Students electing to participate in the band program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly instruments, which may be rented from the school.  This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair. Students will be required to purchase black shoes ("Dinkle-Vanguard”) for formal performances as well as a band shirt for informal appearances.

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Students electing to participate in the band program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

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Concert Band is a performance music class designed for developing musicians in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals. Students concentrate on developing ensemble and individual musicianship skills applied in part through concert performances and chamber music opportunities that include the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students in this band will also be required to perform as part of the Neenah High School Marching Band for the homecoming parade and football game and the Memorial Day parade. Students will also be required to perform as part of the Neenah High School Pep Band at various winter athletic events, schedule and the exact number will be determined in the fall of each school year. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities:  Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory. Individual and/or small group lessons and assessments.  Collaborative chamber music projects. Peer and self-assessment activities. Creativity activities involving improvisation and composition.  The marching aspect of this course requires periodic outdoor rehearsals. Regional and national travel opportunities are possible.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly instruments, which may be rented from the school.  This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair. Students will be required to purchase black shoes ("Dinkle-Vanguard”) for formal performances as well as a band shirt for informal appearances.

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Students electing to participate in the band program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

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Symphonic Band is a performance music class designed for advancing musicians in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals.  Students concentrate on developing medial ensemble and individual musicianship skills studying the music of grade 3 and above as determined on a scale of 1-6. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and chamber music opportunities that include the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students in this band will also perform as part of the Neenah High School Marching Band. This aspect of the course will focus on developing marching techniques and will be applied in part through parades and home football games. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily. Technology supported music theory. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Collaborative chamber music projects. Peer and self-assessment activities. Creativity activities involving improvisation and composition. The marching aspect of this course requires periodic outdoor rehearsals, Regional and

National travel opportunities are possible.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly instruments, which may be rented from the school.  This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair. Students will be required to purchase black shoes ("Dinkle-Vanguard”) for formal performances as well as a band shirt for informal appearances.

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Students electing to participate in the band program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

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Wind Symphony is a performance music class designed for advanced musicians in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals. Students concentrate on developing advanced ensemble and individual musicianship skills studying the music of grade 4 and above as determined on a scale of 1-6. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and chamber music opportunities that include the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students in this band will also perform as part of the Neenah High School Marching Band. This aspect of the course will focus on developing marching techniques and will be applied in part through parades and home football games. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory.  Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Self-directed collaborative chamber music projects and opportunities for conducting. Advanced peer and self-assessment activities. Advanced creativity activities involving improvisation and composition. The marching aspect of this course requires periodic outdoor rehearsals, Regional and National travel opportunities are possible.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly instruments, which may be rented from the school.  This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair. Students will be required to purchase black shoes ("Dinkle-Vanguard”) for formal performances as well as a band shirt for informal appearances.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

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This choir is primarily for freshmen. It is a performing music class in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals.  Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble and individual musicianship skills by studying music individually and as an ensemble. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and optional participation in the  WSMA  Solo  & Ensemble  Festival.  In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required. Basic theory and sight singing will also be studied.

Activities:  Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily. Technology supported study of music theory. Individual and/ or small-group lessons and assessments. Peer and self-assessment activities.

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

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Concert Choir provides for training in vocal/choral performance,  which includes tone,  blend,  diction,  musicality, interpretation,  and proper attitude.  It is a performing music class in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals. Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble and individual musicianship skills by studying music individually and as an ensemble. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and optional participation in the WSMA Solo & Ensemble  Festival. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a  positive contribution to the ensemble,  individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory.  Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Peer and self-assessment activities.

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

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Cantabile (pronounced /känˈtäbəˌlā/) provides training for women in vocal/ choral performance, which includes tone,  blend,  diction, musicality, interpretation, and proper attitude. It is a performing music class in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals.  Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble and individual musicianship skills by studying music individually and as an ensemble. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and optional participation in the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily, technology-supported music theory, individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments, peer and self-assessment activities.    Creativity activities involving arranging and composition.

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

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Cantare (pronounced con tar a) provides advanced training in vocal/choral performance including vocal production, sight-reading, musicality, interpretation, and repertoire (both a cappella and accompanied). It is a performance music class in which students are exposed to music from the Baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals. 

Activities: Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily, technology-supported music theory, individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments, peer and self-assessment activities.

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the choir program will be placed into one of the following ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble balance 

• Advanced placement desire

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Prerequisite: A minimum of one year of high school choir. 

Advanced Chamber Choir provides advanced training in vocal/choral performance including vocal production, sight-reading, musicality, interpretation and repertoire. It is a performing music class in which students are exposed to music from the baroque to contemporary periods primarily via large group rehearsals.

Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble and individual musicianship skills by studying music individually and as an ensemble. These skills are applied in part through concert performances and required participation in the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory.  Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Collaborative chamber music projects. Peer and self-assessment activities.

Cost: Women provide a white blouse and a black dress shoes with flat or low heels. Men provide white shirt, black dress pants, and dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the orchestra program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones, which may be rented from the school. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as rosin, strings, mutes and bow rehairing. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.  All Orchestra students will be issued black concert attire. Students will be required to provide appropriate black dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the orchestra program will  be  placed  into  one  of  the  following  ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

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Sinfonietta and Concert Orchestra are performing ensembles designed for emerging musicians and provide opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through playing orchestral string instruments. Sinfonietta Orchestra is primarily comprised of Freshmen, while Concert Orchestra is a mixture of grades 10 - 12. 

Students will study repertoire at grade 2 and above as determined on a scale of 1-6.  Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal habits.  Students will have opportunities to experience the spontaneity of improvisation and the creative process of composition.  Students will strengthen listening skills and their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required. 

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments.  Collaborative chamber music projects.  Peer and self-assessment activities.  Creativity activities involving improvisation and composition.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones, which may be rented from the school. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as rosin, strings, mutes and bow rehairing. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.  All Orchestra students will be issued black concert attire. Students will be required to provide appropriate black dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the orchestra program will  be  placed  into  one  of  the  following  ensembles considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

_________________________________

Sinfonietta and Concert Orchestra are performing ensembles designed for emerging musicians and provide opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through playing orchestral string instruments. Sinfonietta Orchestra is primarily comprised of Freshmen, while Concert Orchestra is a mixture of grades 10 - 12. 

Students will study repertoire at grade 2 and above as determined on a scale of 1-6.  Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal habits.  Students will have opportunities to experience the spontaneity of improvisation and the creative process of composition.  Students will strengthen listening skills and their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required. 

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily.  Technology supported music theory. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments.  Collaborative chamber music projects.  Peer and self-assessment activities.  Creativity activities involving improvisation and composition.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones, which may be rented from the school. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as rosin, strings, mutes and bow rehairing. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.  All Orchestra students will be issued black concert attire. Students will be required to provide appropriate black dress shoes.

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Students electing to participate in the orchestra program will be placed into an ensemble considering these factors:

• Individual musicianship 

• Ensemble  instrumentation 

• Advanced placement desire

_________________________________

This performing ensemble is designed for advanced musicians and provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through playing orchestral string instruments.  Students  will  study repertoire at grade 3 and above as determined on a scale of 1-6. Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, team spirit,  and responsible rehearsal habits.  

Students will have opportunities to experience the spontaneity of improvisation and the creative process of composition. Students will strengthen listening skills and their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. In order to achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected and performance attendance is required.

Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily. Technology supported music theory. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments.Collaborative chamber music projects. Peer and self-assessment activities. Creativity activities involving improvisation and composition.

Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones, which may be rented from the school. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as rosin, strings, mutes and bow rehairing. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.  All Orchestra students will be issued black concert attire. Students will be required to provide appropriate black dress shoes.

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None                              

Students in this course will learn to play the guitar, piano/keyboard and percussion instruments while learning about world music and pop culture. 

Students will give performances periodically throughout the course. 

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Students MUST meet the following requirements:

•Saxophones, Brass, and Percussion are required to be enrolled in Band.

•Bass players are required to be enrolled in Orchestra.

•Pianists and guitarists are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in quality private study (see instructor for recommendations).

•Any students without experience will be required to audition.

NOTE: Class size and enrollment will be determined by instrumentation needs.

Advanced Jazz Ensemble is a performing music class in which students are exposed to the music of the jazz idiom via large group rehearsals. Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble skills as they study music of grade 3 and above as determined on a scale of 1 to 6. Students will also spend time developing individual jazz performance skills such as transcription and improvisation. These skills are applied during concert performances and “combo”  opportunities that include the WSMA Solo& Ensemble Festival and other regional jazz festivals. To achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected.  Performance attendance is required.

Activities:   Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Self-directed jazz combo projects. Peer and self-assessment activities. Advanced creativity activities involving transcription, improvisation and composition.

Cost:  Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones,  which may be rented from the school. This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Strong musical background with prior piano study recommended.

Advanced  Music  Theory enables highly motivated students to do college-level work in the areas of reading and analyzing notated music and aural training.  Particular emphasis will be placed upon developing listening skills, sight-singing ability and knowledge of rhythm, melody, harmony, form and other compositional devices.

Activities: The goal of Advanced Music Theory is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of this goal may be best promoted by integrated approaches to the student’s development of Aural skills  –  through listening exercises,  sight-singing skills  – through performance exercises, Written skills – through written exercises, Compositional skills – through creative exercises, and Analytical skills – through analytical exercises.

Cost: Exam fee if AP exam is taken.

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