MUSIC

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1301320 GUITAR 1

1301330 GUITAR 2

1301340 GUITAR 3

1301350 GUITAR 4 HONORS

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

The development of fundamental skills in guitar technique, interpretation, and performance. Instruction progresses from basic harmony and composition to advanced technique, ensemble performance, harmony, and composition. Guitar is provided. Students must complete one level before moving to the next. Required supplies include one audio (gaming style) headset (exact type will be specified by the instructor).

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1301320EG GUITAR 1

1301330EG GUITAR 2

Prerequisite: 2 years of guitar and a teacher recommendation

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Master the electric guitar in this engaging class. Students explore essential techniques, iconic solos, fretboard harmony, and improvisation. Designed for intermediate and advanced players, this course develops the skills needed to play with confidence, creativity, and style while unlocking the techniques behind legendary guitar performances.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1301360 KEYBD 1

1301370 KEYBD 2

1301380 KEYBD 3

1301390 KEYBD 4 HONORS

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to read music, play different rhythms, and understand basic keyboard fundamentals. Instruction includes both solo and ensemble performance, along with written theory work. Designed for students with little or no musical experience, the course progresses in difficulty as skills improve. Students must complete one level before advancing. Required supplies include one audio (gaming style) headset (exact type will be specified by the instructor).

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1303300 CHORUS 1

1303310 CHORUS 2

1303320 CHORUS 3

1303330 CHORUS 4

Fee: $10

Full Course Description:

The purpose of this course is for students to develop individual and ensemble skills in choral and vocal performance through preparation of varied high school choral repertoire. Emphasis is placed on healthy and expressive singing, accurate interpretation of notation, and critical and aesthetic response to music. Assessment includes music reading skills, rhythmic notation, and sight-singing. Concert attire is required.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1302360 ORCH 1

1302370 ORCH 2

1302380 ORCH 3

1302390 ORCH 4

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass while developing music notation reading skills. Instruction includes rhythm, pitch, posture, proper instrument position, and music vocabulary. Students perform Grade 1 string orchestra literature and are assessed through individual musical excerpts and theory work. Students must rent or purchase their instrument. Required supplies include Essential Elements for Strings Book 1, instrument, rosin, shoulder rest (violin/viola), and a rock stop (cello/bass). Placement into levels is based on prerequisites and teacher discretion.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1302300 BAND 1

1302310 BAND 2

1302320 BAND 3

1302330 BAND 4

Fee: $25 (additional rental fees may apply)

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play a woodwind or brass instrument of their choice while developing music reading skills. Instruction focuses on rhythm, pitch, posture, proper instrument position, and music vocabulary. Students perform Grade 1 band literature and are assessed through performance excerpts and theory work. Instruments must be rented or purchased. Required supplies include the Tradition of Excellence method book and appropriate instrument care materials. Placement is based on prerequisites and teacher discretion.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1302460 INSTRU ENS 1

1302470 INSTRU ENS 2

1302480 INSTRU ENS 3

1302490 INSTRU ENS 4 HON

Prerequisite: One full year of Beginning Band on percussion or audition/invitation

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play snare drum, mallet instruments, and timpani while developing music notation reading skills. Instruction includes performance of Grade 1 percussion literature, individual excerpts, and theory work. Students must purchase Vic Firth SD1 General drumsticks and a gum rubber practice pad. Rental fees apply for school-owned instruments.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1302500 JAZZ ENS 1

1302510 JAZZ ENS 2

1302520 JAZZ ENS 3

1302530 JAZZ ENS 4 HON

Enrollment: Audition or invitation only

Fee: $25 (additional fees may apply)

Full Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to develop fundamental skills in jazz performance through study of styles and performance techniques drawn from varied jazz and contemporary literature. Students perform in ensemble settings and refine improvisation and stylistic interpretation.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1303440 VOCAL ENS 1

1303450 VOCAL ENS 2

1303460 VOCAL ENS 3

1303470 VOCAL ENS 4 HON

Fee: $20

Full Course Description:

Open to high school students by audition only, this heavily performance-based ensemble is the premier choral group at MSA. Students perform at school and community events, including the Florida MPA competition. Instruction includes advanced vocal technique, ensemble singing skills, music reading, rhythmic notation, and fast sight-singing. Formal competition attire is required.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

1302450 INSTRU TECNQS 4 HON

Enrollment: Audition or instructor permission

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students gain experience selecting songs, arranging music, rehearsing as a band, and delivering cohesive performances. The ensemble performs popular music styles and original student compositions. Groups include vocalists and a rhythm section with drums, bass, guitar, piano, and keyboard, with additional instruments as needed.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Numbers & Names:

1304300 MUS TECH & SO ENG 1

1304310 MUS TECH & SO ENG 2

1300340 MUSIC WORLD

Enrollment: Audition or instructor permission

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Music Production is a hands-on sound recording and audio engineering class partnering with Commercial Music Ensemble to produce studio-quality recordings of MSA Rocks bands. Students also manage live sound for events and learn professional microphone setup and recording techniques using Pro Tools. The course prepares students with real-world studio and live sound experience.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

1300395 AICE MUSIC 1 AS

Prerequisite: One year of another music elective and faculty recommendation

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

AICE Pre-College Music develops creative and critical thinking through foundational music theory and an introduction to MIDI using digital audio workstations and notation software. Students create, mix, and produce original compositions while studying music history and appreciation. The curriculum parallels a college Music Theory I course and includes reflective writing and critical listening.