Music

Classes offered at various grade levels may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course catalog for detailed information. 

MU111 MUSIC THEORY 1

(Grades 10-12)     

Weight 1.1 Credit 0.5/semester

 Course Description: Music Theory 1 is a one-semester elective for students in grades 10–12 who want to learn more about composing in the classical way. In this class, you’ll explore the basics of writing music and is a class for students who wish to learn more about composing music. To do well, you should have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of music and be active in music, either in or outside of school.

 General Aim: Music Theory 1 is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to create and write your own music using classical theory. You will learn how music is put together and practice using these ideas to compose your own pieces. This class will help you build confidence in writing music and developing your own musical ideas.

 Objectives:  By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Identify and build triads and four-part chords.

2.  Compose four-part chorales following standard harmony rules.

3.  Understand how harmonies and the tonal system work in music.

4.  Recognize and work with intervals.

5.  Use musical terms and symbols when creating music. 

MU112 MUSIC THEORY 2 

(Grades 10-12)   

Weight 1.2 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Music Theory 1 

Purpose:  Music Theory 2 helps students get ready for a possible career in music and builds on the ideas learned in Music Theory 1, taking them further and in more depth.

 Objectives:

1.  Learn proper advanced classical part writing and harmonization techniques

2.  Practice orchestration and transposing music.

3.  Explore advanced contemporary composition techniques.

4.  Write complex melodies and rhythms using dictation and analysis.

MU210   SYMPHONIC BAND

(Grades 9-12)     

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

Purpose: Symphonic Band is for instrumental music students who have above-average skills and want the chance to play and study challenging band music. Students join by audition each year. 

 Course Outline:

1.  Perform songs from American musicals for band.

2.  Play music written specifically for band.

3.  Perform solos or small group features with the band.

4.  Practice and perform scales.

5.  Learn musical terms and forms.

6.  Reflect on and improve overall musicianship.

7. Perform for the public at concerts and events, including:

-Fall Concert

-Holiday Concert

-Winter Concert

-Spring Concert

-Commencement Ceremony

-Spring Band Tour (biannual)

 Objectives for the year: To give talented band and orchestra students the chance to play advanced music, learn how it works, improve their skills, and perform in many concerts throughout the year.

 Attendance Requirements:

Being a member of this class means attending all rehearsals and performances. School-day rehearsals follow regular school rules. For rehearsals and performances outside of school, attendance is required unless you are sick, have an emergency, or are participating in a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

MU220  ORCHESTRA

(Grades 9-12)     

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

Purpose:  To give instrumental music students with above average ability and opportunity to perform and study advanced band/orchestral literature.  Membership is gained through a yearly audition. 

 Course Outline:

1. Playing orchestral compositions transcribed for strings.

2. Playing selections from American musicals for orchestra.

3. Playing compositions written specifically for orchestra.

4. Perform solos and/or ensemble features with orchestral accompaniment.

5. Study and perform scales.

6. Study musical terminology and musical form.

7. Study transposition and its theoretical application in orchestral arranging

8. Study conducting.

9. Evaluating and reflecting upon general musicianship concepts learned throughout the year.

10. Perform for the public at various times throughout the school year:

a. Pops Concert

b. Holiday Concert

c. Winter

d. Night of Music

e. Commencement Ceremony

f. Biannual spring orchestra tour

Objectives for the year: To stimulate interest in fine band/orchestral music; to give above-average instrumental music students an opportunity to perform advanced band/orchestral literature; to give above-average instrumental music students the opportunity to study the technical and theoretical aspects of band/orchestral compositions; to provide the students with the opportunity to reflect on their own learning and improvement; and to provide the above-average instrumental student with an opportunity to perform in numerous band/orchestral public concerts throughout the school year.

 Attendance Requirements:

1.  Rehearsals and performances held during the school day will conform to regular school policies.

2.  For rehearsals and performances held beyond the school day, students must be present, except in the case of illness or extreme emergency.

MU230  CONCERT CHOIR

(Grades 9-12)     

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

Purpose:  Concert Choir is for vocal music students who have above-average skills and want the chance to sing and study challenging choir music. Students join by audition each year.

 Course Outline:

1. Perform standard choral music from a variety of styles and historical time periods.

2. Improve vocal technique 

3. Sight-read using solfege. 

4. Learn musical terms.

5. Reflect on and improve overall musicianship.

6. Perform for the public at concerts and events, including:

-Fall Concert

-Holiday Concert

-Winter Concert

-Spring Concert

-Spring Band Tour (biannual)

 Objectives of the year: To give talented vocal students the chance to perform, learn about, and improve their skills singing advanced choral music.

 Attendance Requirements:

1. Being a member of this class means attending all rehearsals and performances. School-day rehearsals follow regular school rules. For rehearsals and performances outside of school, attendance is required unless you are sick, have an emergency, or are participating in a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

MU241   MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 1 (Grades 9-12)   

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisites:  Basic piano keyboard skills and concept of notes and note values.

 Purpose:  To write, arrange, and produce original songs using digital audio workstations.

 Course Outline:

1. Use notation software to write music

2. Use the software Garageband to produce, record, and arrange tracks and loops.

3. Use the software Logic Pro to produce, record, and arrange tracks and loops

4. Record and produce a podcast episode.

5. Create a playlist of originally composed music

 Objectives for the year: To learn how to create, arrange, and record music using modern music tools.

MU260  MUSIC APPRECIATION 

(Grades 10-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Purpose: Music Appreciation explores how music is and was used in society. The class includes topics such as music history, music therapy, music technology, musical theater, and modern music genres.

 General Aim:  Students considering studying music beyond high school will find this course very valuable.

 Objectives:  Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the main elements of music, including melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, form, tempo, and dynamics.

2. Recognize key Western music styles throughout history.

3. Understand how modern technology is used to create music today.

4. Study how music therapy is used today.

5. Learn about different aspects of musical theater.