fine arts - Music

Music education is an integral part of the school curriculum which provides an outlet for auditory creativity and self-expression. Our mission is to help all interested students to establish a solid and permanent relationship with music, which will contribute to personal growth and satisfaction throughout life.

People involved in music and other fine arts activities share emotions, ideas, information, and innovations. They are creative people who have strong talent, great determination and the ability to withstand disappointment. Being in a music ensemble helps a person develop self-discipline, responsibility, the ability to work with others, listening skills, communication skills, creativity, and a sense of what being a “team” member truly means. Fact - Did you know that students who take fine arts classes have higher test scores on college entrance exams?

CONCERT CHOIR

Grade level: 9-12

Year: 1 credit

Description: Emphasis is placed on using good vocal technique and singing a wide variety of choral literature. The choir performs at seasonal concerts, assemblies, and Commencement. Periodic tours are planned. All singers are required to take private lessons with the instructor. All members are encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble contests and audition for the musical. Attendance at all performances is mandatory.

VOCAL JAYZ

Grade level: 10-12

Year (meets 3 times per week before school): 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and membership in Concert Choir or Clara Lux is required.

Description: The Vocal Jayz is the most selective mixed ensemble in the choir program. Singers are selected by audition from members of Concert Choir or Clara Lux. The group studies and performs a variety of advanced choral literature including madrigals, chamber music and vocal jazz. The Vocal Jayz perform frequently throughout the school year. The group travels periodically. Attendance at all performances is mandatory.

CLARA LUX

Grade level: 10-12

Year: 1 Credit

Prerequisite: 1 year of Concert Choir and audition/approval from instructor.

Description: An auditioned ensemble of Treble Singers, meets every day during school. This fast paced ensemble will perform at all major concerts, as well as festivals and clinics throughout the school year. Emphasis is on more than just vocal technique, as this group will explore more difficult and advanced repertoire. For any students Sophomore - Senior who have at least one year of high school choir, and have auditioned and been accepted. Contact Mr. Scott for audition details or with questions.

MARCHING JAYS

Grade level: 9-12

Summer & First Quarter Only (2 times per week in the evening): 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Students must have prior experience playing a musical instrument or consent of instructor, with the exception of non -band color guard members.

Description: During the summer and first quarter, Marching Jays students will work on music and marching fundamentals in preparation for local parades, as well as field shows at all home varsity football games and marching band competitions. Attendance is crucial to the success of the Marching Jays and attendance at summer, fall rehearsals and performances is required. Because of the significant financial investment of a competitive marching band show, students and parents will be asked to sign a form verifying their commitment to the entire Marching Jays season.

Color Guard is a component of Marching Jays. Marching, dance and creative expression will be offered as part of the color guard experience. Auditions for color guard membership will be held in May. Color guard is open to both band and non-band students.

WIND ENSEMBLE

Grade Level: 10-12 by audition, or by consent of instructor; consists of students who are at an intermediate to advanced level of ability

Year: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Students must have prior experience playing a musical instrument or consent of instructor.

Description: The Wind Ensemble studies and performs music of many styles and periods of music history, generally at a difficulty level of Class A and B (WSMA standards). In addition, all Wind Ensemble members will have a biweekly individual/group instruction to continue to improve their individual instrumental skills. Attendance is mandatory at all performances.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Grade level: 9-12, or by consent of instructor; consist of students who are at a beginner to intermediate level of ability

Year: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Students must have prior experience playing a musical instrument or consent of an instructor.

Description: The MHS Symphonic Band consists of students who are developing a more mature playing ability on their instrument. The Symphonic Band studies and performs music of many styles and periods of music history, generally at a difficulty level of Class B and C (WSMA standards). All Symphonic Band members will have biweekly individual/group instruction to continue to improve their individual instrumental skills. Attendance is mandatory at all performances.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Grade Level: 9-12

Year (meets 2-3 per week before school): 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Jazz Ensemble students must be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. With the consent of the instructor, guitar, bass, and piano players are an exception to this rule if they do not play a regular band instrument.

Description: This ensemble is an extension of the traditional band program. This class will include the introduction, study, and performance of the following jazz components: rhythm, notation, literature, history, and improvisation. Depending on enrollment, this class may be divided into 2 jazz ensembles: 1) Beginning, 2) Intermediate/Advanced. Placement in one of the jazz ensembles will be determined through auditions to be conducted in the fall.

MUSIC THEORY

Grade level: 11-12

Year: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Previous formal music instruction and consent of the instructor.

Description: Music Theory is offered to juniors and seniors interested in learning more about the non-performing aspects of music. Included in the course will be units in music theory, ear training and music history. Listening is also an important component of this course.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCTION

Grade level: 10-12

Semester: 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Description: Music Technology and Production students will create their own music through technology. Students will be introduced to the uses, concepts, techniques, and terminology of music technology through the use of music applications. Students will gain experience with music software and hardware, as well as learning beginning level music literacy (reading & writing music) and keyboard skills.