Performing Ensembles

PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Please see the prerequisites for each individual ensemble.

Students must elect one area of Performance Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, or Chorus) but are permitted to participate in more than one area given the prerequisites are met. Additional performance ensembles will be notated in the comments area of the report card and under activities on official transcripts. Performance ensembles are a full year, 1 credit commitment and meet on cycle days 1/3/5. Other 1 credit courses are available on days 2/4/6.

Band    

880

Duration: Every other day on days 1, 3, 5 

Credits: 1 Credit 

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite - Permission of instructor to participate. Students must play a concert band instrument and be able to read/perform grade level 2+ music. 

Students who enroll in band must play a band instrument (brass, woodwind, or percussion). The first marking period will spend a brief amount of time reviewing marching band and pep band material, and the remaining marking periods will emphasize wind ensemble literature. Students in band are encouraged to participate in marching band, however, that is not a requirement. Evaluative criteria include student attendance at school, scheduled performances and rehearsals, classroom participation/rehearsal techniques, performance techniques, and playing exams.  

Honors Band    

865

Duration:

Credit: 

Grade – 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite - A minimum of one year in concert band with a grade of 90% or higher is required. Students must be able to read/perform grade 3+ music. Permission from the instructor is required.

In addition to the standard performance ensemble requirements, honors students must fulfill the following: 1. Prepare and audition for PMEA District 7 level ensembles. 2. Prepare an approved solo and perform in the honors recital. 3. Complete two written reflection assignments.

Additional information: It is recommended that students acquire private instruction

Orchestra    

881

Duration:

Credit: 

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite - Permission of instructor to participate.  Students must play a string orchestra instrument and be able to read/perform grade level 2+ music.

Students who enroll in orchestra must play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). Emphasis is placed on string ensemble literature, chamber ensemble literature, and standard orchestral literature. Evaluative criteria include student attendance at school-scheduled concerts, classroom participation, performance techniques, and playing exams. Places for woodwind, brass and percussion players are determined by audition as needed. These players should not sign up for orchestra as a course until they have completed an audition and are notified by the high school orchestra director of their acceptance into the orchestra. Auditions for orchestra will take place at the start of the school year.

Honors Orchestra    

866

Duration:

Credit: 

Grade 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite - A minimum of one year in string orchestra with a grade of 90% or higher is required. Students must be able to read/perform grade 3+ music. Permission from the instructor is required.

In addition to the standard performance ensemble requirements, honors students must fulfill the following: 1. Prepare and audition for PMEA District 7 level ensembles. 2. Prepare an approved solo and perform in the honors recital. 3. Complete two written reflection assignments.

Additional information: It is recommended that students acquire private instruction. 

Chorus    

882

Duration:

Credit: 

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite - Permission of instructor to participate. Pitch matching and basic knowledge of reading music is required.
Students who enroll in chorus should have a sincere interest in developing their skills as vocal musicians. Over the course of the year, students will study vocal and rehearsal techniques and apply their knowledge through performance of diverse choral literature. Evaluative criteria will include student attendance at mandatory rehearsals and concerts, daily classroom participation, application of rehearsal/performance techniques, and concert etiquette.

Honors Chorus    

892

Duration:

Credit: 

Grade 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite - A minimum of one year in chorus with a grade of 90% or higher is required. Students must be able to read/perform advanced repertoire. Permission from the instructor is required.

In addition to the standard performance ensemble requirements, honors students must fulfill the following: 1. Prepare and audition for PMEA District 7 level ensembles. 2. Prepare an approved solo and perform in the honors recital. 3. Complete two written reflection assignments.

Additional information: It is recommended that students acquire private instruction.