Music

The Music Department offers students experiences in instrumental and vocal music. Instruction is provided on an individual, small group, and large group basis. To complement the classroom instructional phase of the program, students are required to participate in marching and concert band or the choir. Special ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, are formed based upon student interest and ability and require an audition. Advanced classes are available for students in Music Theory. 

Course Descriptive Codes

+21st Century Careers and CTE | @ Visual and Performing Arts | ^ NCAA Approved Course | FY Course meets Full Year | A/B Course Meets every other day full year

1050  BAND II @ (A/B)

Grades: 10-12  

Prerequisite: Band 1 (Placement by audition/interview) or JAA Academy Student

During the first part of the year, students perform with the marching band at football games, parades, competitions and at other scheduled performances. At the conclusion of football season, the ensemble will perform in major concerts as a mandatory requirement of the course. Band 2 is a full year course designed to further extend the skills of performance and to broaden the students' knowledge and appreciation of different styles of music. This class is offered to returning students in grades 10 – 12 according to their musical skill level as determined at audition. Attendance and performance in major concerts as well as in-school vocal lessons/sectionals are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1051 PERCUSSION II @  (A/B)

Prerequisite: Percussion I (Placement by audition/interview) or JAA Academy Student

In this course, during the first part of the year, students will perform with the marching band at football games, parades, competitions and at other scheduled performances. After football season, the class will perform in major concerts as a mandatory requirement of this course. Students will learn to read and play complex rhythms, multiple mallet techniques and will be able to refine and extend their overall musicianship. Students will learn how to read literature designed for concert and marching band.  Attendance and performance in major concerts as well as in-school vocal lessons/sectionals are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.  

1052  BAND 1 @ (A/B)

Grade: 9-10

(Placement by audition/interview) or JAA Academy Student

During the first part of the year, students perform with the marching band at football games, parades, competitions and at other scheduled performances. At the conclusion of football season, the ensemble will perform in major concerts as a mandatory requirement of the course. Band I is a full year course designed to develop the skills of performance and to broaden the students' knowledge and appreciation of different styles of music. This class is offered to all students in grades 9 – 12 based upon their proficiency in playing an instrument as determined at audition. Attendance and performance in major concerts as well as in-school vocal lessons/sectionals are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1053 PERCUSSION 1 @ (A/B)   

Grade: 9-10

(Placement by audition/interview) or JAA Academy Student

In this course, during the first part of the year, students will perform with the marching band at football games, parades, competitions and at other scheduled performances. After football season, the class will perform in major concerts as a mandatory requirement of this course. Students will learn basic drum rudiments and be instructed in the different techniques for sticking, mallets, and auxiliary percussion such as timpani, chimes and cymbals. Students will learn how to read literature designed for concert and marching band. Attendance and performance in major concerts as well as in-school vocal lessons/sectionals are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1057 CHOIR @ (A/B)

Grades: 9-12

Choir is designed for 9-12 grade students who wish to join the high school chorus or a JAA Academy Student. Students with no prior experience are welcome. The course provides students with fundamentals of ensemble singing. Students will learn healthy singing habits, basic music reading, skills in tone production, choral diction, and rehearsal and performance skills. The chorus will perform patriotic songs, spirituals, anthems, folk songs, musicals and contemporary compositions. Attendance and performance in major concerts are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1058  CONCERT CHOIR @ (A/B)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Placement by audition or JAA Academy Student

Concert Choir is open to students who have prior advanced singing experience. The course is a requirement for all vocal music students enrolled in the Academy of the Arts. The course meets on alternate days for a full year. The ensemble enables students to build on a strong pedagogical foundation as they continue to expand and refine vocal, choral, and musical skills that will enable them to function as independent musicians. The repertoire includes (but is not limited to) madrigals, motets, sacred literature, classical music, patriotic songs, spirituals, folk songs, show tunes, mainstream jazz, contemporary music and classic American songs. Attendance and performance in major concerts as well as in-school vocal lessons/sectionals are a mandatory requirement of this course. This ensemble also performs for school and community functions.This ensemble also performs for school and community functions. For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1060 PIANO LAB 

Grades: 9-12

Piano Lab is a semester course designed for beginning level piano students but is open to students of all ability levels. Students will learn and practice the fundamentals of piano playing including proper piano technique, reading music, left and right hand independence, eye-hand coordination, and performance skills. The lab is equipped with electronic keyboards and headphones. Keyboards are available after school for students to practice.

1061  MUSIC THEORY 1 @

Grades: 9-12

This course is open to all students who have an interest and passion for music. They will be introduced to the basics of music including rhythm, melody, harmony, structure and form. Students will also have the opportunity to listen and study different periods of music.

1062  MUSIC THEORY 2 @

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Music Theory I and teacher recommendation

Music Theory II is a semester course designed for intermediate choral and instrumental students who wish to pursue an in-depth study of the elements of music. The following topics will be studied: ear training, harmonic structure and progressions, beginning level composition, basic arranging, figured bass and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Music technology will be used enabling the student to have hands-on experience. Through continued listening of the styles and periods in music history, students will be able to learn basic elements of critique. 

1063 JAA HONORS MUSIC THEORY/PIANO I @

Grades: 9-12 (Enrolled in JAA; If seats are available non-JAA students may be enrolled )

Music Theory /Piano 1 is an honors level music class for first year music students of the Academy of the Arts who are following the instrumental or vocal strand. The course is open to non academy students based on availability, and teacher recommendation. The course will provide a foundation for the development of music literacy and piano performance skills. The students will learn the fundamentals of reading musical notation, while applying this learning directly to piano performance. Music theory concepts covered include basic notation and score markings, rhythmic notation, the treble and bass staff, major and minor scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords, and compositional forms. Piano pedagogical concepts include proper posture and hand position, right and left hand independence, dynamics, chord voicing, sight reading and improvisation. This course is a prerequisite for Music Theory /Piano 2.  For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1063A JAA HONORS MUSIC THEORY/PIANO II@

Grades: 9-12 (Enrolled in JAA; If seats are available non-JAA students may be enrolled)

Prerequisite: Honor Music Theory 1/Piano Lab and/or teacher recommendation

This class provides extended applications of Music Theory elements, music literacy and keyboard performance skills. It includes sight reading, composition, advanced notation and score marking infusing the components of state of the art technology in the Piano Lab.

This class is part of the JAA course requirements and provides opportunity for application, independence and improvisation.  For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1064  AP MUSIC THEORY @ (A/B)

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Music Theory II and Teacher Recommendation or JAA Academy Student

The goal of the AP Music Theory course is to prepare students for success in taking the College Board AP Music Theory Exam. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies and/or music as a career. They will continue their development of concepts learned in Music Theory II. Technology integration will be used for compositional studies. Exercises and assignments will be designed both to develop and enhance the students’ speed and fluency in advanced notational skills.  Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Exam in May.  For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1067 HONORS MUSIC TECHNOLOGY@+ (A/B)

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Enrollment in one of the four JAA strands; If seats are available non-JAA students may be enrolled

This Musical Technology Lab course features our state of the art Music Lab in each High School featuring a full Mac system, piano keyboard, headphones, and streaming. This class will enable learners to write their own music and music notation utilizing the Finale platform; it also provides technology experiences with Pro Tools which empower learners to create, envision, edit and finalize their own productions. Create music with up to 16 audio tracks. Pro Tools redefines the music, film and video industry. This course will provide you with everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mis audio - in the studio and in the cloud.  For JAA Academy Strand Students: Attendance and performance in concerts, performances and exhibits as well as in-school collaborations/projects/sectionals are a requirement of this course; these sessions occur during the school day, after school and/or in the evening. This strand also performs and/or exhibits for school and community functions. Students enrolled in the JAA Academy participate in Master Experiences, Residency Experiences, and required Ensemble Production Experiences for their strand.

1068 MUSIC APPRECIATION

Grades: 9-12

Music appreciation is a course which examines music from a general perspective. The class will explore any or all of the following topics:Music History- Music of antiquity, the medieval period, the renaissance, the baroque, classical, romantic, the twentieth century, and the development of jazz and contemporary American musical styles. Great composers and performers of each style period are explored through biographical information and listening assignments posted on the class web page .Music Theory and Basic Musical Concepts: The system of traditional musical notation and a general approach to the basic constructs of rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, and form. Musical Instruments and Media: The development of musical instruments from the earliest instruments through the most recent developments in recording and performing music. Music Technology:  The introduction of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) will be used to learn how to create and compose musical ideas.  Students will be able to record, edit and manipulate the many elements of the DAW program.  No previous musical experience is required. Students are required to complete assigned reading materials and articles in print and electronic media, and listening examples as assigned throughout the semester.