MUSIC

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1301060 – M/J Guitar 1

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Students learn to read music, identify notes, understand and play written rhythms, and explore basic harmony and composition. Fundamental guitar technique, interpretation, and performance skills are developed through solo and ensemble literature. Assessment includes performance of musical excerpts and theory work, both written and played. Guitar is provided. A gaming-style audio headset (exact type specified by the instructor) is required.

Grade: 8 only

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1301070 – M/J Guitar 2

Prerequisite: MS Guitar 1

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

Technique, interpretation, and performance skills are further developed with increased emphasis on ensemble playing. Students explore harmony, composition, and improvisation while expanding their musical understanding. Guitar is provided. A gaming-style audio headset (exact type specified by the instructor) is required.

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1303000 – M/J Chorus 1

Fee: $10

Full Course Description:

Students learn to read music, identify notes, and sing rhythms as written. Instruction emphasizes proper breathing, vocal technique, and expressive singing while performing grade-level choral literature through solos, ensembles, and large group settings. Assessment includes performance excerpts and written and sung theory work. Concert attire is required.

Grades: 8 only

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1303010 – M/J Chorus 2

Prerequisite: MS Chorus 1 or teacher recommendation

Fee: $10

Full Course Description:

Students continue developing music reading skills, vocal technique, and ensemble performance abilities. Emphasis is placed on healthy vocal production, musical expression, and more complex choral repertoire. Assessment includes performance and theory work. Concert attire is required.

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1302040 – M/J Orch 1

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass while developing music notation reading skills. Instruction includes posture, pitch, rhythm, proper instrument position, and music vocabulary. Students perform Grade 1 string orchestral literature. Instruments must be rented or purchased. Required supplies include Essential Elements for Strings Book 1, instrument, rosin, shoulder rest (violin/viola), and a rock stop (cello/bass).

Grades: 8 only

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1302050 – M/J Orch 2

Prerequisite: MS Orchestra 1 or teacher placement

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students continue developing instrumental technique, music literacy, and ensemble skills through more challenging repertoire. Emphasis remains on posture, tone production, rhythm, pitch accuracy, and performance skills. Placement is based on prerequisites and teacher discretion.

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1302000 – M/J Band 1

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play a woodwind or brass instrument of their choice while developing music reading skills. Instruction includes posture, rhythm, pitch, proper instrument position, and music vocabulary. Students perform Grade 1 band literature. Instruments must be rented or purchased through local music stores or online vendors.

Grades: 8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1302010 – M/J Band 2

Full Course Description:

Students will learn to play the woodwind or brass instrument of their choice: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or tuba. Students will continue to develop music notation reading skills through the study of their instrument and will rehearse and perform Grade 1 band literature. Rhythm, pitch, posture, proper instrument position, and music vocabulary will be further developed. Class assessment includes the performance of individual musical excerpts and theory work, both written and played. Students are required to rent or purchase their instrument through local music stores or online vendors. Students will be placed into different levels (beginning, intermediate, or advanced) based on prerequisites and teacher discretion. 

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1301030 – M/J Keybd 1

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to read music, identify notes, and play rhythms while developing basic keyboard technique through solo and ensemble performance. Assessment includes performance excerpts and written and played theory work. A gaming-style audio headset (exact type specified by the instructor) is required.

Grade: 8 only

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 1301040 – M/J Keybd 2

Prerequisite: MS Keyboard 1

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students focus on individualized learning, sight-reading, and expanded theory including major and minor scales and chords. Assessment includes solo repertoire, ensemble performance, and theory application. A gaming-style audio headset (exact type specified by the instructor) is required.

Grades: 7–8

FOCUS Course Number & Name:      1302110 M/J INSTRU ENS 1

FOCUS Course Number & Name:      1302110A M/J INSTRU ENS 1

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students learn to play a variety of percussion instruments including snare drum, mallet instruments, and timpani. Instruction includes music reading, rhythm development, and ensemble performance. Students perform Grade 1 percussion literature. Required supplies include Vic Firth SD1 General drumsticks and a gum rubber practice pad. Rental fees may apply for use of school-owned instruments.