INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ELECTIVES

Symphonic Band/Orchestra Auditions:

All freshmen band/orchestra students will begin by being enrolled in Concert Band/Orchestra. Auditions for Symphonic Band/Orchestra will be held in-class the second week of school. All students enrolled in Concert/Symphonic levels will have a placement audition in order to be placed in the correct ensemble. Music will be distributed on the first day of school.

Wind Symphony/Philharmonic Orchestra Auditions: 

Wind Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra audition materials are provided to all Symphonic-level students in class.

Incoming orchestra freshmen may contact Mr. Valle via email (josuevalle@iusd.org) for Philharmonic Orchestra audition materials. The audition video due date is Sunday, March 30th. Please provide ample time to practice the materials.

Freshmen are excluded from auditioning for Wind Symphony.

Color Guard Workshop/Auditions:

Workshop: May 21 - 23 (3:00 - 5:00pm) - Potential members learn basics of how to spin and move

Auditions: May 23 - The audition will consist of a short demonstration of what they’ve learned during the workshop days

Questions?: Contact Michelle Schuk (michelles0987@yahoo.com - Head Coach)

Drumline/Front Ensemble Workshop/Auditions

Workshop: April 16 (4:00 - 6:00pm) Drumline Only in the Irvine High School IM to learn required audition materials

Auditions: April 23 (4:00 - 6:00pm) Drumline and Front Ensemble to present learned materials (or clinic only for Front Ensemble - no audition required)

Questions?: Contact Mr. Heddon and Mr. Valle (coreyheddon@iusd.org and josuevalle@iusd.org - Directors)

Jazz Auditions:

TBA in the Fall of 2025. Must be enrolled in Marching Band Quarter 1 to qualify for an audition in November. Information shared during Marching Band season.

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Guitar presents instruction in classical, folk, and contemporary guitar techniques.  Students will acquire skills in reading music notation and guitar tablature.  Through practice and performance, students will express themselves creatively.  During the course of the year, students will gain historical and cultural perspective by studying, analyzing and performing music from across the historical spectrum.  Through analysis of recorded and live performances, students will respond to and assess the technical and aesthetic aspects of guitar performance.  By working with clinicians and guest artists, students will gain an understanding of performance discipline and will develop an awareness of the various facets of the music profession.

Upon completion of the class, the student will be able to:

1. Read notation on all strings in first position.

2. Know basic I-vi-IV-V7 progressions.

3. Play power chords.

4. Perform competently as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble.

5. Work in a collaborative group to write and perform a song.

6. Display knowledge of musical terminology.

7. Demonstrate performance in major and minor keys.

Assessments may include:

• Oral and written tests on music and guitar terminology.

• Oral and written critique by peers and by faculty.

• Public performance.

Recommended Placement: Completion of Guitar 1

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Guitar 2 builds on all of the skills developed in Guitar 1 and adds barre chords, fingerpicking, 5th and 9th position and tablature recognition. Students will also begin to explore other instruments commonly found in popular music (bass, drums, keyboard, vocals).

Upon completion of the class, the student will be able to:

1. Know how E/A-based barre chords work.

2. Play major scales and major/minor pentatonic scales and improvise with them

3. Find the easiest way to approach given tabs

4. Identify common chord progressions.

5. Work in a collaborative group to write and perform a song.

Assessments may include:

• Oral and written tests on music and guitar terminology.

• Oral and written critique by peers and by faculty.

• One on one tests.

• Video assignments.

• Public performance.

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the exploration of a modern band ensemble that utilizes popular music. The course will have students playing guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals. Styles that are studied include rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, r&b, indie, and other contemporary styles. Students will develop skills in working with recording software, performing in small groups, and songwriting techniques. 

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Studio Music 2 is an intermediate-level commercial and popular music course. This course is designed to take students’ introductory knowledge of modern instruments, use of digital audio workstations (DAWs), and lyric writing, and expands upon it. 

In Studio Music 2, students will focus on not only covering advanced modern music, but also creating original music, learning advanced recording techniques, expanding their instrumental knowledge, performing live outside of the classroom, advertising their bands, creating branding, and more. 

Prior experience in music highly recommended

Must be enrolled in additional music performance class

Credits: 2.5

Format: Zero period daily (before school) for the first 9 weeks of Fall Semester

This class is open to all students interested in participation in a Marching Band which will perform at football games and parades. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals and performances, in addition to the instructor's evaluation of the students’ performance ability. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Coordinate marching and playing skills at the same time.

2. Memorize and execute precision marching drill.

3. Participate in half-time shows, parades, and field tournaments.

Students in this class should enroll concurrently in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, OR Symphonic Orchestra. Credit for Marching Band may be applied to the P.E. requirement; however, 9th graders must enroll in P.E. concurrently with Marching Band.

Must be enrolled in Marching Band

Audition Required: Contact CoreyHeddon@iusd.org

Credits: 5 per semester - can function as PE credit

Fall semester activities include performing as part of the IHS Mighty Marching Vaqueros Marching Band at football games, in parades, at competitions and other functions.  All performances, rehearsals and after school commitments are required for students enrolled in the course. Students will be enrolled in both Color Guard and Marching Band for Quarter 1.

Quarter 2 and Spring Semester activities include performance through Winter Guard at competitions and other functions. This semester functions as our Varsity season and builds on the skills learned during Quarter 1.

Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals and performances, in addition to the instructor's evaluation of the students’ performance ability and improvement.

Color Guard workshop and auditions on the following dates:

• May 21 - 23 Workshop - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Potential members learn basics of how to spin and move

• May 23 - The audition will consist of a short demonstration of what they’ve learned during the workshop days

Must be enrolled in Marching Band

Credits: 7.5   Format: 3 quarters during zero period

Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Jazz Ensemble I concentrates on the study and performance of jazz styles which include swing, blues, Latin, and funk. The student will be introduced to the art of jazz improvisation. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals, in addition to the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s performance ability.  This ensemble performs at assemblies, concerts, sporting events, and festivals. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, and jazz-rock-funk styles.

2. Demonstrate jazz solo skills.

3. Perform at rallies, assemblies, concerts, jazz festivals, and select athletic events.

Must be enrolled in Marching Band

Credits: 7.5   Format: 3 quarters during zero period

Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Jazz Ensemble II concentrates on the study and performance through the many styles of jazz music. This ensemble performs at assemblies, concerts, sporting events, and festivals. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, and jazz-rock-funk styles.

2. Demonstrate jazz solo skills.

3. Perform at rallies, assemblies, concerts, jazz festivals, and select athletic events.

Must be enrolled in Marching Band

Credits: 7.5   Format: 3 quarters during zero period

Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Jazz Ensemble III concentrates on the study and performance through the many styles of jazz music. This ensemble performs at assemblies, concerts, sporting events, and festivals. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, and jazz-rock-funk styles.

2. Demonstrate jazz solo skills.

3. Perform at rallies, assemblies, concerts, jazz festivals, and select athletic events.

Credits: 10 

Prior Experience Highly Recommended

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Concert Band is a performing ensemble that studies medium-easy to medium grade level music. Students will study basic theory and vocabulary used in concert literature. During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles of wind music. Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion. They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instruments.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature. Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which may include collaboration with other arts disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Decode musical notation.

2. Demonstrate the use of basic music vocabulary and terminology.

3. Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

4. Through rehearsal and performance settings, students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

5. Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

6. Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

• Music Software

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet Music

• Reference Texts and Internet

• Music Software

Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time

Credits: 10   Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Symphonic Band is a performing ensemble that studies level 3-5 music literature. Students will study intermediate theory and vocabulary used in concert literature. During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles of wind music. Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion. They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instruments.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature. Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which may include collaboration with other arts disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Decode musical notation.

2. Demonstrate the use of intermediate music vocabulary and terminology.

3. Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

4. Through rehearsal and performance settings, students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

5. Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

6. Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

• Music software

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet Music    

• Reference Texts   

• Music Software

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time

Credits: 10   Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Wind Symphony is an advanced performing ensemble that studies medium, medium-advanced and advanced music literature. Students will study advanced theory and vocabulary used in concert literature. During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles of wind music. Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion. They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instruments.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature as well as develop an awareness of the various facets of the music profession.  Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills

will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which may include collaboration with other arts disciplines

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Decode musical notation.

2. Demonstrate the use of advanced music vocabulary and terminology.

3. Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

4. Through rehearsal and performance settings students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

5. Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

6. Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet Music

• Reference Texts

• Music Software

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time

Credits: 5 per semester 

Appropriate Skill Level Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Percussion Ensemble is a performing ensemble that studies class medium-easy, medium and medium-advanced grade level music literature. Students will study advanced theory and vocabulary used in concert literature. During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles of wind and percussion music. Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion. They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instruments.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature. Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which will include collaboration with other arts disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Decode musical notation.

2. Demonstrate the use of advanced music vocabulary and terminology.

3. Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

4. Through rehearsal and performance settings students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

5. Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

6. Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet Music

• Reference Texts

• Music Software

Credits: 10   Prior experience highly recommended

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Concert Orchestra is the entry level orchestra for all orchestra students. Students have the option to audition for Symphonic or Philharmonic Orchestra in May for the following school year.

Concert Orchestra studies music literature from the baroque, classic, renaissance, romantic and modern periods.  Basic string playing practices are reviewed in this class and built upon.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet Music

• Reference Texts

• Music Software

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.

Credits: 10   Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Symphonic Orchestra is an intermediate to advanced performing ensemble that studies medium-easy, medium and medium-advanced grade level music literature.  Students will study theory and vocabulary used in concert literature.  During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles and periods of orchestra music.  Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion.  They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instrument.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature as well as develop an awareness of the various facets of the music profession.  Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which may include collaboration with other arts disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Decode musical notation.

• Demonstrate the use of advanced music vocabulary and terminology.

• Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

• Through rehearsal and performance settings, students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

• Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

• Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet music

• Reference texts

• Music Software

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.

Credits: 10   Audition Required

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Philharmonic Orchestra is an advanced performing ensemble that studies class level 4-6 music literature.  Students will study advanced theory and vocabulary used in concert literature.  During the learning process, students will discover the historical concepts for various styles and periods of orchestra music.  Students will understand and demonstrate music as a way to create and communicate meaning and emotion.  They will identify and demonstrate listening skills, and analyze group and individual performances using appropriate musical language and pedagogical skills related to their chosen instrument.  Guest clinicians and conductors will be used throughout the course to extend the students’ knowledge of instrument skills and music literature as well as develop an awareness of the various facets of the music profession.  Students will develop fundamental artistic and aesthetic understanding by writing critiques of live music concerts.  Communication and interpretation skills will be used by the students while producing and performing in their own concerts, which may include collaboration with other arts disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Decode musical notation.

• Demonstrate the use of advanced music vocabulary and terminology.

• Show aesthetic valuing with written critiques of live music rehearsals and performances.

• Through rehearsal and performance settings, students will develop the ability to read and synthesize musical notation and terminology from various classical periods and popular forms of music.

• Demonstrate well-developed rehearsal and performance skills.

• Play expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation.

Assessment Techniques:

• Written exams on music terminology and theory.

• Written and oral critiques of professional and amateur music concerts.

• Public performances and music festivals.

• Small ensemble and individual assessments.

Instructional Materials:

• Sheet music

• Reference texts

• Music Software

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time, including participation in the Musical.

Credits:  5  

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Music Theory is open to all students. It is recommended for sophomores and/or juniors who plan to enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory. However, it is also for those wishing to simply acquire a broader understanding of music. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate fluency with all major and minor scales.

2. Demonstrate ability to perform difficult rhythmic passages.

3. Demonstrate understanding of intervals.

4. Analyze a harmonic passage of medium difficulty.

5. Write two-part melodies from dictation.

Advanced Placement

Credits: 10    (Weighted GPA)

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

Designed for student musicians with advanced skills and strong interest in music, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination.  The course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, and to some extent, history and style.  Ability to read and write basic music notation is required.

Because of the abundance of collegiate and professional musical performances in the area, students will be expected to attend many concerts and provide written evaluations of those performances.  

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Earn college credit for Freshman Music Theory by passing the Advanced Placement Test.

2. Demonstrate speed and fluency in working with basic musical notation.

3. Demonstrate skill in melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation.

4. Demonstrate ability to sight-sing four to eight measure melodies in major and minor tonalities.

5. Demonstrate appropriate compositional and analytical skills, and

6. Demonstrate awareness of major stylistic periods in music history.