Music Department

The study of music is an essential part of the human experience. All children possess musical talents and deserve to express themselves musically, in order to develop emotionally as well as cognitively. Bringing beauty into the world through sound helps students develop creativity through interpretation and creation. The expression and communication of thoughts and feelings is essential to working in a team and understanding others. The study of music provides a unique look into the history and culture of ourselves and others, developing an appreciation for diversity. Additionally, the study of music develops discipline, problem solving skills, independence, collaboration, efficiency, courage, honesty, and a strong kinesthetic awareness of oneself.  Finally, the study of music is the ideal platform to develop metacognition skills (the skill of learning how to learn), which are an essential component for success in any field.


Music Ensemble Chart Suggestion for 23-24

Concert Band

7910 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: 8th grade Band or permission of director

Concert Band is for students who play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. A variety of concert band literature (marches, overtures, classical transcriptions, standard concert band classics, Broadway, movie and television scores, jazz, pop, and rock scores) will be explored and performed. Members are required to participate in evening and weekend public performances, concerts, contests, and festivals. However, the frequency of these outside performances is not as great as with Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. There may be sectional rehearsals after school. Fees are assessed for the rental of school-owned instruments and concert attire.

Symphonic Band

7930 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Concert Band and/or permission of director

The Symphonic Band is open to all students who have had previous band experience and demonstrate proficiency in technique and musicianship. This ensemble explores and performs music of a variety of styles, which include standard and contemporary band literature, as well as popular styles like rock, Broadway, and jazz. Concerts and adjudicated performances are required responsibilities of each member of this ensemble. Students in Symphonic Band are highly encouraged to take private lessons. Fees are assessed for the rental of school-owned instruments and concert attire.

Wind Ensemble

7950 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Audition or invitation 

CCP Prerequisite: Hiram College requirements

The Wind Ensemble is comprised of woodwind, brass, and percussion students who demonstrate a high degree of technical and musical proficiency during the audition. This ensemble explores and performs standard wind band literature of various styles throughout the school year. Wind Ensemble will travel, perform publicly, and will participate in district/state-level competitions. Students in this ensemble may be required to rehearse outside of school. Dedication and commitment are essential. Students in the Wind Ensemble should be enrolled in private lessons on their primary instrument, or should be willing to enroll. Fees are assessed for the rental of school-owned instruments and concert attire. CCP credit may be obtained by applying in advance through Hiram College. Additional requirements are expected of students registering for college credit.

Jazz Band & Jazz Workshop

7940 No Credit Meets before/after school 

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental/choral experience through school or private lessons; director approval and participation in curricular music (excluding piano and guitar) 

These ensembles will perform various styles of jazz music. Member ship in the Jazz Band is by audition and is typically limited to standard big band instrumentation (Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Keyboard, Drums, Bass Guitar, Guitar, and Vocals). Exceptions to  this instrumentation will be considered by the director on a student by-student basis. Jazz Workshop is open to all instruments and does not require an audition. Members of both groups should also be  members of a band, choir or orchestra. The focus of both courses  will be the history and development of jazz/rock/pop styles, including performance techniques in these styles. Ear training, improvisational skills, and some basic music theory concepts will also be  taught. Public performances, jazz festivals, and spring concerts may  be required of all members.  A uniform fee may be assessed. 

Ranger Marching Band

7920 No Credit Meets before/after school

Grades 9-12 

*PE waiver can be requested after two years of participation

Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band or director recommendation. All musicians must be enrolled in a curricular music ensemble

The Ranger Marching Band is a co-curricular activity composed  of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who play band  instruments (woodwinds, brass, and percussion), twirl flags or  dance. Flags, Rangerettes, and percussionists must audition in the  spring for membership. All musicians must be enrolled in a curricular music ensemble. The Ranger  Marching Band rehearses 7:00–7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday and Tuesday evenings 6:00–8:45 p.m. during the football season.  There are summer rehearsals prior to the 4th of July and prior to  the start of school. There is a pay-to-participate fee and a separate  uniform fee. All members are required to participate in weekend and  evening performances, concerts, contests, and festivals. 

Soprano/Alto Concert Choir

7830 Full Year - 1 Credit    5 Periods per Week 

Grade 9

Prerequisite: 8th grade choir or permission of director 

Soprano/Alto Concert Choir is open to incoming 9th grade sopranos and altos. This ensemble focuses on developing beginning voices, as well as becoming a better musician through sight singing and music theory. The choir performs annually at winter and spring concerts. Opportunities are provided for solo and small ensemble singing. No audition is required. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student. 

Symphonic Mixed Choir

7850 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Audition with choir director or invitation 

Is composed of mostly juniors and seniors who qualify musically  and vocally to study and perform master works of choral literature  both unaccompanied and accompanied. The choir meets daily and  the membership is determined by the audition. As a competition  choir, there are public performance requirements and additional  responsibilities for the students. A uniform fee will be assessed for  each student. 

Symphonic Treble Choir

7870 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite:  Audition

*Freshmen may participate based on recommendation.

Is composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors who sing alto or  soprano and qualify musically and vocally to study and perform  works for treble voices both unaccompanied and accompanied.  Public performance and choir competition requirements are  additional responsibilities for the students. Freshmen may also  participate based on recommendation from their 8th grade music  teacher and audition. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student.

Chamber Choir

No Credit Meets as arranged

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition from Symphonic Mixed Choir

Is a 20-voice Chamber Ensemble which specializes in choral chamber music of a variety of periods, including Renaissance and vocal jazz.  These students perform during the school day for community and  area events, especially during December. Performance at all concerts  and the Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Event are required. Chamber Choir rehearses three mornings a week before school.  

Men's Chorus

7840 Full Year - 1 credit 5 periods per week

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Director approval

Men’s Chorus is open to tenors and basses in grades 9-12. This ensemble focuses on developing tenor, baritone, and bass voices, as well as becoming a better musician through sight singing and music theory. The choir performs annually at winter and spring concerts. Opportunities are provided for solo and small ensemble singing. No audition is required. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student.

Fourtes

No Credit Meets as arranged

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition from within Symphonic Mixed Choir

The Fourtes is an SSAA quartet, which is auditioned from within Chamber Choir. The members of the Fourtes are required to be in  both ensembles. Public performances, concerts, and the Solo and  Ensemble Adjudicated Event are required for this ensemble. Rehearsals are set according to availability of director and singers. Some  weekend rehearsals may be required. A pay-to-participate fee will be assessed for Chamber Choir/Fourtes, as well as a uniform fee. 

Vive L'Four

No Credit Meets as arranged

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition from within Symphonic Mixed Choir

Vive L’Four is a TTBB quartet, which is auditioned from within Chamber Choir. The members of Vive L’Four are required to be in both  ensembles. Public performances, concerts and the Solo & Ensemble  Adjudicated Event are required for this ensemble. Rehearsals are set according to availability of director and singers. Some weekend  rehearsals may be required. A pay-to-participate fee will be assessed  for Chamber Choir/Vive L’Four, as well as a uniform fee. 

Chamber Ensemble / CCP Chamber Ensemble

7980/7979 Full Year - 1 credit 5 periods per Week

Prerequisite: Audition with orchestra director

CCP Prerequisite: Hiram College requirements

Explores and performs standard chamber orchestra literature of  various styles during the school year. It is open to all students who  have had previous orchestral experience and demonstrate proficiency  in technique and musicianship during the audition. This ensemble will  travel, perform publicly, and participate in orchestral competitions.  Students in this ensemble may be required to rehearse outside  of school. Dedication and commitment are essential. Members of this ensemble are required to take private lessons. Students in this ensemble are also strongly encouraged to enroll in Symphony Orchestra. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student. CCP credit may be obtained by applying in advance through Hiram College. Additional requirements are expected of students registering for college credit.

Symphony Orchestra / CCP Symphony/Chamber Orchestra

7970/7974 Full Year  - 1 credit 5 periods per Week

Prerequisite: Audition or director approval

CCP Prerequisite: Hiram College requirements

Explores and performs standard orchestral literature of various  styles during the school year. It is open to all students who have  had previous orchestral experience and demonstrate proficiency  in technique and musicianship during the audition. Students are  strongly encouraged to take private lessons. Public performance and  orchestra competition are additional requirements for the students.  Sometimes, there are rehearsals after school. A uniform fee will be  assessed for each student. CCP credit may be obtained by applying in advance through Hiram College. Additional requirements are expected of students registering for college credit.

Camarata Orchestra

7965 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 periods per Week

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Audition or director approval

Explores and perform arrangements and originals of standard  orchestra literature of various styles during the school year. It is open to all students who have had previous orchestral experience  and demonstrate proficiency in technique and orchestral experience  or director’s permission. Public performance and orchestral  competition requirements are additional responsibilities for the  students. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student. 

Philharmonia Orchestra

7975 Full Year  - 1 Credit 5 periods per Week

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Audition or director approval

The Philharmonia Orchestra is open to all students who have had  previous orchestral experience and demonstrate proficiency in technique and musicianship. This ensemble explores and performs music  of a variety of styles, which include standard and contemporary  orchestra literature, as well as popular styles like rock, Broadway,  and jazz. Concerts and adjudicated performances are required  responsibilities of each member of this ensemble. Students in Philharmonia Orchestra are highly encouraged to take private lessons. A  uniform fee will be assessed for each student.

String Orchestra

7985 Full Year - 1 credit 5 periods per Week

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Director approval

Is an ensemble which stresses technical development on a string  instrument. This group is comprised of mainly freshmen and is open  to all who wish to enroll and have previous orchestral experience  or director’s permission. Public performance and orchestral  competition requirements are additional responsibilities for the  students. A uniform fee will be assessed for each student. 

The Four Seasons String Quartet

No Credit   Meets before or after school one day a week

Grades 10-12   Prerequisite: Audition or director approval

Is a co-curricular activity for students interested in chamber music  as well as learning how to run a music business. This ensemble  will perform at a number of local events throughout the year. These  performances will occur on weekends, evenings, as well as before,  during, and after school. Students will have a binder of music they  are required to learn for all performances. They will also be asked  to learn additional string quartets in all genres. Members of this  ensemble must be self-starters and possess strong self-motivation. 

The Lakewood Project - Rock Orchestra

No Credit   

Meets Sunday or Monday evenings/Sectionals after school one day a week

Grades 9-12   

Prerequisite: Audition in May/June year before.  All string members must be enrolled in a curricular orchestra ensemble. Rhythm section members must also be enrolled in band, choir, or orchestra (excluding piano and guitar)

Is a co-curricular activity composed of freshmen, sophomores,  juniors, and seniors who play stringed instruments (violin, viola,  cello, and bass) and rhythm section musicians who play (guitar, bass, piano and drums). If you have ever been interested performing  rock music, this ensemble is for you. The Lakewood Project  performs, arranges and composes rock music as well as other  non-classical genres of music. There are two main concerts during  the school year as well as a performance on July 4th. Additional  concerts may be added during the year. This ensemble does tour,  which requires students to miss school, so maintaining good grades  is important and will be monitored. Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory, but students are encouraged to communicate with the  directors about their schedules. Students are also required to take  private lessons; scholarship monies are available to ensure that  this happens. Instrumentalists are encouraged to be a member of  a regular curricular music ensemble. String players must be in a  curricular orchestra.

Class Piano

7915 One Semester - 1/2 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 9-12 No Prerequisite

Class Piano is designed for any student interested in learning to play  piano. Any student may enroll, regardless of experience. Music read ing skills will be taught to students with no experience. All students will learn proper playing technique and practice skills. Students may repeat the course as often as they would like for more advanced lev els of performance. 

CCP Survey of American Music

7750 Full Year - 1 credit 5 periods per Week

  

CCP Prerequisite: Hiram College requirements

Survey of American Popular Music will focus on popular music styles and their interactions with, and influence on, contemporary pop culture.  This course is designed to give the students a chronological and historical understanding of the development of American music. Some background material related to European and African music will be discussed.  Styles discussed and explored will include Blues, Jazz, and many aspects of Rock - leading to analysis and discussion of today's popular music.  Listening and analytical skills will be developed.  The format of the class will involve lectures, listening, and class discussion.  A strong emphasis will be placed on listening skills for purposes of identifying genre, period, style, and composer.  CCP credit can be obtained by applying in advance through Hiram College. Additional requirements are expected of students registering for college credit.

Music Theory

7765 One Semester - 1/2 Credit 5 Periods per Week 

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Is a semester course that stresses the fundamentals of music  reading, notation, ear training, scales, keys, and chords. Music Theory is a requirement for the student who wishes to acquire a  music major and strongly recommended for anyone considering  a career involving music.  Students interested in taking AP Music  Theory are strongly encouraged to complete this course first.  

Music History

7780 One Semester - 1/2 Credit 5 periods per Week

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: none

Music History is a semester-long course that covers mostly classical  western musical styles, composers and compositions from the  ancient to the present. Music history provides an excellent background for those students who wish to major in music or pursue a  career in music. 

AP Music Theory/CCP Musicianship I

7770/7775 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory 1 or a passing grade on admittance test; see requirements for AP courses in this catalog. Class Piano is recommended prior to or in conjunction with this course. 

CCP Prerequisite: Hiram College Requirements

AP Music Theory/CCP Musicianship I is a year-long course, focusing on traditional harmonic analysis, part writing, advanced ear training, form recognition, and sight singing. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. This class is strongly recommended for students who wish to major in music or are considering a career in music. If you are planning to take AP Calculus your senior year, you should take AP Music Theory either your sophomore or junior year. CCP Credit can be obtained by applying in advance through Hiram College. Course requirements are the same whether this course is taken as an AP or CCP course.