Music Classes

Music Classes available at Northwest High School

Choir 1, 2, and 3

Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will develop the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing in multiple keys and parts. Students will sing primarily state-level 3-4 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts as well as the opportunity to participate in other festivals/performances, and students are expected to participate in all performances.

Chamber Choir

Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will refine proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing in multiple keys and parts. Students will primarily sing state level 5-6 music. This ensemble has an active performance schedule, which may include multiple concerts, school performances, and festivals, and students are expected to participate in all performances.

Concert Orchestra Levels 1 and 2

Students develop skills that will enable them to perform music at the Grade IV to VI levels of difficulty. They focus on the study of literature composed originally for the orchestra during the 20th and 21st centuries. Additional experiences may include full symphony orchestra, chamber and solo performance, and musical Theatre orchestra. Public performances during and after school hours may be required to meet course objectives. This course may be repeated for credit.

Symphonic Orchestra Levels 3 and 4

Students develop and refine the skills that will enable them to perform music at the Grade III level of difficulty. Transposition, melodic dictation, and performance of triads are included. Music history, performance critiques, and musical composition projects may be used. Public performances outside of the school day may be required to meet course objectives. A second year of Advanced Orchestra may be substituted for the first year of Concert Orchestra. This course may be repeated once for credit

Guitar 1, 2, 3 and 4

Students will learn to create, perform, and respond to guitar music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will learn and develop beginning guitar skills, including selected major, minor, seventh, and power chords; major, minor, and pentatonic scales; basic strumming, picking, and fingerpicking; and tuning technique. Cultural, historical, personal, and social context are studied as they relate to guitar repertoire. Students develop effective practice habits so they will be able to progress independently. This course is open to all students, regardless of music background. This course satisfies the fine arts graduation requirement and may be taken up to three times for credit.

Piano 1, 2, 3, and 4

Students will create, perform, and respond to piano music in a variety of styles/ genres. Students will learn and develop beginning piano skills and techniques, music literacy, chord chart reading, and basic music theory concepts. Cultural, historical, personal, and social context are studied as they relate to piano repertoire. Students will develop effective practice habits so they will be able to progress independently. This course is open to all students, regardless of music background. This course satisfies the fine arts graduation requirement and may be taken up to 3 times for credit.

Music Perspectives

Students analyze and discuss jazz, folk, popular, and classical music representing a variety of eras and cultures. Through listening, performing, and composing, students learn about music notation, form, and style. They examine the art of performance from the perspective of the audience, the performer, and the critic. Attendance at live performances is encouraged.

AP Music Theory

Students with strong interest and preparation in music study to meet the requirements of the College Board for AP in Music Theory. Practice in sight-singing, dictation, composition, and improvisation is complemented by listening and score analysis. In the second semester, students read, write, and analyze music of increasing complexity. They study in detail the techniques used to compose music, including electronic media. Students must be able to read music before taking this class.

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