Music Department Table of Contents

Introduction

Individualized Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP): Students can gain knowledge and skills through the IAAP. Approved by the New York State Education Department, the IAAP includes a three-year sequence of Art or Music courses and summative performance tasks. Students who complete the required courses and tasks will receive an IAAP Arts Seal on their diploma.

Five Unit Sequence in Music: Three units in a performance course and two units in music knowledge courses. Band, chorus and orchestra grades will be included in computing class rank. Band, chorus and orchestra grades must be 90 or above for honor roll and 85 or above for merit roll.

Class Key

P = Prerequisite
E = Elective
R = Regents
AP = Advanced Placement
UHS = University in the High School

Full Year Courses

671L BAND 9-10 E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Band in the preceding year or permission of the Department Supervisor.

The 9-10 Band enables students to further develop musicianship and skills on their band instruments and to experience live performance. Each band member is expected to participate in all assigned performances. Lessons are required of all students in band. Students are excused from regular classes to attend lessons. Students taking private music lessons will have the option of whether or not to participate in school lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so no student should be excused from the same class more than once in each 4 weeks of school.

671T BAND 11-12 E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Band in the preceding year or permission of the Department Supervisor.

The 11-12 Band enables students to further develop musicianship and skills on their band instruments and to experience live performance. Each band member is expected to participate in all assigned performances. Lessons are required of all students in band. Students are excused from regular classes to attend lessons. Students taking private music lessons will have the option of whether or not to participate in school lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so no student should be excused from the same class more than once in each 4 weeks of school.

674 Wind Ensemble E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite:

Required audition in Spring of previous year.
Requirements for Wind Ensemble instrumentation will be followed as set forth by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).

Students entering grades 9 through 12 may audition for Wind Ensemble. Each band member is expected to participate in all assigned band performances. Lessons are required of all students. Students taking private music lessons have the option of whether or not to participate in school lessons. Students are excused from regular classes to attend lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so no student should be excused from the same class more than once in each 4 weeks of school. The Wind Ensemble will combine with members of the 11-12 Orchestra to perform as a Symphonic Orchestra.

673L ORCHESTRA 9-10 E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orchestra in the preceding year or permission of the Department Supervisor.

The 9-10 Orchestra is composed of students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students in the 9-10 Orchestra will develop technique, musicianship and performance skills as an ensemble. Each orchestra member is expected to participate in all performances scheduled for school and community audiences. Lessons are required of all students in Orchestra. Students are excused from regular classes to attend lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so no student should be excused from the same class more than once every 4 weeks of school.

673T ORCHESTRA 11-12 E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orchestra in the preceding year or permission of the Department Supervisor.

The 11-12 Orchestra is composed of students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The 11-12 Orchestra will combine with members of the Wind Ensemble to perform as a Symphonic Orchestra. Students will continue to develop technique, musicianship and performance skills as an ensemble. Each orchestra member is expected to participate in all performances scheduled for school and community audiences. Lessons are required of all students in Orchestra. Students are excused from regular classes to attend lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so that no student should be excused from the same class more than once every 4 weeks of school.

672L CHORUS 9-10 E

Full Year 1 Unit

Chorus 9-10 is in two sections. One section meets the same period as Band and Orchestra 9-10. Students in 9-10 Chorus will learn proper vocal techniques, music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability. The Chorus will perform music from many time periods and cultures. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all scheduled concerts for school and community audiences. Lessons are required of all students in Chorus. Students are excused from study hall and regular classes to attend lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so that no student should be excused from the same class more than once every 5 weeks of school.

672T CHORUS 11-12 E

Full Year 1 Unit

Chorus 11-12 is in two sections. One section meets the same period as 11-12 Band; one section meets the same period as Wind Ensemble and Orchestra 11-12. Students in 11-12 Chorus will continue to develop proper vocal techniques, music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all scheduled concerts for school and community audiences. Lessons are required of all students in Chorus. Students are excused from study hall and regular classes to attend lessons. A rotating schedule of lesson times is planned so that no student should be excused from the same class more than once every 5 weeks of school.

675L/675T BAND/CHORUS E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Same as Symphonic Band.

Students who desire to enroll in both Band and Chorus during the same class period can enroll in 675 Band/Chorus. Grades 9-10 enroll in 675L (LaFollette); students in 11-12 enroll in 675T (Taft). Students alternate rehearsal days between the two ensembles. See the Symphonic Band and Chorus course descriptions for more information. In September, students will sign up to take lessons in only one of the two courses.

676 WIND ENSEMBLE/CHORUS E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Same as Wind Ensemble.

Students who desire to enroll in both Wind Ensemble and Chorus during the same class period can enroll in 676 Wind Ens/Chorus. Wind Ensemble is scheduled during the same period as 11-12 Chorus; students in Wind Ensemble/Chorus are thus enrolled in the 11-12 Chorus regardless of their grade level. Students alternate rehearsal days between the two ensembles. See the Wind Ensemble and Chorus course descriptions for more information. In September, students will sign up to take lessons in only one of the two courses.

677L/677T ORCHESTRA/CHORUS E (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Same as Orchestra.

Students who desire to enroll in both Orchestra and Chorus during the same class period can enroll in 677 Orchestra/Chorus. Grades 9-10 enroll in 677L (LaFollette); students in 11-12 enroll in 677T (Taft). Students alternate rehearsal days between the two ensembles. See the Orchestra and Chorus course descriptions for more information. In September, students will sign up to take lessons in only one of the two courses.

685 POP/ROCK BAND E

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Songwriting/Guitar, one year in SHS performing groups, or experience on guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard. (Note: voice was removed from some references.)

Pop/Rock Band functions as a contemporary ensemble in which students rehearse, arrange, and perform a variety of styles within popular and rock genres. This class provides performing opportunities for students who have experience on guitar, keyboard, drums, or bass. Students who have at least one year or more of experience in band, chorus, or orchestra and have a desire to learn performance skills on rock band instruments are also eligible. The curriculum includes instruction in instrumental technique, ensemble playing, and opportunities for songwriting and collaborative performance. Each Pop/Rock Band member is expected to participate in all scheduled concerts for school and community audiences.

680 SONGWRITING/GUITAR E

Full Year 1 Unit

This introductory-level class is designed to explore opportunities for students to create original music through traditional songwriting and contemporary popular styles. Students will learn functional guitar skills - including basic chords, strumming, tablature, and basic chord progressions - to support their songwriting and performance. Students will explore and create using a variety of styles within popular and rock genres, and may perform at school events. The course provides a strong foundation for musicianship and performance. Please note: experienced guitarists should consider enrolling in Pop/Rock Band.

Half Year Courses

661 MUSIC THEORY 1 E

First Semester ½ Unit

Music Theory 1 studies the practices and possibilities of music, a way to explain and discuss what we hear. The course will include the fundamentals of notation, structures of chords and melodies, melodic and rhythmic dictation and ear training. As preparation for further study in Music Theory, emphasis will be placed on developing skills in analyzing music by ear and on developing the music literacy skills to read and write music, including specific melodic and harmonic elements.

This course is recommended for music sequence or performance students, and any student considering music in college.

Students with experience in music and interest in accelerating their learning toward AP Music Theory may consider trying to test out of Music Theory 1. Contact the District Music Supervisor for requirements.

662 MUSIC THEORY 2 E (P)

Second Semester ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 or permission of the Department Supervisor.

Music Theory 2 will continue the study of rudiments of music, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and will introduce four-part harmony in a classical tradition. This course is recommended for music sequence or performance students, and strongly recommended for any student wishing to pursue music in college.

663 MUSIC THEORY 3 E (P)

First Semester ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Music Theory 2 or permission of the Department Supervisor.

Students will continue the study of dictation, ear training and four-part harmony including inversions and seventh chords. This course is recommended for music sequence or performance students, and strongly recommended for any student wishing to pursue music in college.

664/664AP MUSIC THEORY 4/AP MUSIC THEORY E (P)

Second Semester ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Music Theory 3 or permission of the Department Supervisor.

Students in this course will continue the study of classical harmonic practices, including preparation for the Advanced Placement exam in Music Theory. Students will enroll in Music Theory 3 and 4, and then decide whether to take the AP Music Theory exam. If they take the AP exam, their transcript will show AP Music Theory; otherwise the transcript will stay as Music Theory 4. This course is recommended for music sequence or performance students, and strongly recommended for any student wishing to pursue music in college.

667 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY E (P)

First Semester ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of either one year in a SHS performing group or Music Theory 1.

This course will serve as an introduction to the technology used in music recording, editing and production. Students will learn about the history of music technology and about careers in related fields. They will create electronic compositions, edit and produce music, and record live performances in a simulated studio environment. Class size is limited and, if necessary, preferential scheduling will be given to upperclassmen.

668 ADVANCED MUSIC TECHNOLOGY E (P)

Second Semester ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Technology.

Advanced students will work on a project-based curriculum related to electronic composition, editing and arranging music, and recording. Class size is limited, and if necessary, preferential scheduling will be given to upperclassmen.

678 MUSIC FOUNDATIONS E

Either Semester ½ Unit

Supervisor Recommendation Required

This course will give students opportunities to explore musical performance and appreciation through a variety of learning tasks that are designed to be accessible and tied to students’ learning goals. Students will develop their interpersonal skills through music performance, listening, and study of a variety of musical styles. Students will work together, building a sense of community through music.

APPLIED MUSIC (Private Music Study)

Students may earn one-half credit for private study outside the school by meeting the following requirements:

The student must have completed one year of private study without credit.
The student must receive ½ hour of instruction each week for 36 weeks and must practice a minimum of 5 hours per week.
The student must perform an examination for the District Music Supervisor before credit will be allowed.
Quarterly reports must be filled out and have a grade issued by the private music teacher. Private study should focus on solos, methods, and technique development, at a level that is beyond that which the student would receive in the regular high school music program.

Applications will be made available by the District Music Supervisor at the beginning of each school year, and must be submitted to the Supervisor no later than September 30. A total of two credits may be earned over a period of four years. Applied Music will not meet the graduation requirement for one credit of art/music study, and it may not be used as a part of a five credit fine arts sequence.

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