Music Courses

CONCERT BAND – INSTRUMENTAL 

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None  

Band is an instrumental group of full concert proportion and instrumentation.  Students who enroll in band will develop proficiency and mastery as reflected in their ability to perform, with appropriate musicality, excerpts from concert music studied during the school year.  They will also demonstrate growth in performance skills related to articulation, intonation, breath control, posture, and playing position.  In addition, they will demonstrate musical expression through dynamics, tempo, markings, balance, blend, and phrasing.  Students are encouraged to participate in Marching Band and expected to perform at the Winter and Spring concerts. 

HONORS CONCERT BAND

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None 

Honors concert band is an audition-only section of Concert Band (see above). In addition to the high-level expectations of concert band, honors students are expected to take private lessons outside of school and prepare the all-state solo on their instrument. They will also have rhythm exams once every two weeks.

CONCERT CHOIR

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None 

This non-auditioned class is open to all students and grade levels. This class gives students the opportunity and experience of performing a multitude of genres with a vocal ensemble. There will be a focus on the basics of vocal technique, beginning sight-reading skills, music literacy, reading a vocal score, performance etiquette, and musicianship. This course explores choral music from a variety of cultures, genres, and time periods. 

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: None   (This course is linked to Piano 1)

In this semester course, students will discover and explore concepts used in music sequencing, notation and recording. Students will create music using sequencing/editing software in conjunction with musical instruments. Students will be introduced to how computers and music software work together for recording and composing live and synthesized sounds.  By focusing on a variety of projects and experimenting with this technology, students will be able to create music, gain knowledge in keyboard and computer skills, understand the importance of reading music and gain a respect for music’s place in our lives.

MUSIC THEORY 

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None 

This full-year course is intended for students who seek deep understanding of music. Students will learn notation, scales, tonal harmony, rhythm and form. Students will study the music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and others (including the Beatles). This course should allow students to understand, analyze and listen to all genres of music in an informed manner.

PIANO I 

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: None (This course is linked to Music Technology )

This semester course is intended for students who wish to learn the piano or improve their piano skills. Students will learn basic standard musical notation, finger technique, chords, scales, composition, and study reperire of all levels. Many genres will be explored in this class- everything from pop to classical- with a basis in technical proficiency. Students of all ability and experience levels are welcome to join.

MUSIC AND THE PERFORMING ARTS

Grade: 9 -12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None 

This class examines the interaction between music and the performing arts, including concerts, dance, life theater, and film.  Students will learn how music enhances all aspects of the performing arts while developing their skills as musicians, dancers, actors, designers and filmmakers.  No previous experience is required. 

DANCE - Grades 9 - 12

This semester course gives the student a solid foundation in the elements of dance, such as spatial awareness, posture/alignment, body patterning, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Students will also learn basic dance vocabulary, which will allow them to communicate ideas with choreographers and other dancers, both during this class and in the outside world. Once the basics are established and/or reinforced, the dance students will hone their dance skills, focusing on improvisation, codified movement, choreographic structures, choreographic devices, technique, expressive musical phrasing, and use of technology. 

THEATRE ARTS - Grades 9 - 12

This semester course provides some insight into the history of Western theatre and basic knowledge of everything that goes into the production of live theatrical performances. Students will be challenged to design all elements of a musical, including lighting, sound, costuming, makeup, and casting. Students will also spend time honing their acting skills in the performance of monologues, improvised scenes, and a full one act play.