Music

 Music Theory - AP                                                                                                                 

Course Number: 8711 

Gr: 10- 11-12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in a music performance class or have instructor approval.

The equivalent of a first-year college course will introduce students to musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. It emphasizes music harmony and integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and history.

Instrumental Performance

Students participating in instrumental performance groups are expected to participate in after-school practices and performances. Failure to participate can result in removal from the performance group without credit.

Wind Ensemble (H)                                                                                                                    

Course Number: 8780 

Gr: 10-11-12                                                                                                                 

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Assignment by Band Director

Wind Ensemble is a highly selective premiere band for students who have achieved an advanced degree of proficiency on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Members are selected on the basis of performance ability, which is ascertained from the scores obtained from a performance test individually administered by the directors. Wind Ensemble performs difficult band literature and it is highly recommended that students in this group study privately. A number of public performances are expected, and out of school rehearsal time is required of members. Participation in events such as the OMEA competition, public concerts, pep band performances, and community functions are required. Failure to attend these performances may result in a failing grade or reassignment to another ensemble. Students will be required to purchase a tuxedo or gown for this performing ensemble through the music department. Students who are unable or unwilling to procure a tuxedo or gown will be reassigned to Concert Band.

Symphonic Band                                                                                                                   

Course Number: 8785 

Gr: 10-11-12                                                                                                                 

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Assignment by Band Director

Symphonic Band is for students who have achieved a high degree of proficiency on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Members are selected on the basis of performance ability, which is ascertained from the scores obtained from a performance test individually administered by the directors. A wide variety of music, individual skills, and theory will be covered in this course. A number of public performances are expected, and out of school rehearsal time is required of members. Participation in events such as the OMEA competition, public concerts, pep band performances, and community functions are required. Failure to attend these performances may result in a failing grade or reassignment to another ensemble. Students will be required to purchase a tuxedo or gown for this performing ensemble through the music department. Students who are unable or unwilling to procure a tuxedo or gown will be reassigned to Concert Band.

Concert Band                                                                                                                        

Course Number: 8790 

Gr: 9                                                                                                                             

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Assignment by Band Director

Concert Band is for students who have achieved a basic degree of proficiency on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Members are selected on the basis of performance ability, which is ascertained from the scores obtained from a performance test individually administered by the directors. Emphasis will be placed on basic skills and theory. A number of public performances are expected, and out of school rehearsal time is required of members. Participation in events such as the OMEA competition, public concerts, pep band performances, and community functions are required. Members of the Concert Band are eligible to participate in Marching Band, a co-curricular activity.

Chamber Orchestra (H)                                                                                                                  

Course Number: 8821

Gr: 9-10-11- 12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and selection by the Orchestra Director

Chamber Orchestra is the premier orchestral ensemble at Northmont. This group of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders chosen by an audition process. This course requires the highest level of proficiency on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students in this class have the opportunity to perform music composed by some of the biggest names in classical music. This group will join with the band for Full orchestra as well. Students in this class should be enrolled in private lessons. Students in this class will be encouraged be involved in outside activities such as Dayton Junior Strings, Dayton Philharmonic, and Southwest Region Orchestra. Students selected for this group will need to purchase a concert outfit. After school concerts and rehearsals are a required part of their grade.

Symphonic Orchestra                                                                         

Course Number: 8830

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                              

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and selection by the Orchestra Director

Symphonic Orchestra is the intermediate orchestra at Northmont. This group of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are chosen by an audition process. This course requires advanced playing skills on violin, viola, cello, and double bass.Students in this class will be exposed to music from classical and modern composers. Students in this class should be enrolled in private lessons. Students selected for this group will need to purchase a concert outfit. After school concerts will be a required part of their grade.

Concert Orchestra                                                                                                                 

Course Number: 8825 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                              

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Strings - Completion of 8th grade Orchestra or consent of Orchestra Director 

This course is open to students who have achieved moderate playing proficiency on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Emphasis is placed on technical skills, tone quality, and development of instrumental knowledge. A wide variety of musical genres represent student abilities while developing a life-long appreciation for music. Students will have to purchase a concert uniform. After school concerts will be a required part of their grade.

Vocal Performance

Students participating in vocal performance groups are required to participate in after-school performances and rehearsals. Failure to participate can result in removal from the performance group without credit.

Soprano-Alto Ensemble

Course Number: 8900

Gr: 9-10-11-12

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade choir or choir director approval

This course is available to students who want to continue building foundational vocal skills. Designed specifically for soprano and alto voices, enrollment is limited to upper‑voice singers. Emphasis is placed on healthy vocal technique, pitch matching, basic sight‑reading, and ensemble blend. Students will explore a variety of musical styles to develop musicianship and a lifelong appreciation for singing. A concert uniform purchase is required. After‑school concerts are a required part of the course grade. 

Tenor-Bass Ensemble

Course Number: 8905

Gr: 9-10-11-12

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade choir or choir director approval

This course is available to students who want to continue building foundational vocal skills. Designed specifically for tenor and bass voices, enrollment is limited to lower‑voice singers. Emphasis is placed on healthy vocal technique, pitch matching, basic sight‑reading, and ensemble blend. Students will explore a variety of musical styles to develop musicianship and a lifelong appreciation for singing. A concert uniform purchase is required. After‑school concerts are a required part of the course grade.

Treble Choir                                                                            

Course Number: 8910 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                         

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and selection by Choir Director                                       

Treble Choir members are vocalists who sing in the treble clef and are selected by audition (sight‑singing and vocal performance). This course features more challenging repertoire, sight‑reading and music literacy, refined vocal technique and expressive phrasing, and greater individual responsibility for learning parts and preparing for rehearsals. Students develop ensemble blend, tuning, and stylistic interpretation across sacred, musical theatre, and contemporary literature. A concert uniform purchase is required. After‑school concerts are a required part of the course grade.

Symphonic Chorale (H)                                                                       

Course Number: 8916

Gr: 10-11-12                                                                           

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and selection by Choir Director                                                 

Symphonic Chorale is a select honors ensemble of 10th–12th graders chosen by audition for vocal ability, sight‑singing, collaborative skill, and commitment. This honors course presents significantly more challenging repertoire, advanced sight‑reading, and greater expectations for individual preparation and accuracy. Students are responsible for independent part study, leadership in small‑ensemble work, and contributing to refined ensemble blend, tuning, and stylistic interpretation across sacred, world, musical theatre, and contemporary literature. Vocal lessons are highly suggested to support the technical demands of the ensemble. A concert uniform purchase is required. After‑school concerts are a required part of the course grade.

Contemporary A Cappella

Course Number: 8920

Gr: 10-11-12                                                                           

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in a primary music ensemble (band, choir, orchestra)

This course is available for students who want to take their musicianship to a new level by learning skills associated with contemporary a cappella singing. Designed for students wanting to supplement their core music class, performers in this group will learn to sing in a variety of musical styles,  including pop, rock, musical theatre, and vocal jazz. These ensembles will perform two large scale concerts during the year as well as many smaller performances throughout the community and the opportunity to compete in the International Competition of High School A Cappella. There will be a focus on music technology, marketing, and music business. Students will provide their own concert uniform. After-school performances will be a part of the course grade.