Music Classes

Music Technology and Composition (Grades 9-12)

711F/SS Semester Credits: 6    Level: ACP  

“* Music Technology and Composition is an introductory course for students who want to learn to write and produce music. This course teaches students to use music sequencing software (Logic Pro) to create original music in many different styles, including contemporary commercial music, blues, and world music. Students will learn basic music production techniques, including effects, sampling, audio tracks, and remixing. Students will learn to create their own MP3s while discovering the core concepts of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, improvisation, form, and composition. The course includes the use of computer sequencing software, mixers, effects processors, microphones, and current and vintage recording equipment.  

Music Production (Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Music Technology and Composition)

7130F/SS Semester           Credits: 6 Level: H

713F/SS Semester    Credits: 6        Level: ACP                   

* Music Production deals specifically with advanced composition and recording techniques. Emphasis is placed on the creation of original songs and instrumental compositions as well as the correct use of sound gear such as amplifiers, microphones, studio effects, mixers, and recorders.  Music production techniques from past decades, as well as current trends, will be studied. Students will also use online resources to create and share their own MP3s and collaborate with other Newton South musicians. Prerequisite: Music Technology and Composition and permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

Advanced Music Production and Songwriting (Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Music Production or AP Music Theory I)

715S Full Year       Credits: 12          Level: H

715F/SS Semester            Credits: 6 Level: H

* Advanced Music Production and Songwriting explores the process of creating, performing, and recording a song. Students will explore song structure, lyric writing, and recording techniques to create an original collection in collaboration with other musicians.  Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

AP Music Theory I (Grades 9 - 12)

701SS Semester 2 only Credits: 6 Level: H

➒ * AP Music Theory I is designed for students with a strong musical background who would like to better understand how music is constructed. The course reviews the fundamentals of music (clefs, meter, and notation) and proceeds through the study of intervals, all scales, chord identification, and ear training through the use of computers and textbooks. This course is the first sequence of material in the AP Music Theory curriculum. This class may be offered every other year.

AP Music Theory II (Grades 10 - 12, Prerequisite: AP Music Theory I or equivalent)

702FS Semester 1 Credits: 6 Level: H

* AP Music Theory II is designed for advanced musicians. The course continues the preparation of students for the College Board Advanced Placement examination. Requires successful completion of AP Music Theory I or permission of the Department Head.  This class may be offered every other year.

Symphonic Band (Grades 9 - 12)

7220S Full Year Credits: 12 Level: H

722S Full Year Credits: 12 Level: ACP

 “ * Symphonic Band is a large performing group for winds, brass, and percussion. A wide range of music literature is performed from the Renaissance to twentieth-century music in community, exchange, and tour concerts. All woodwind, brass, and percussion players are encouraged to elect Symphonic Band as the core music group for these instruments. Students selecting the Honors level are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours. Additionally, students electing this course for Honors credit are expected to attend an additional rehearsal once per week. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

String Orchestra (Grades 9 - 12)

7240S Full Year Credits: 12 Level: H

724S Full Year Credits: 12 Level: ACP

“* String Orchestra features the preparation of traditional, classical, and contemporary music for concerts and often combines with selected members of the Symphonic Band to form the Newton South High School Orchestra. Students selecting the Honors level are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

Chamber Ensemble (Grades 9 - 12. Prerequisite: audition with the instructor)

726F/SS Semester Credits: 6 Level: ACP

“  * For instrumentalists enrolled in Symphonic Band and Orchestra. Students will be placed into groups of two, three, or four, depending on course enrollment. Instrumentalists will also have the opportunity to join with pianists from Sonata Duo (see below) to perform solo works such as sonatas or concertos. Ensembles will rehearse music of various style periods and perform at concerts throughout the year. Enrollment in Symphonic Band or Orchestra is mandatory. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

Sonata Duo (Grades 9-12)

727F/SS Semester     Credits: 6    Level: ACP

“ * For pianists! Join students in the chamber ensemble class and perform duos such as sonatas or concertos. Depending on enrollment, there may be opportunities for trios and more. Music options will range from the Renaissance to the present. The small ensembles may perform in school or at various concerts and community opportunities. We will have a beautiful baby grand piano to rehearse with and other various upright pianos for practice. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

Select Wind Ensemble (Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: permission of instruction or audition)

728S Full Year    Credits: 12      Level: H

* This group is for winds, brass, and percussion players currently enrolled in Symphonic Band who want musical and technical challenges along with a chance to study additional repertoire at grade levels 5 and 6. The course will meet one evening and one morning weekly for one hour each. Students electing this Honors course are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours. Enrollment is by audition/permission of the instructor. Students can enroll in this course more than once. 

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz Improvisation courses are for students who have developed advanced technique on their instruments and are prepared for solo performances.

Jazz Improvisation 1 (Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Students should be able to execute all 12 major scales from memory)

731S Full Year   Credits: 12       Level: ACP

731F/SS Semester           Credits: 6   Level: ACP

“  * Jazz Improvisation 1 is an introduction to all Jazz Improvisation classes. This course will familiarize students with chords and chord scales in all keys through written study, ear training, and playing. Students perform and compose jazz standards and contemporary music styles in the small group ensemble with an emphasis on solo improvisation. Students are immersed in a comprehensive study of the rhythmic language of jazz. Harmonically, students begin with a study of the blues form as it relates to jazz and continue work on chord/scale theory to include an understanding of ii-V progressions. All instrumentalists (including strings and non-traditional jazz instruments) are welcome. 

Jazz Improvisation 2 (Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

732S Full Year Credits:12 Level: ACP

732F/SS    Semester        Credits: 6           Level: ACP

* In Jazz Improv 2 students perform and compose jazz standards and contemporary music styles in the small group ensemble with an emphasis on solo improvisation.  Students are immersed in a comprehensive study of the rhythmic language of jazz.  Harmonically, students begin with a study of the blues form as it relates to jazz and continue work on chord/scale theory to include an understanding of ii-V progressions.  All instrumentalists (including strings and non-traditional jazz instruments) are welcome.  Students should study privately and must be able to execute all 12 major scales from memory.

Jazz Improvisation 3 (Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

733S Full Year           Credits: 12 Level: ACP

733F/SS       Semester          Credits: 6            Level: ACP

* ​​Jazz Improvisation 3 is for students who have completed Jazz Improvisation 2. Students study ii-V progressions with an emphasis on developing techniques and understanding jazz theory.  Students continue to develop improvisational and compositional skills.  Permission from the instructor is required.

Jazz Improvisation 4 (Grades 11-12. Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

734S Full Year          Credits: 12          Level: ACP

734F/SS Semester Credits: 6       Level: ACP

* In Jazz Improv 4 students continue the study of the blues and ii-V progressions, with an introduction to more advanced chord changes.  In addition to continuing to develop techniques and understanding jazz theory, there will be an emphasis on playing in all 12 keys.  Students continue to develop compositional skills.  Permission from the instructor is required. Taking this course as a semester option?  Consider pairing this with Lab Jazz or Chamber Ensemble. Permission from the instructor is required.

Honors Jazz Combo (Grades 10-12. Audition only)

735S Full Year Credits: 9 Level: H

* Honors Jazz Combo is for select students who are seeking advanced study of jazz improvisation. Enrollment is limited and by audition only. Students must also be a member of the NSHS Jazz Ensemble. Auditions will take place in the fourth quarter. Jazz Ensemble instrumentation will be filled before Jazz Combo instrumentation. This group rehearses outside the school day. Students in this course are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours.

ACP Jazz Combo (Grades 9-12)

735S Full Year Credits: 6 Level: ACP

* ACP Jazz Combo is for students who have completed or are currently enrolled in Jazz Improv and want to explore improvisation with student mentors from the Honors Jazz Combo. This group rehearses outside the school day. Students in this course are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours. Students can take this class multiple times until being accepted into an audition based Jazz group.

Jazz Ensembles

Jazz Ensembles are for students interested in studying the language of Jazz. No improvisation is required.

Lab Jazz Ensemble       

736F/SS Semester Credits: 6 Level: ACP

“ * Lab Jazz Ensemble is the main jazz group open to all instrumentalists who wish to perform the music of the big band tradition. We welcome flute, oboe, french horn, bassoon, cello, and more! Any instrumentalist may enroll! Lab Jazz Ensemble introduces these students to the jazz big band vocabulary. Students perform traditional and contemporary big band music at concerts and in the community.  Consider pairing this semester course with Jazz Improv or Vocal Ensemble.

Honors Jazz Ensemble (Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Lab Jazz Ensemble or permission from instructor)

737S Full Year           Credits: 12 Level: H

* Jazz Ensemble is a select group that features the performance of traditional and contemporary big band music. Jazz Ensemble uses a specific instrumentation of five trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones (two altos, two tenors, and a bari), piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Membership is by audition in March and with the permission of the instructor. Students in this course are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours.

Vocal Ensemble

743F/SS Semester Credits: 6 Level: ACP

“ * Vocal Ensemble is the foundational singing course at Newton South open to all students. Through this diverse community of musicians, students will learn to sing in multiple musical styles, including pop, jazz, gospel, musical theater, and classical. Singers will learn group vocal technique, musicianship, and music reading in a nurturing environment while singing a wide variety of music for school and community performances. Vocal Ensemble is the prerequisite for all vocal performance classes at South. Can be repeated with the permission of the instructor.  Request this course with Acting Foundations to build your musical theatre skills.

Madrigals (Grades 10-12. By audition only)

747S Full year Credits: 12 Level: H

* Madrigals is the most advanced vocal group at Newton South. Three to eight-part music from the classical, jazz, gospel, folk, and pop traditions will be performed in concerts both within the school and throughout the community, including tours (domestic and/or international). Students electing this course for Honors credit are expected to attend an additional WIN Block per week as part of a community service requirement. All students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts during and outside regular school hours.

History of Black American Music (Grades 9-12.)
#QS Quarter Credits: 3 Level: ACP

Black American Music History goes through a timeline of what Black Americans and immigrants created throughout the last 200 years in America. This course will cover all of the art forms created by Black Americans and how they have evolved into the popular genres we have today. For example Jazz, Funk, R&B and Hip Hop. Students will be able to watch, listen to and perform music in class though beatmaking. No experience with instruments is required. 

Work-Study in Music (Grades 10-12) 

# Full Year Credit: 6 Level: P-F

# Semester Credit: 3 Level: P-F

# Quarter Credit: 1.5 Level: P-F

Work-Study in Music provides students with the opportunity to assist music teachers in the maintenance of the music program. Students must be enrolled in at least one other music course. Selection is only with the approval of the Department Head. Interested students should speak with the Department Head in the fall.

Work-Study in Music: Concert Manager (Grades 10-12) 

# Full Year Credit: 6 Level: P-F

# Semester Credit: 3 Level: P-F

# Quarter Credit: 1.5 Level: P-F

Work Study: Concert Manager duties will include coordinating logistics of concert flow and assessing stage set-up requirements for different ensembles, creating set-up layouts for each group in consultation with music faculty, enlisting stage crew help to execute stage changes and arranging schedules to facilitate smooth transitions, and serving as the liaison between Fine & Performing Arts faculty to assess and communicate needs for performance events. This position will have varying hours, with more time being concentrated closer to when performance events are taking place. Interested students should speak with the Department Head in the fall.

Teach Assist Music (Grades 10 - 12) 

# Full Year Credit:6 Level: P-F

# Semester Credit: 3 Level: P-F

# Quarter Credit: 1.5 Level P-F

Permission to enroll in Music Teaching Assistant must be obtained from a music teacher in the fall.