Music

Administrator:  Daryle Redmond  | (315)-218-2147 | Department Chair NSJHS: John Halpin | Department Supervisor CNS: Kim Rice

Graduation requirements for all students include one credit in Art or Music. The only Music courses that will satisfy this requirement are: Chorus (any level), Band (any level), Orchestra (any level), Music in our Lives, Basic Musicianship, Music Theory 1, Music Theory 2.

Courses:

CHORUS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0352J

This is a choral group for mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) which emphasize performance of works from the pop and classical repertoire. Related co-curricular activities include a Select Ensemble. Attendance at all concerts is mandatory.

MUSIC IN OUR LIVES

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0358J

Music in Our Lives will provide practical knowledge in four main functions of music. The student should be able to listen intelligently to music in a variety of musical idioms, perform at a recreational level on a “social” accompaniment instruments, compose music in some medium, and be proficient in using basic musical “tools.” Students will work as a class, in small groups, and independently. This course will satisfy the New York State credit for art and/ or music.

CONCERT (MIXED (0362) /TREBLE (0352)/ TENOR BASS (0358)) CHORUS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0362/0352/0358

Concert Chorus is open to ALL high school students who are interested in singing. Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles and languages. In addition to music study, students will develop lifelong skills applicable to any profession: responsibility, teamwork, professionalism, time and stress management, self-motivation and leadership, to name a few. 

Students will: 

● Attend weekly in school voice lessons – (lessons rotate throughout the school day) 

● Develop and refine proper vocal technique 

● Learn how music reflects cultural and historical experiences

● Prepare vocal solo literature for evaluation and performance 

● Perform evening public concerts 

No prior music experience is required. 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

HONORS CHORUS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0360

Prerequisite: Successful completion of audition and teacher recommendation.

The Honors Chorus option is designed for highly motivated student musicians who strive to achieve at the highest levels of music performance. In addition to all the requirements of “Advanced Chorus” 

Students will: 

● Participate in co-curricular vocal music activities 

● Audition for honors ensembles 

● Assume leadership roles within the larger ensemble 

● Perform individual solos 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

ADVANCED CHORUS

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0361

This select group challenges the experienced and motivated singer to perform advanced choral literature in an environment that encourages student leadership and creativity. This course will prepare young musicians to become lifelong independent music learners and participants.

Students will: 

● Attend weekly in school voice lessons – (lessons rotate throughout the school day)

● Continue to develop and refine proper vocal technique

● Learn to evaluate and improve performance by:

  Leading class rehearsals

  Creating lesson plans

  Selecting musical literature

● Prepare vocal solo literature for evaluation and performance.

Membership is by teacher recommendation and audition. Properly balanced voicing and individual performance abilities will determine Advanced Chorus enrollment.  All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

CONCERT BAND

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 9, 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0351

Concert Band is open to students who play traditional wind band instruments: flute, double reeds, clarinets, saxophones, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion (snare drum, timpani and mallets). Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles. In addition to music study, students will develop lifelong skills applicable to any profession: responsibility, teamwork, professionalism, time and stress management, self-motivation and leadership, to name a few. 

Students will: 

● Attend weekly in-school band lessons (lessons rotate throughout the school day)

● Develop and refine proper playing techniques 

● Learn how music reflects cultural and historical experiences 

● Prepare solo literature for evaluation and performance 

● Perform evening public concerts 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

ORCHESTRA

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 9, 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0357

This orchestra is open to students who perform at a NYSSMA Level 2-3. Students entering CNS in Grade 10 or who are transferring from another district are strongly advised to sign up for this orchestra unless they have successfully performed a Level 4 (or higher) solo at a NYSSMA or In-House Solo Festival in the previous spring. 

Orchestra is open to students who play traditional string instruments: violin, viola, cello and string bass. Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles. In addition to music study, students will develop 21 st Century skills, especially Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication and Flexibility, along with other lifelong skills including responsibility, professionalism, time management, self-motivation and leadership. 

Students will: 

● Attend weekly in-school string lessons (lessons rotate throughout the school day) 

● Develop and refine proper playing techniques 

● Learn how music reflects cultural and historical experiences 

● Prepare solo and orchestral literature for evaluation and performance 

● Perform evening public concerts 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

ORCHESTRA 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0363

Permission from the orchestra director is required for all incoming 10 th grade and transfer students prior to enrollment.

Orchestra 2 is open to students who play traditional string instruments: violin, viola, cello and string bass. Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles. In addition to music study, students will develop 21 st Century skills, especially Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication and Flexibility, along with other lifelong skills including responsibility, professionalism, time management, self-motivation and leadership.  This orchestra is open to students who currently perform at a NYSSMA Level 4 – 6. Permission from the orchestra director is required for all incoming 10th grade and transfer students prior to enrollment. 

Students will: 

● Attend weekly in-school string lessons (lessons rotate throughout the school day) 

● Develop and refine proper playing techniques 

● Learn how music reflects cultural and historical experiences 

● Prepare solo and orchestral literature for evaluation and performance 

● Perform evening public concerts 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code

HONORS ORCHESTRA 

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0356

Prerequisite: Successful completion of audition, written test, and teacher recommendation.

The Honors Orchestra option is designed for highly motivated student musicians who strive to achieve at the highest levels and encourages student leadership and creativity. This option will prepare young musicians to become lifelong independent music learners and participants. Students selecting this option are enrolled in the regular Orchestra class. In addition 

Students will: 

● Participate in 2 co-curricular string music activities 

● Learn to evaluate and improve performance by: 

● Leading class rehearsals 

● Creating lesson plans 

● Selecting musical literature 

● Audition for and participate in, honors ensembles 

● Perform a Level 6 solo at a NYSSMA and/ or In-House Solo Festival 50 

● Assume leadership roles within the larger ensemble perform individual solos 

All curricular music performing ensembles share a uniform dress code.

BASIC MUSICIANSHIP

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0350

There are no prerequisites for this class. No prior knowledge of music or music reading is required. Students who have some knowledge of musical concepts but have significant gaps in their understanding of these concepts may also wish to enroll in this class. There are no prerequisites for this class Students CANNOT enroll in both Basic Musicianship and Music Theory I simultaneously.

This music course is open to all students interested in learning how to read and write music. Students will be introduced to elements of music notation, construction, terminology, and ear training. Successful completion of this course will advance the student to Music Theory 1. 

Students will: 

●Explore the basic concepts (language) of music, including pitch, notation, melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, form and style

●Prepare students for Music Theory I 

This music course is open to all students interested in learning the basics of reading, writing and critical listening to music

These basics include: 

● Learn to read musical notation of rhythms and pitches written on a music staff 

● Compose written musical pieces to be performed in class 

● Learn how to construct major and minor scales 

● Learn basic chord progressions

● Develop aural skills by participating in class activities such as rhythmic and melodic dictation 

● Describe the properties of sound and explain how music is part of the world of sound 

● Explore how rhythm is basic to life and how it forms the lifeblood of music 

● Recognize how music notation indicates pitch and rhythm 

● Discuss some elements of melody 

● Explain basic principles of chords and harmony 

● Compare and contrast major and minor scales 

● Explain the techniques that create musical form 

MUSIC THEORY 1

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0354

Prerequisite : Successful completion of Basic Musicianship or recommendation from prior music teacher.

This course is designed to provide knowledge and experiences for students who are majoring in music or intend to pursue it as an avocation. It provides an understanding of the rules and principles of music This course is highly recommended for all college-bound music students. 

Students will: 

● Analyze music aurally and visually 

● Develop music composing and arranging skills 

● Compose musical pieces to be performed in class 

● Harmonize music 

● Sing various melodies at sight

MUSIC THEORY 2

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12  |  Course Number: 0355

Prerequisite : Successful completion of Music Theory 1

A continuation of the Music Theory 1 course wherein an understanding of the rules and principles of music is pursued. The second year is devoted to increasing the skills associated with composition, arrangement, harmonization and sight singing. 

Students will: 

● Develop contemporary classical techniques of music composition 

● Analyze music aurally and visually 

● Compose musical pieces to be performed in class 

● Harmonize music 

● Sing various melodies at sight

BEGINNING GUITAR

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 8  |  Course Number: 8802J

Beginning Guitar is a half year course that will provide a solid foundation of guitar skills. Students will be taught guitar theory, fundamental techniques, (in rhythm and melody applications) as well as reading music in both standard notation and tablature. This is a performance based course for students who want to be dedicated to a rigorous study of the guitar. For students already in band, orchestra or chorus- this course is not a substitute but will be in addition to a students schedule.

GUITAR I

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grade 9  |  Course Number: 0654J

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade Guitar Course or audition with teacher approval.

Guitar I is open to students who took Guitar Course in 8th grade or who have successfully auditioned with the instructor and exhibited sufficient proficiency. Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles. In addition to music study, students will perform at a NYSSMA level of 1-2. 

Students will: 

● Participate in weekly in-school lessons 

● Develop and refine proper playing techniques 

● Participate in scheduled concerts and other performances

GUITAR II

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12 |  Course Number: 0354HS

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Guitar I Course or audition with teacher approval.

Guitar II is open to students who took Guitar I in 9th grade or who have successfully auditioned with the instructor and exhibited sufficient proficiency. Students will study and perform music in a variety of styles. In addition to music study, students will perform at NYSSMA levels 1-3. 

Students will: 

● Participate in weekly in-school lessons 

● Develop and refine proper playing techniques 

● Participate in scheduled concerts and other performances

HISTORY OF 20th CENTURY ROCK AND ROLL

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12 |  Course Number: 0367

An in depth study of the origins of popular music in the 20 th Century and the social and historical context that gave birth to it and related genres and musical offshoots. From blues and country to punk and heavy metal, students will familiarize themselves with landmark groups, music, and movements of different periods, exploring connections between modern music and the artists from the past who have paved the way for the popular music of today. 

Students will:

● Answer the essential question: How has Rock & Roll reflected and been influenced by major social and cultural changes during the 20th century? 

● Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate musical periods from the early 20th century through present day

● Demonstrate a basic understanding of various instruments used in rock and popular music genres

● Demonstrate basic knowledge of musicians and composers of the given genre(s)

● Demonstrate an awareness of the major factors involved in the development of Rock and Roll from its roots to the present

● Acquire useful and relevant information by making connections between the artists and musical genres of yesterday and today

● Develop the necessary skills to gather further information about musical topics of interest

● Think critically about information sources, both primary and secondary

● Respect and appreciate one’s own musical culture and interests as well as those of others

● Develop an aural awareness of the changing sounds of Rock and Roll over time