Ensembles and Courses

Upper School Courses

Advanced Band & Lessons: 

This is an ensemble for students who read music well and are advanced players on their instruments. Students must have a good understanding of music theory and music vocabulary. Band time will be spent playing moderate to difficult pieces as an ensemble. This is a performing ensemble with mandatory public performance requirements. 

Modern Band & Lessons: 

Modern Band focuses on a repertoire of popular music such as rock, pop, reggae, and incorporates playing and composing on guitars, basses, keyboards, drums and computers. The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the exploration of a modern band ensemble.

Chorus: 

This course provides students with an introduction to choral experiences. Materials are used to enhance student knowledge and appreciation for the varied styles of choral music through singing, reading musical notation, musical interpretation, balance, diction, blend, style and music theory. Students will be able to sing in two and three part harmony. Participation in public performances is mandatory. 

Piano I: 

This is an introductory course in piano. Students will learn the keyboard, as well as how to read standard notation including note values, key signatures, time signatures and melodic direction. 

Piano II: 

This is an extension of Piano I with a focus on songwriting. Students will learn the basics of songwriting, lead sheets, analyzing chord progressions, recording, and performing student-written material. 

Intro to Music Technology:

This course is designed to provide students with the tools and experience necessary to explore the various facets of music industry – recording, live sound, electronic music composition, and computer music notation. The purpose of this course is to increase students' musical awareness and development of practical skills and knowledge through technology-based experiences. Students will develop musicianship in a 21st century environment by completing projects utilizing critical response, reading and notation, improvisation and composition as well as multi-track audio production and live sound engineering.

Advanced Music Technology: 

This course is an extension of Intro to Music Technology and provides for more specialization and a more in-depth study of vocations of interest to students in the field of recording, electronic music composition, live sound engineering, and computer music notation.

Lower School Courses

Beginning Band & Lessons: 

This class is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who are beginning an instrument or who have been playing only a short time. Band time will include use and care of instruments, proper playing techniques, basics of rhythm and melody reading, beginning improvisation and composition, instrumental group instruction, supervised practice and easy band pieces in varied styles. 

Chorus 6/7/8 & Lessons: 

This class is for the young singer who wishes to study music seriously. Students will learn music theory, note reading skills, performance skills, solo singing skills, and compositional skills. All students will study different genres of music and the history of music throughout the ages. Students will recognize and review various music terms. They will demonstrate proper singing technique. Students will be expected to further develop their vocal skills and demonstrate sight reading skills in group and solo settings. Students are expected to perform in formal and informal concert settings and may be required to attend rehearsals and performances before and after school 

Modern Band: 

Modern Band focuses on a repertoire of popular music such as rock, pop, reggae, and incorporates playing and composing on guitars, basses, keyboards, drums and computers. The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the exploration of a modern band ensemble.

Orchestra: 

This class is for lower school students who are beginning stringed instruments or who have been playing only a short time. Strings class will include use and care of instruments, proper playing techniques, basic music literacy, instrumental group instruction, beginning improvisation and composition, supervised practice and easy pieces in various styles. This is a performing ensemble with mandatory public performance requirements.

In January or February, counselors will start to review academic plans and begin meeting with scholars to schedule courses for the following school year. Please make sure your counselor is aware of your interests and work with them to ensure you are placed in the appropriate course. Band and Chorus scholars are encouraged to continue in band or chorus. If your schedule allows, you are welcome to take more than one music course too!