INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

This course is designed for students fluent in reading music notation and currently active instrumentalists and/or singers. Introduction to Music Theory allows students to develop comprehensive musicianship skills through the study of the basic elements of music. These concepts include major and minor scales, intervals, triads, seventh chords, transposition, composition and arrangement, as well as basic aural training skills.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY I

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Music Technology I gives students hands-on experience using professional music studio equipment and software with a focus on contemporary music production. In a recently updated state-of-the-art music technology lab, students are introduced to audio recording and editing, MIDI sequencing, loop and beat-based production, remixing, and music notation software. Students can share their projects in a wide variety of audio file formats and streaming sites.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY II

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Music Technology I or Teacher Approval

Music Technology II provides students who have taken the Music Technology I course with more advanced work in creating, producing, and recording music. Students will work primarily with Avid Pro Tools software, the industry-standard digital audio workstation used in professional, project, and home studios. Skills learned in the Music Technology I class are refined and improved. New concepts include advanced MIDI sequencing and editing, effects processing, working with plug-ins, and audio-mastering

PIANO LAB I

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Piano Lab I is a beginner piano course with no previous experience required. Students will develop basic piano techniques and comprehensive musicianship skills including music notation literacy and music theory knowledge. In addition to students who would simply like to learn to play the piano, this course will enrich the study of music for current band, orchestra, and choir members. Students considering entering college as a music major/minor are strongly encouraged to take the piano lab courses, as keyboard skills are essential to the study of music theory, aural skills, composition/arranging, and more.

Requirement: It is mandatory that all students enrolled in Piano Lab I have access to a piano or keyboard at home for daily practice. The Piano Lab courses are performance-based with homework expectations taking the form of individual practice outside of class.  The Piano Lab teacher will provide recommendations for acquiring a piano or keyboard instrument. Paramus High School does not supply students with instruments.

PIANO LAB II

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Piano Lab I or Teacher Approval

Piano Lab II is designed for the experienced pianist/musician with a focus on chord/harmony skills, accompaniment, repertoire, and advanced musical performance. In addition to traditional piano techniques, students will develop skills relevant to popular music and jazz including; harmonizing melodies, chord substitution, accompaniment styles, transposition, and reading lead sheets.

Requirement: It is mandatory that all students enrolled in Piano Lab II have access to a piano or keyboard at home for daily practice. The Piano Lab courses are performance-based with homework expectations taking the form of individual practice outside of class. The Piano Lab teacher will provide recommendations for acquiring a piano or keyboard instrument. Paramus High School does not supply students with instruments.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite(s): Grade of A or higher in Introduction to Music Theory + Teacher Recommendation

Requirement: Students are required to take the AP exam

AP Music Theory is essentially the combination of two college-level courses: music theory and aural skills/ear- training. The written portion of AP Music Theory covers the fundamentals of tonal harmony as established throughout the common practice period of 18th and 19th Century European Art Music. This includes harmonic analysis, melodic analysis, 4-part SATB chorale-style composition technique, secondary training skills include moveable “do” solfege sight-singing as well as rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation.

AP Music Theory requires a high degree of commitment to both academic and artistic work. Strong music notation literacy, technical ability on an instrument, and performance in a school-sponsored or other formal musical ensemble is strongly suggested. Students are expected to complete extensive written homework and to practice music material learned in class by singing, playing piano/keyboard, and performing on their primary instruments. Students are required to take the AP exam. Many colleges will grant credit and/or appropriate advanced placement to students who score well on the AP exam.

MODERN BAND

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Modern Band is a performing ensemble course in which students learn to perform contemporary popular music in an authentic live band setting. Educational emphasis is placed on vocal and instrumental techniques specific to popular styles, group collaboration/interplay/ jamming, songwriting, stylistic expression, music technology, as well as music theory and history related to contemporary music. Styles studied and performed will include all major popular genres (i.e., rock, pop, R&B, country, hip hop, electronic dance music) and their related sub-genres. Modern band students will perform at school concerts and/or community events within the duration of the semester.

The band program at Paramus High School consists of two separate performing ensembles: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble (Honors). Both ensembles are academic classes that meet on a daily basis during the school day. Membership into the Spartan Marching Band is voluntary. Every band member will receive small group instruction during school hours, once per 4-day rotating academic schedule. The group lessons enable each student to enrich their ensemble experience, develop instrumental techniques, and gain comprehensive musicianship skills.  While students can enter the band program at any year of their high school career, it is highly encouraged that students begin in 9th grade and continue with their ensemble participation throughout all four years at Paramus High School. All incoming 9th-grade students enrolled in the band program will be placed into the Symphonic Band. All Symphonic and Wind Ensemble members will participate in regular scheduled high school concerts. Students accept the performance calendar as a condition of participation and as part of the course requirement.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

The Symphonic Band provides all students, regardless of previous background and ability, with the experience of playing in a high-quality large instrumental performing group. A varied band repertoire, including traditional staples, holiday favorites, and arrangements of popular music is performed at the highest level possible to create an exciting and enjoyable experience while developing technical facility, expression, and ensemble skills. All incoming 9th-grade students enrolled in the band program will be placed into the Symphonic Band.

WIND ENSEMBLE HONORS

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Audition + Teacher Recommendation

Wind Ensemble is comprised of advanced band students at Paramus High School. Admission is gained through a placement audition during the previous school year, and the number of students accepted is based on set instrumentation authentic to the performing ensemble tradition. Wind Ensemble students perform the most advanced literature available to the wind band repertoire. Students in Wind Ensemble possess advanced instrumental techniques and musicianship and exhibit a strong desire to make music at the highest level possible. Wind Ensemble members receive honors credit for their participation in the class due to the advanced level work required, including the entrance audition, rigorous practice expectations, and performance schedule. If a student’s schedule permits, Wind Ensemble students are invited to also take the Symphonic Band class either on their primary instrument, or a secondary instrument.

THE SPARTAN MARCHING BAND

The Spartan Marching Band, a voluntary afterschool program, performs primarily throughout the fall sports season, providing halftime shows for PHS varsity football games as well as participating in marching band competitions and festivals. Marching Band gives the students the opportunity to learn the discipline of marching techniques and the experience of performing a unique custom-written, theme presentation based on the wide variety of music associated with the Marching Band and Drum Corps tradition. The Spartan Marching Band also takes part in various parades and community events throughout the school year. All students enrolled in the Wind Ensemble and/or the Symphonic Band are encouraged to attend all Spartan Marching Band rehearsals and performances, including summer band camp rehearsals and holiday parades. Band camp rehearsals are traditionally held during the last two weeks of August before Labor Day weekend. Students will receive exact dates and times in June.

MODERN BAND

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Modern Band is a performing ensemble course in which students learn to perform contemporary popular music in an authentic live band setting. Educational emphasis is placed on vocal and instrumental techniques specific to popular styles, group collaboration/interplay/ jamming, songwriting, stylistic expression, music technology, as well as music theory and history related to contemporary music. Styles studied and performed will include all major popular genres (i.e., rock, pop, R&B, country, hip hop, electronic dance music) and their related sub-genres. Modern band students will perform at school concerts and/or community events within the duration of the semester.

The Paramus High School choral program consists of three choral ensembles: Concert Choir, Treble Choir (Honors), and Chamber Singers (Honors). All choral students will receive small group instruction once a week in addition to their class time. The small group lesson enables each student to enrich his or her ensemble experience, develop proper vocal technique, and gain comprehensive musicianship skills. While students can enter the choral program at any year of their high school career, it is highly encouraged that students begin in 9th grade and continue with their ensemble participation throughout all four years at Paramus High School. All incoming 9th-grade students enrolled in the choir program will be placed into the Concert Choir. All Concert Choir, Treble Choir, and Chamber Singers members will participate in regular scheduled high school concerts. Students accept the performance calendar as a condition of participation and as part of the course requirement.

CONCERT CHOIR

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

The Concert Choir offers a high-quality mixed choir setting for all singers regardless of musical ability or background. Students will sing and perform a varied choral repertoire of music throughout the academic year. The Concert Choir performs four concerts throughout the academic year. All incoming 9th-grade students interested in the choir program will be placed in the Concert Choir.

Requirements: Concerts, Lessons, and Rehearsal Attendance

TREBLE CHOIR HONORS

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Audition + Teacher Recommendation

Treble Choir, an SSAA/SSA choir is comprised of advanced vocal studies at Paramus High School. Admission into the Treble Choir is attained through a placement audition in January of the previous school year, the number of students accepted is based on voice part availability and balance within the group. Students in Treble Choir possess advanced vocal technique and musicianship and exhibit a strong desire to make music at a high-quality level. The Treble Choir receives honors credit for participation in the ensemble due to the advanced level of work, expectations, required practice time, the difficulty of repertoire, and the performance schedule. In addition to participating in the four high school choral performances at PHS, students will also participate in a number of community events.

Requirements: Concerts, Lessons, and Rehearsal Attendance

CHAMBER SINGERS HONORS

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Audition + Teacher Recommendation

The Chamber Singers is a mixed SATB choir comprised of advanced vocal students at Paramus High School. Admission into the Chamber Singers is attained through a placement audition in January of the previous year. The number of students accepted is based upon voice part availability and balance within the ensemble.  Students in Chamber Singers demonstrate advanced vocal technique and musicianship and exhibit a strong desire to make music on a high-quality level. The Chamber Singer members receive honors credit for participation in the ensemble due to the advanced level of work, expectations, required practice time, the difficulty of repertoire, and the performance schedule. In addition to participating in four high school choral performances at PHS, students will also participate in numerous community events.

Requirements: Concerts, Lessons, and Rehearsal Attendance

The orchestra program at Paramus High School consists of two separate performing ensembles: Philharmonic Strings and Chamber Strings Honors. Every orchestra member will receive small group instruction during school hours, once per 4-day rotating schedule. The small group lesson experience develops and refines instrumental techniques and provides students with comprehensive musicianship skills. Group lessons are vital to each student’s musical growth. Students can enter the orchestra program any year of their high school career; however, it is highly recommended that students enroll in 9th grade and continue participation through graduation. All incoming 9th-grade students enrolled in the orchestra program will be placed into the Philharmonic Strings.

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Philharmonic Strings is an ensemble class designed for students, regardless of previous background and ability, interested in playing the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Designed for freshmen through seniors, the Philharmonic will serve to develop the musical skills that are a prerequisite for membership in the Chamber Strings. Emphasis will be placed on developing individual technique, tone production, ensemble skills, ear training, and sight-reading. All Philharmonic String members will participate in the regularly scheduled high school orchestra concerts.

Students accept the performance calendar as a condition of participation and as part of the course requirement. Students will perform an assessment for the instructor prior to seating. Prior to performances, the students will have the opportunity to rehearse on select Thursdays after school with the Chamber Strings and/or the wind and percussion players to combine as the Symphonic Orchestra.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA HONORS

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

The Chamber Strings Honors ensemble class is comprised of advanced orchestra students in grades 10th through 12th grade who play the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Chamber Strings represents the next step in the orchestra program sequence following the Philharmonic Orchestra experience. This group performs an advanced repertoire and possesses advanced technique and musicianship skills. Admission is gained through a placement audition during the previous school year. Chamber Strings students receive honors credit for their participation due to advanced level work required including entrance audition, practice expectations, and a rigorous performance schedule. Prior to performances, the students will have the opportunity to rehearse on select Thursdays after school with the Philharmonic Strings and/or the wind and percussion players. Students accept the performance calendar as a condition of participation and as part of the course requirement.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CLUB

Prerequisite(s): Must be enrolled in a scheduled music class.\

Designed for orchestral musicians in training,  the  Symphony Orchestra provides the opportunity to study and perform the varied orchestral literature of the 17th through the 21st centuries. In addition, emphasis will continue to be placed on developing individual technique, tone production, ensemble skills, ear training, and sight-reading. Repertoire will vary annually.

Members of the Wind Ensemble may audition for the woodwind, brass, and percussion parts of the Symphonic Orchestra. Students accept the performance calendar as a condition of club participation. Students must perform an assessment for the band or string instructor prior to registration.