Music

High School Music

Curriculum


Course Title: 9-12 Music

Department: Music


Music Fundamentals

  • Rhythm (Notes and rests from whole through mixed eighth-sixteenth, including dotted notes)

  • Meter (2/4, ¾, 4/4, 6/8)

  • Melodic Notation (basic reading and notation in the Treble and Bass clef)

  • Dynamics (ability to recognize and perform specific dynamic levels and dynamic changes)

  • Tempo (ability to recognize and identify specific tempi, including tempo changes)

  • Composition (developing simple melodic and rhythmic compositions given specific prompts)

  • Music with other Art Forms and Musical Theater (analysis of costuming, dance and other elements)

  • Music History (study of the various musical eras)

  • World Cultures Expressed through Music (analysis of world music and culture)

  • Musical Genre (listening to and discussion of and categorization of various musical genre)

  • Technology is used extensively in grades 6-8

Students can continue studying on band/orchestra instruments in small group lessons and large ensembles with performance opportunities in:

o Concert Bands

o String Orchestras

o Jazz Bands

o Other ensembles

· Choral Opportunities Continue with small classroom group rehearsals and large ensemble rehearsal and performance opportunities

· Musical Theater Opportunities

Description of Courses:

Three levels of Music Theory/Songwriting: covers basic music notation, scale and chord construction, melody composition and ear training through four-part harmony and more advanced ear training and melodic dictation. Advanced Placement Music Theory incorporates music history with composition in major and minor keys and modes, voice leading and other advanced composition techniques.

Two levels of Guitar and Piano Lab: Students receive a semester of basic piano instruction and a semester of basic guitar instruction. Proper piano and guitar technique, as well as basic music theory, notational reading and guitar tabs are learned.

Music Production and Digital Recording: Students learn to create podcasts, mix tracks and use basic production techniques. Students use computer based programs to learn the elements of recording, editing, propagating and mixing digital sounds.

Multiple Levels of Choral Performing Classes/Groups (including Freshman Choir, Concert Choir and Select Choir): Vocal technique, music reading, concert performance, appreciation of various choral literature are stressed in the many choral opportunities available.

Multiple Levels of Orchestral Performing Classes/Groups (including String Orchestra and Symphony Strings): Students study and perform a variety of string orchestra literature.

Multiple Levels of Band Performing Classes/Groups (including 9th Grade Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble): Students study and perform a variety of Concert Band literature.

Students enrolled in an instrumental performing group may also schedule instrumental lessons to continue study on their individual instruments.

Additional Opportunities for students include the award winning Neshaminy High School Marching Band, Chanticleers, Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, and the annual Musical.


Curriculum Maps for Courses