Fine Arts: Music
Music
The Music Department offers a wide variety of courses for students with all levels of ability. Students who want to explore music for personal enrichment or pursue art on the post-secondary level and beyond are encouraged to participate.
CONCERT BAND 5525
This is a course designed for those students who wish to participate in a large instrumental ensemble. Instructional emphasis is placed on instrumental music fundamentals: i.e., scales, intonation, phrasing, tone production, etc. Student members also receive one group lesson a week on their instrument as part of a rotating schedule. Students are responsible for all Concert Band activities throughout the year. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory, including scheduled after school and evening rehearsals. Marching Band participation enhances the ensemble experience and is strongly encouraged.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
HONORS WIND ENSEMBLE 5535
Honors credit is offered for advanced students who fulfill audition requirements based on New Jersey Regional standards, including scales, sight-reading and selected solos. Honor students must fulfill all responsibilities of band class. Auditions are held in March. Marching Band participation enhances the ensemble experience and is strongly encouraged.
PREREQUISITES: Eighth Grade participation in CJMEA Regional Orchestra/Band (for 9th grade entry). Teacher recommendation and successful completion of an audition.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
PERCUSSION/HONORS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 5545
This course is designed for all types of percussion with an emphasis on percussion ensemble literature as opposed to concert band/wind ensemble literature. By focusing on percussion literature, percussion students are given more opportunities to play complex rhythms/melodies as well as the wide array of tuned percussion instruments. Marching Band participation enhances the ensemble experience and is highly recommended.
PREREQUISITES: Teacher recommendation and previous participation in high school/middle school performance groups.
CREDIT: 5 TYPE: Honors GRADE:9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ORCHESTRA 5585 - Not running, only Symphonic and Chamber are Orchestra classes
Orchestral instruction is offered to interested string players as an entry-level course. Primary emphasis is placed on expanding student playing skills on string instruments. Students will also learn how to read and interpret sheet music and gain background on musical literature. Performance requirements include appearances at the Winter and Spring Concerts and Graduation. Attendance at individual lessons and group rehearsals is mandatory.
PREREQUISITES: Previous participation in orchestra/teacher recommendation
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
CONCERT CHOIR 5655
The Concert Choir is designed for those students who enjoy singing in a large vocal ensemble. No previous singing experience is necessary. The student will learn proper rehearsal skills, singing techniques, music notation and interpretation. Students will be introduced to various styles of good choral literature. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
MUSIC THEORY I 5675 - Change to Semester Class
This introductory course covers musical basics: i.e., notation, scales, intervals, harmony and their usage in music. The class will explore the various periods of musical development and their relationship to today’s musical trends. Emphasis is placed on individual musical development through sight singing, ear training, and appropriate developmental exercises.
To be successful in this class, it is strongly suggested that the student has some familiarity with reading and/or playing music. In other words, if you are already in Band or Orchestra, or if you can read music on your own, you will adjust better to the requirements of this class.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CO-REQUISITES: Students taking Piano Lab semester 1 will be encouraged to take Music Theory semester 2
MUSIC THEORY II 5873 - Not running
This course is an in-depth study of music theory, designed to build on the concepts introduced and mastered in Music Theory I, and leading into AP Music Theory. Students who have musical training and have a solid foundation in the basics of Music Theory I will have the opportunity to test into this course.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory I (with a grade average of B or better), or successful completion of the Music Theory Final Exam.
Piano Lab - Proposed
This course is an introductory level course into learning to play the piano. Students who take this course will learn music notation and literacy as well as basic piano skills. It serves as a foundation for students with little to no music experience or students interested in learning to play the piano.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
Music Production 1 - 5893
This course is an introductory study of the world of music composition and music production. Students will learn to use music editing and composing software as well as basic audio mixing techniques.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
Music Production 2 - Proposed
This class will build upon the foundations established in Music Production 1. Using an exploratory project based approach, students will build their creative skills while delving deeper into different areas of music technology, such as MIDI, effects, sampling, and live recording. Students will also explore real world careers and opportunities, as well as digital citizenship and thoughtful community & societal engagement.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 10-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Students must take Music Production I (with a grade average of B or better)
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 5575
Honors credit is offered for advanced students who fulfill audition requirements based on New Jersey Regional standards including scales, sight-reading, and selected solos. Honor students must fulfill all responsibilities of orchestra class. Auditions are in March.
PREREQUISITES: Eighth Grade participation in CJMEA Regional Orchestra/Band (for 9th grade entry). Teacher recommendation and successful completion of an audition.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE:10-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 5595
This orchestra group will offer opportunities for those string students who have successfully completed the required course work in the entry-level Orchestra in middle school, yet need additional reinforcement in playing and reading skills before they can qualify to become a member of the Honors level Chamber Orchestra. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Teacher recommendation required.
CREDIT: 5 TYPE: Foundations and General GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5585 - ORCHESTRA
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS CHOIR 5625
The Honors Choir is an advanced select choir that performs the highest quality of classical and popular music. In addition to performing concerts for the Winter and Spring, as well as the Graduation Ceremony, the Honors Choir will perform for various school and community functions. Students will be encouraged to audition for Regional and All-State Chorus. Auditions held in May will be based on New Jersey All-State Chorus Standards that include scales, sight singing and a selected solo. Participation in rehearsals and performance in concerts is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Teacher Recommendation required. 9th grade Concert Choir students must be INVITED at the end of the school year to audition for Honors Choir.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 2 years Concert Choir or 1 year Concert Choir and 1 year Vocal Techniques and successful completion of an audition.
VOCAL TECHNIQUES 5665
This course is geared to the more advanced choral student interested in improving his/her individual vocal/musical skills. Students in this class automatically become members of the Concert Choir. In addition to mastering the repertoire of the Concert Choir, class members receive in-depth instruction in appropriate vocal techniques, including ear training and sightreading. Where applicable, students will perform as soloists and participate in ensemble groups throughout the year. In addition to performing at the Winter, Spring and Graduation Ceremony, Vocal Tech students will perform for various school and community functions. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Previous participation in Concert Choir is required.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5655 - CONCERT CHOIR
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY 5775
Students will be required to read, notate, and compose music. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to listen to musical works attentively and analytically. Course work will include inside and outside classroom assignments. The course is designed like a first year college level theory course. Advanced Placement credit will be given upon successful completion of the AP examination. Emphasis in the course will be on common-practice period tonality, tonal relationships and modulation. Attention will be given to the acquisition of correct notational skills. In addition, the student will gain exposure to familiarity with a wide range and variety of musical literature.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory or Instructor approval.
SURVEY OF MUSIC 5901
An individualized course taught in a small-group setting. In this course students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of music. They will learn basic theory, history of music and explore a variety of genres.
CREDIT: 2.5
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Course approval by CST only
