core music classes

Symphonic Band

This course is an instrumental performance course for standard wind instrumentation (no string instruments). In this course, students study a variety of different style wind band music. Students learn about and work on technique, rehearsal, concert performance (Winter & Spring Concert plus Dept. Trips, Graduation, Dept. Performances), instrument repair, music careers, sight reading, individual and ensemble technique, and much more. Students also have the opportunity to perform at many different school functions, concerts, and performance opportunities throughout the year. Only freshman students enrolled in core music classes (Symphonic Band and or Chorus) are eligible to audition for county, region, and all state ensembles and or participate in the Music Dept. Trip (In the Spring of 2022, the Music Dept. courses plan to travel pending approval)

Chorus

This course is a choral performance course. In this course, students study a variety of choral music. Students work on technique, rehearsals, concert performance (Winter & Spring Concert plus Dept. Trips, Dept. Performances) music careers, sight reading, individual and ensemble technique, and much more. Students also have the opportunity to perform at many different school functions, concerts, and performance opportunities throughout the year. Only freshman students enrolled in core music classes (Symphonic Band and or Chorus) are eligible to audition for county, region, and all state ensembles and or participate in the Music Dept. Trip (In the Spring of 2022, the Music Dept. courses plan to travel pending approval)

Symphonic Band & Chorus

This course is a combined course that consists of the same two descriptions above. The only difference is if you enroll in this course, you get two music electives for the price of one class period. One day the student would go to Symphonic Band and on the next day would go to Chorus. The student rotates band and chorus days throughout the schedule allowing for instruction in two classes. Only freshman students enrolled in core music classes (Symphonic Band and or Chorus) are eligible to audition for county, region, and all state ensembles and or participate in the Music Dept. Trip (In the Spring of 2022, the Music Dept. courses plan to travel pending approval)

We highly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities and enroll in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Acappella in combination with the core courses!!

extra-curricular music groups

Please note: Only being in Marching Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Acappella does NOT qualify you to go on Music Department trips (such as Disney). The only way to qualify is to be enrolled in either Symphonic Band, Chorus, or Symphonic Band & Chorus as a freshman.

Highlands Regiment Marching Band

The marching band at Northern Highlands is an award winning program (State, National, and Regional Champions) that performs at several Marching Band competitions a year, all home football, Pep bands at away football games, and Memorial Day Parades. The Marching Band is during Fall Sports Season and rehearses only two weeknights (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm) each week until Late October. The Marching Band does receive Varsity Credit!

Jazz Band

Jazz band starts in late Fall (after Marching Band Season), and is an ensemble designed for learning and performing all genres of Jazz music. We play Blues, Big Band, Funk, Latin, Boogie, Free form, Ballad, Shuffle, Rock, Pop, etc. Jazz Band is an audition only group. It is highly recommended for those auditioning to be enrolled in a music dept. course such as Symphonic Band and or Chorus for audition preparation and core musical growth. Jazz Band rehearses Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm starting in Mid October. This group also competes at the National Jazz Fest each year and goes on other trips, for example in March 2020 we are going to New Orleans, LA.

Orchestra

New to Highlands is the String Orchestra. This activity rehearses once after school per week and is open to allow violin, viola, cello, and double bass players. This group performs on the Winter and Spring Concert and participation in this group allows string students to audition for regional and all state Orchestras. This group performs a variety of string and orchestral music each year.

Acappella

There are 3 acappella groups at Highlands (Harmonics, Belles, and Voices) and all are auditioned. The A cappella groups perform a variety of different pop songs in multiple voices with advanced harmonies. The groups are award winning and renowned for their achievements. The A cappella groups rehearse one night per week and compete in the regional competitions at the quarterly, semi, and most of the time final A cappella competitions. Auditions for these groups are in September. Mr. Paster has more info on this. Again, A cappella groups are audition only groups and it is Highly recommended, although not required, for those auditioning to be enrolled enrolled in a music dept. course such as Symphonic Band and or Chorus for audition preparation and core musical growth. Acappella also goes on trips, for example all 3 groups are competing at the National Jazz Fest in February in Philly and other Acappella Festival Locations.