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.

High School Band

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: 2-3 years of experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument  

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

The MRH High School Band is a year long, traditional concert band including woodwinds, brass, percussion and string bass.  Students must have at least 2-3 years of experience on their instrument to enroll in the ensemble.  Emphasis is placed on instrumental technique and music theory, with in-class and public performances as an outgrowth of classroom work. The MRH High School Band frequently performs throughout the community and extracurricular time is required for events such as pep band, concerts, evaluations and community performances.

Percussion Ensemble

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: 2-3 years of experience on an instrument or proficiency at reading and performing rhythms using traditional notation.

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

The MRH Percussion Ensemble is a year long, instrumental ensemble including percussion, piano, guitar and bass.  Students must have at least 2-3 years of experience on an instrument to enroll in the ensemble, or must be proficient at reading and performing rhythms using traditional notation.  Emphasis is placed on instrumental technique and music theory, with in-class and public performances as an outgrowth of classroom work. Students in this ensemble will perform both concert percussion ensemble literature and learn basic techniques in drumline performance.  The MRH Percussion Ensemble frequently performs throughout the community and extracurricular time is required for events such as drumline, concerts, and community performances.

Jazz Band

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y     Prerequisite: Successful Audition   

Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

The MRH Jazz Band is a year long, auditioned ensemble including saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass vibes, drums and vocals.  Enrollment will be limited to no more than two musicians on each instrument, and a successful audition will be required for participation. Students must have at least 2-3 years of experience on their instrument to be considered for an audition.  Emphasis is placed on improvisation and a variety of styles such as swing, blues, shuffle, Latin, fusion, and rock/funk.  In-class and public performances as an outgrowth of curriculum work is required, and the MRH Jazz Band frequently performs throughout the community. Extracurricular time is required for events such as concerts, evaluations and community performances.