Wondering how to fit music into your schedule?? Click here to view MCPS course offerings for taking Health and Tech credits online for FREE during the spring, summer, or fall!  

SVHS music students often take these classes and come highly recommended by many students that have completed them, and they allow students to take music for all 4 years!

Audition information is now up for advanced instrumental groups at SVHS!   

-Auditions are taking place in early April 2024, and are for placement in ensembles for next school year.

-Click here to learn more about the audition process

-Click here to sign up for an audition

-Click here to view audition music

Click below to see SV instrumental music in action!

Classes with NO previous experience required:

• Introduction to Band/Orchestra- This class is designed to give students with little or no prior experience in music the opportunity to learn a band or orchestra instrument! Students do not need to own an instrument, one will be provided.  Students will learn the basics of how to read music & playing the instrument of their choice.  Instruments available may include: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion/drums, violin, viola, cello, upright bass (subject to availability). 

Classes with previous experience required, but no audition is required:

• Concert Orchestra- Perform intermediate level orchestra music in several concerts throughout the year.  Learn to perform a wide variety of music while performing on stage.  Elements of performance, technique, music theory and history will be covered throughout the year.  No audition is required, previous experience on a string instrument and/or completion of Introduction to Band/Orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass) is required.  

• Concert Band- Perform intermediate level band music in several concerts throughout the year.  Learn to perform a wide variety of music while performing on stage.  Elements of performance, technique, music theory and history will be covered throughout the year.  No audition is required, previous experience on a band instrument is required (wind instrument or drums)

• Jazz Lab Band- (new for 2024-2025) Learn to perform music in the jazz style (rock, funk, swing, blues, etc) and improvise.  Experience on an instrument is required, but no audition is required.  This class is great for the developing  musician interested in learning more about soloing and playing in the jazz style.  This class is available to all instruments, including those which are not typically found in a jazz band.  Concerts will occur throughout the year.

Advanced-level courses, audition IS required:

• Jazz Band- This is one of our two advanced ensembles in the instrumental music department, and they perform in gigs regularly throughout the year.  This group performs rock, jazz, funk, and many other types of music at an advanced level.  This class is ideal for the motivated musician who is serious about music.  Instruments accepted: Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Piano, Bass, Guitar.

 Audition IS required; contact Mr. Stephens for audition information. 

• Advanced Band/Orchestra- This is one of our two advanced ensembles in the instrumental music music department. This is our premier symphonic ensemble, and students in this group are some of the top string or band musicians in the school.  Music performed is advanced, and this class is ideal for the motivated musician who is serious about music!  Instruments accepted are: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Percussion.  

Audition IS required; contact Mr. Stephens for audition information. 

Interested in auditioning for an advanced-level group? Click here for Audition Information!

**New for 2024-2025 School Year: The SVHS Music Department will be offering IB Music as a course option for SVHS students!

This is a challenging, college/AP-level music course for students interesting in learning more about music theory, history, and ethnomusicology.  If you are interested in learning more about this class, please contact Mr. Stephens, music department chair, for more information at Adam_R_Stephens@mcpsmd.org.

This class is designed for students with previous experience in music & the ability to read notated music.  This is not an exploratory music course for those with minimal or no background in music.