Freshman Choir (Grade 9) 1 Credit
This choral group is open to all students in grade 9 who demonstrate an interest in the study and performance of choral music. The music repertoire is diverse and is chosen for its intrinsic value, historical/cultural significance and audience appeal. Emphasis is placed on developing music reading skills, group attitude, and individual contribution. Participation in the October, February and April concerts is mandatory. This group is used as a training ground and prerequisite for students interested in participating in the Orange Choir.
Prerequisite: Freshman Choir or can demonstrate proficiency in vocal range, voice quality, attitude, and reading skills by means of an audition with the Director.
This choral group is open to all students who have successfully passed Freshmen Choir or can demonstrate proficiency in vocal range, voice quality, attitude, and reading skills by means of an audition with the Director. Precision and excellence in choral singing traditions are stressed. Classroom rehearsal places emphasis on musicianship, group attitude and individual contribution. A variety of choral genres will be covered, ranging from classical art song to contemporary musical theater. Participation in the October, February and April concerts is mandatory.
This course is open to all students who have previously acquired some proficiency with a wind or percussion instrument. Stressed are the fundamental instrumental techniques, the concept of good tone quality, and the ability to plan and evaluate group performances. The marching band performs between halves at all varsity football games and at other select performances including parades and band festivals. The marching band begins its season in late July, or early August, prior to the start of school, and continues through the first ten weeks of school. The remainder of the school year is spent performing in a concert band setting, with an emphasis on the rehearsal and performance of musical wind and percussion literature. Students are required to participate in both marching and concert band in order to receive credit for this course.
This class is open to all students who have previously acquired some proficiency on an orchestral stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello and double-bass). This class will stress the fundamentals of proper technique and tone production, applicable music theory and the ability to rehearse and perform as a cohesive ensemble. Students are required to participate in our fall, winter, and spring concerts. A variety of musical works and genres will be covered.
OrganizationResponsibilityCooperationHeartEmotionSoulTeamworkReaching-outAchievingOHS Lionettes (9-weeks) ¼ credit
Prerequisite: Audition in the Spring
The OHS Lionettes rehearse with the band daily during the school day, with additional practices three times a week after school. The Lionettes also attend summer marching band camp held in the summer (late July or early August). This course meets only during the first quarter of the school year during football season.
The goal of the music theory and appreciation course is to help the student develop a foundation for the understanding of how music is organized. The course introduces the elements of music common to practically all music. The student learns to define and recognize by ear: melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, tempo, dynamics, form, musical instruments, and so on. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the reading and writing of music. Course content will be chosen and adjusted to the students. Class and individual instruction will be offered in written harmony, keyboard harmony and ear training. Study will include writing, hearing and performing rhythmic patterns, scales, intervals, triads and basic chords and progressions. Since the course begins by teaching very basic note reading, no prior music reading ability is required to join the class. All potential college music majors should take music theory. It is intended to complement and expand the work of any student taking private lessons in performance on an instrument or voice. The course will best serve students who have had experience
in sight-reading, pitch, and rhythm.
This course follows Rock and Roll music from its earliest influences to its current presence in today’s culture. Students will examine the relationship between musical development and cultural, political, and sociological movements throughout history. This is a non-performing music course, and no prior musical experience is necessary. This course is offered to students in grades 9-12.