

Guitar is an introductory course designed for high school students with little to no previous experience playing guitar. The course emphasizes basic guitar technique, music literacy, and ensemble performance skills. Students will learn to read standard notation and chord diagrams, play open-position chords, read and play simple melodies, and perform in group settings. The course also introduces students to basic music theory concepts as they apply to guitar, including rhythm, pitch, scales, and chord progressions. By the end of the semester, students will demonstrate the ability to perform simple solo and ensemble pieces and will have a foundation for further study in guitar or other music courses.
*For more advance players, we will set up together a more independent study plan.

Minnesota High School Music Standards

• Demonstrate knowledge of musical elements (rhythm, pitch, harmony, dynamics, timbre, texture, form) through performance on guitar.

• Read and notate music using traditional and chord-symbol notation specific to the guitar.

• Perform music representing a variety of styles and cultures with technical accuracy and expression appropriate to the level.

• Evaluate and reflect on individual and group performances, identifying areas for improvement.

• Improvise simple melodic and rhythmic phrases on guitar within a given structure.

• Compose short musical ideas or pieces using learned chords and rhythmic patterns.
  
  

Prerequisite: None

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 Semester

Offered: Dependent on demand

Meets Requirement For: Elective

Fees: None

Description: 

Rock Music History introduces students to the development of rock music and its cultural impact over time. Students explore key artists, styles, and movements while listening to and analyzing influential music. The course provides a general understanding of how rock music has shaped and reflected society.