FINE ARTS: MUSIC

Grade(s): 9 (10-12 by teacher recommendation) Prerequisite: None 

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in Cardinal Band will develop their skills as performers along with their understanding of music as an art form.   Students will perform in several evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also perform in small groups and as individuals.  Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance.  Cardinal Band members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, jazz band, field trips, and pep band.  Cardinal Band is designed for wind or brass players who are in 9th grade or are new to their band instrument. Students new to band instruments are allowed to enroll.  This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Previous membership in CARDINAL BAND or audition with band teachers 

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in Concert Band will build upon previous knowledge and skills to develop as performers and holistic musicians.   Students will perform in several evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also perform in small groups and as individuals.  Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance.  Concert Band members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, jazz band, field trips, and pep band.  Concert Band is designed for 10th-12th grade students with prior experience on a band instrument. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Teacher Placement 

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in the Chamber Wind Ensemble will study the art of music while emphasizing performance of collegiate level repertoire for wind ensemble and classic chamber works for winds.   Students will perform in many evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also have performances in small groups and as individuals.  Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance.  Chamber Wind Ensemble members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, jazz band, field trips, pep band, and full orchestra.  Chamber Wind Ensemble is designed for 10th-12th grade students who have attained a high level of proficiency on their band instrument. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Teacher Placement 

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in the Symphonic Winds will study the art of music while emphasizing performance of collegiate level repertoire for wind ensemble and classic chamber works for winds. Students will perform in many evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also have performances in small groups and as individuals. Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance. Symphonic Winds members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, jazz band, field trips, and pep band. Symphonic Winds is designed for 10th-12th grade students who have attained a high level of proficiency on their band instrument. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 9 (10-12 by teacher recommendation) Prerequisite: Middle school percussion experience

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in Cardinal Percussion will develop the same musical knowledge and skills as in Cardinal Band but through the specific lens of percussion performance.  Students will develop their skills as performers along with their understanding of music as an art form.   Students will perform in several evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also perform in small groups and as individuals.  Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance.  Cardinal Percussion members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, drum line, jazz band, field trips, and pep band.  Cardinal Percussion is designed for percussionists who are in 9th grade or are new to their band instrument. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Teacher placement

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in Advanced Percussion will emphasize performance of collegiate percussion repertoire to develop their skills as performers along with their understanding of music as an art form.  Students will perform in many evening band concerts throughout the year, and will also have performances in small groups and as individuals.  Students will also study how music works, including music theory, notation, composition, improvisation, and cultural relevance.  Advanced Percussion members will be eligible to participate in all facets of the band program, including festivals, marching band, drum line, jazz band, field trips, pep band, and full orchestra.  Advanced Percussion is designed for 10th-12th grade students ready to study percussion repertoire at a near-collegiate level. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in Cardinal Chorale will engage in activities such as development of vocal technique and music reading skills, and will gain exposure to a variety of choral literature, cultural traditions, and languages to foster independent musicianship. Students will be expected to attend small group instruction and participate in evening concerts, and other optional activities, field trips and performance opportunities will also be available. This course may be repeated. 

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Successful audition with the instructor

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course                                          

Students in Cantus will engage in activities such as development of vocal technique, music reading skills and stylistic practices, and will gain exposure to a variety of choral masterworks, cultural traditions and languages to foster independent musicianship. Students will be expected to attend small group instruction and participate in evening concerts, and other optional activities, field trips, and performance opportunities will also be available. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Successful audition with the instructor

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course                              

Students in Concert Choir will engage in activities such as development of vocal technique, music reading skills and stylistic practices, and will gain exposure to advanced level choral masterworks, cultural traditions and languages to foster independent musicianship. Students will be expected to attend small group instruction and participate in evening concerts, and other optional activities, field trips, and performance opportunities will also be available. This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 9 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course                                                    

Students in Cardinal Orchestra will be in an entry-level string orchestra where students will perform standard orchestral literature, explore alternative musical styles (jazz, fiddling, etc.) and sharpen skills such as vibrato and shifting. Students will grow as musicians through both large-group rehearsal and small-group instruction. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo/ensemble festivals and evening concerts.  Students new to stringed instruments are allowed to enroll.  This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11 Prerequisite: Grades 10,11, or Grade 9 by audition

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course  

Students in Sinfonia will develop their music performance skills and ability to perform in a large ensemble through large group rehearsal and small group instruction. Musicians in Sinfonia will learn advanced concepts of phrasing, interpretation, and musical precision. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo/ensemble festivals, a district tour and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists may enroll for this course. Harpists and pianists can also enroll, and these students will perform on these instruments and perhaps also learn a bowed string instrument.   This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 12 Prerequisite: Grade 12, Grades 9-11 by audition

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course 

Students in Symphony Orchestra will continue to advance their musicianship in this advanced level course. The curriculum, through large-group rehearsal and small-group instruction, stresses high-quality standard orchestral literature, personal development, and leadership. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo/ensemble festivals, a district tour, and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, harpists, and pianists may enroll for this course, while winds, brass, and percussion will be selected from band courses for the full orchestra experience.   This course may be repeated.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Students in this course will explore the art, aesthetics, and musical styles that superseded and made the genre possible while examining various issues regarding race, class, gender, politics, and society. This class will allow students to deeply analyze all aspects of hip hop as an art form, and students will study iconic originators, albums, and innovations within the art form. Students will perform pivotal aspects of hip hop through performance of the five pillars to create and find their own voice in. Course work will consist of Beat Making, DJing / Turntablizm, Rapping/Singing and Recording Arts and Technology.

Students who wish to learn more about the cultural, political and social components of the Hip Hop movement can sign up for SST6915 through the Social Studies department. Students are able to receive credit for taking both courses.  

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12 Prerequisite: None 

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Students in Performing Arts for Diverse Learners will be engaged in music, acting, and dancing in this semester long course. This blended class of special education students and traditional learners will work together to develop artistic skills, self-expression, and self-confidence through the exploration of the different forms of performing arts. Students who are interested in education or social services, who like to be peer models and help others, or who would just value the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students are highly encouraged to take this course.

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12 Prerequisite: None 

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Students in Music Workshop I will develop music making skills and explore music literacy using the medium of folk, pop, and rock music. This is an entry-level music course for students who do not have experience playing guitar and keyboard and/or writing songs. Hands-on instruction will be provided on guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Students will also learn about the development of a variety of music genres, analyze song form/structure, develop lyric writing skills, and explore music performance.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Prerequisite: MUSIC WORKSHOP I and/or proficiency on Guitar AND Keyboard (must complete a guitar/keyboard assessment with instructor     prior to enrolling if MUSIC WORKSHOP I has not been completed)

Students in Music Workshop II will create their own music and/or cover the music of others. In this class, students will analyze song form/structure and harmonic progressions, write melodies and lyrics, and learn to accompany themselves and others on keyboard or guitar. Students in this course will also complete a portfolio of original works and projects in a variety of styles and formats (mp3, video, sheet music). Successful completion of Music Workshop I is required.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Fine Arts Year Course

Students in AP Music Theory/Advanced Music will focus on the creative process by investigating how Western Classical Music is built (music theory), how it was used (music history), and how we can create with it today (composition).  Students will learn about music structure, form, harmony, and evolution and will also utilize technology as they craft their own compositions. Competent music reading skills are a prerequisite for this course. Additional topics will include music critique, conducting, arranging and orchestration, advanced compositional techniques, and form analysis. The AP Music Theory Exam is an optional part of this course.

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Students in Digital Music Production I will create audio tracks, sample sound sources, and record instruments and voices as part of the music production process.  This course provides an introduction to sampling, MIDI instruments, microphones, and mixing/post-production work. Students will produce a portfolio of completed audio projects in a variety of styles and formats.  No musical background is necessary.  Interested students who are enrolled or have completed Digital Music Production I will have the opportunity to learn how to use the school recording studio.

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12 Prerequisite: Digital Music Production I

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts Semester Course

Students in Digital Music Production II will learn to create and produce music using a variety of hardware and software as a continuation of DMP I. Students will collaborate to create their own portfolios using different music technology, recording, sampling, and creation techniques. Students will also explore opportunities and pathways in careers related to music production.  Students enrolling in Digital Music Production II should have at least one specific area of interest related to music production.