Band

The Applied Music 1 course is designed to help students acquire performance skills, musicianship qualities on an instrument, develop singing skills, or develop specialized skills in music. The instructor will develop curricula with appropriate levels of difficulty in the music to address the unique needs of the students. In addition to the Fine Arts music standard and benchmarks, the instructor may select other national music standards appropriate for students and may integrate other Fine Arts standards. The Applied Music 2 - 8 courses are designed to help students develop specialized skills in music. The instructor will develop curricula with appropriate levels of difficulty in the music to address the unique needs of the students. In addition to the Fine Arts music standard and benchmarks, the instructor may select other national music standards appropriate for students and may integrate other Fine Arts standards.

Courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of Beginning Band or its equivalent. Continued development of skills and understanding is maintained through studying of complex exercises and performing appropriate music literature. Students develop listening skills to increase understanding of tonality, style, dynamic nuances, and interpretation of various styles of music (including contemporary, avant-garde, and ethnic music). Performances for school and public are an integral part of the program. Original band literature, arrangements, and orchestral transcription from Grades I to IV are included for study and performance. Students will also learn basic concepts of music theory, music’s historical, social, and cultural role in society, and will develop their singing skills. Prerequisite: Completion of the prior coursework in the previous level (Band 1 prerequisite is the completion of middle school band or equivalent) or the director's approval.

The Ensemble courses are designed for students who are registered in either Band 1-4 or Directed Studies in Music 1-3 and would like to also concurrently participate in marching band. Students will be taught and continue to develop their skills and understanding of their instrument through the performance in a field show. Students will also learn and develop marching and maneuvering techniques needed to perform the field show. Students will perform at various marching band festivals, parades, and at football games. Corequisite: Registered and enrolled in either Band 1-4 or Directed Studies in Music 1-3.

The Jazz band course is designed for students who are interested in learning and performing jazz and other similar music. Basic improvisation, theory, and history of Jazz will be introduced in the course. Students will listen to various jazz musicians and learn about the potential to improvise music with their instrument. Students will also learn basic concepts of music theory, music’s historical, social, and cultural role in society, and will develop their singing skills. Prerequisite: Completion of 1-2 years of middle school band, or band director approval. Corequisite (concurrently enrolled in): Band 1-4 or Directed Study in Music 1-3