Course Descriptions

Popular Music in American History

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S     Prerequisite: None     

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This course will look at the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll and popular music in America beginning with the roots in the 1950s through present day. Students will learn to listen analytically to music comparing sounds and styles and making connections to musical evolution and the evolution of rock and popular music in America. Students will also explore how society shaped the development and evolution of Rock ‘n’ Roll and conversely how Rock ‘n’ Roll shaped society. 

Beginning Choir

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S     Prerequisite: None     

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This course is intended to help students with an interest in singing improve their music reading and singing skills. This course welcomes students of all levels and musical backgrounds. Students will learn music literacy and develop healthy vocal technique. Beginning students will have the opportunity to build skills necessary to become independent as well as group singers with healthy technique and music theory knowledge so they may enjoy a lifetime of singing.

Concert Choir

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: None     

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

The MRH Concert Choir is for students who wish to rigorously study vocal/choral music. Emphasis is placed on vocal technique and music theory, with in-class and public performances as an outgrowth of classroom work. The MRH Concert Choir frequently performs throughout the community and extracurricular time is required. Additionally, students of this ensemble are expected to audition for the St. Louis Suburban All-District Choir. 

Treble Choir

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: Audition and instructor approval     

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

The MRH Treble Choir is a part-specific advanced choir (upper voices, Soprano 1 and 2, Alto 1 and 2; or SSAA) is for higher-voiced students who wish to rigorously study vocal/choral music. Emphasis is placed on vocal technique and advanced music theory, with in-class and public performances as an outgrowth of classroom work. The MRH Treble choir performs throughout the community and extracurricular time is required. Additionally, students of this ensemble are strongly encouraged to audition for the St. Louis Suburban All-District Choir. All students, pending an audition and listening to your voice (prior to entry) are welcome. Students are expected to be present at all performances unless arranged otherwise.

Jazz Improvisation

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: Audition   

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

Jazz Improvisation is a continuation of the band program from the previous level and is designed for students who have played a band instrument for at least two years.  Students are evaluated on participation/effort, attitude, behavior, attendance, the development and improvement of technical skills, musicianship, and theory.  Topics of study include ear training, music theory, development of listening skills, sight-reading and instrumental performance techniques.  Jazz Improvisation is designed to build upon the musical and performance skills students have acquired and to further develop the knowledge, skills and attitude that are required to perform in a variety of musical arrangements.  The focus of this course is on performance techniques and music literacy.  Public performances are given as a culmination of this study and are a requirement of the course.

Jazz Ensembles I & II

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: Two years of middle school band (or audition) and instructor approval   

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

These performing groups are select instrumental ensembles comprised of up to 20 students each who generally have at least 2-3 years of experience on the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, or drums.  Students delve into jazz improvisation and a variety of different styles such a swing, blues, shuffles, Latin, fusion, and rock/funk.  Students receive personal instruction primarily in aspects of tone, instrumental technique, and styles respective to their instruments.  Participation in dress rehearsals and performances outside the school day is required.  Students must supply their own instruments, except for drums and keyboard; amplifiers are provided at school.  

These courses provide basic instruction in jazz-related rhythm, tone, style, concept, listening skills, woodwind-doubling possibilities, and improvisation. The ultimate goal of these ensembles is to give interested students an opportunity to study and perform jazz ensemble literature.

Stage Band

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: Audition required; open to vocalists & rhythm section musicians with prior experience   

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This ensemble will perform rhythm and blues, folk, rock, jazz, gospel, soul and other pop music styles with emphasis placed on developing ensemble playing, as opposed to developing individual improvisational skills.  This ensemble may be composed of the traditional “big band” instrumentation – saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section, and augmented with non-traditional instruments.  This music performance class features the Rhythm & Blues Band, the school rock band that involves some of the school’s finest instrumentalists and vocalists.  The main focus of the band is to provide engaging and inspiring music at school and community events.  In addition, over the past several years, the group has been able to expand its musical repertoire and perform at a variety of other venues, such as: Maplewood’s Concert for a Cause, Taste of Maplewood, and the National School Boards Association Conference in New Orleans, LA.  Students must supply their own instruments except for drums and keyboards; amplifiers are provided at school.   All students will be expected to memorize all of their music and choreography.

This class is also offered for advanced credit through the 1818 ACC at St. Louis University.  Students will earn 3 credit hours for an entire year of French III. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in order to participate.  Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to SLU.