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.
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.
