Music Courses

CHOIR CLASSES

Choir classes are open to all students who enjoy singing. Class time is devoted to learning the fundamentals of singing and to the preparation of music for public performance. Concepts in music theory and history are integrated into daily rehearsals. Students may earn only one credit per year in chorus.

COURSE: Introduction to Piano

OPEN TO: Grades 9-12

PREREQUISITE: none

CREDIT: 1/2 credit / semester (not applied to grade point average)

OVERVIEW:

Students in Introduction to Piano develop the foundational skills for piano playing. Enrollment in this course welcomes those with advanced, little, or no prior music experience. Curricular pacing depends on the ability level and progression rate of the individual student. This course explores piano technique and music literacy, theory, and expression. Students may re-enroll in future semesters to further their piano skills.

COURSE: Choir I (RTHS Singers)

OPEN TO:  All grades

PREREQUISITE: None, but at least one year of middle school choir is recommended

CREDIT: 1 credit / year (not applied to grade point average)

OVERVIEW:

Choir I is a non-auditioned, beginning mixed vocal ensemble. This class establishes a foundation of vocal technique, music literacy, and aural skills. Literature performed includes a wide variety of musical styles, cultures, and periods. Students must participate in at least four co-curricular performances throughout the academic year.

COURSE: Choir II (Concert Choir)

OPEN TO: Grades 10-12

CREDIT: 1 credit / year (not applied to grade point average)

PREREQUISITE: By audition only

OVERVIEW:

 The RTHS Concert Choir is an auditioned, intermediate-to-advanced mixed vocal ensemble. Students expand upon the music literacy, aural skills, vocal technique, and musical expression established in 9-10 choir. Literature performed includes a wide variety of musical styles, cultures, and periods. Students must participate in at least four co-curricular performances throughout the academic year.

COURSE: Madrigal / Vocal Jazz Ensembles

(“Midnight Voices” / “After Hours”)

OPEN TO: Grades 10-12

PREREQUISITE: By audition only

CREDIT: None (extracurricular)

OVERVIEW:

Enrollment in Madrigals/Vocal Jazz depends on audition. Literature performed in Madrigals typically includes acapella compositions from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Literature performed in Vocal Jazz typically includes acapella and accompanied compositions of Early Jazz, Swing Bebop, Fusion, Pop Contemporary genres.

This ensemble performs at extracurricular, co-curricular, and community events. Students also participate and audition for music festivals at the direction of the instructor. This ensemble rehearses during periods 4-5 daily and after school weekly.

Students must audition in the spring semester of the previous year to enroll in the fall semester of the upcoming year. Students must also enroll concurrently in either 9-10 or 11-12 Choir. Students must adhere to RTHS expectations to maintain enrollment in this ensemble, including code of conduct and academic eligibility.

BAND CLASSES

COURSE: Marching Band /Concert Band 1, 2

OPEN TO: Grades 9-12

PREREQUISITE: Have previous experience playing an instrument in an outlying band program or permission of director.

CREDIT: 1 credit / year (not applied to grade point average)

OVERVIEW:

The band program is designed to acquaint the student with a wide variety of instrumental music literature through study and performance. Emphasis is given to music of all historical periods. Instruction is intended to broaden each student's experiences and develop an understanding and sensitivity to music meant to last through adolescence to adulthood.

Marching Band

In the fall, band students participate in the marching band program. Band camp is required and held around the first full week of August. Students memorize music and drill (movement) while working to achieve proficiency in marching fundamentals and music performance. The marching band rehearses daily during school and a specified number of early mornings during the fall. The performance season, which usually ends early in the second quarter, includes several parades, home football games, and at least three marching band competitions.

Concert Band

At the completion of the marching season, the band meets as one concert band. During second semester there are two bands – Concert Band 1 (Juniors/Seniors) and Concert Band 2 (Freshmen/Sophomores). During this time, students continue working to develop basic musicianship as well as the technical skill necessary to play an instrument. They independently prepare for two major concerts as well as other recruiting activities.

COURSE: Jazz Band

OPEN TO: Grades 9-12

PREREQUISITE: Brass, Saxes, and Drums must be enrolled in band.

CREDIT: None (extracurricular)

OVERVIEW:

The Jazz Band performs selections from all major jazz traditions and is intended for students with some previous jazz experience. The jazz band performs at all of the band concerts each year as well as the annual Jazz Band Spring Jazz Showcase. Additionally the band also performs for recruiting in the outlying schools.

Rehearsals are held daily during school (presently 6th period lunch). Membership is expected to last both semesters unless approved by director. Students playing drums, brass, or saxophone are required to enroll in band at the same time. Because the jazz band is extracurricular, participating students are subject to the school codes governing student conduct and eligibility. Because a grade is not given for these classes, continued involvement is dependent on rehearsal and concert attendance.

COURSE: Jazz Band / Lab Jazz Band

OPEN TO: Grades 9-12

PREREQUISITE: By audition only (see below)

CREDIT: None (extracurricular)

OVERVIEW:

The Lab Jazz Band is an ensemble designed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of performing instrumental jazz and swing, and is open to all instrumentalists. The Jazz Band performs selections from all major jazz traditions and is intended for students with some previous jazz experience. Both bands perform in major concerts each semester.

Rehearsals are held daily during school (presently lunch hour). Membership in either ensemble is expected to last both semesters. Students playing drums, brass, or saxophone in either jazz band are required to enroll in band at the same time. Because the jazz bands are extracurricular, participating students are subject to the school codes governing student conduct and eligibility. Because a grade is not given for these classes, continued involvement is dependent on rehearsal and concert attendance.

Extra Curricular -

Pep Band

Indoor Guard (Illusion)

Indoor Drumline

Outdoor Guard

OTHER MUSIC CLASSES

COURSE: AP Music Theory

OPEN TO: Grades 11-12

PREREQUISITE: at least one full year of band and/or choir

CREDIT: 1 credit / year

OVERVIEW:

AP Music Theory is a year-long class that covers topics explored in the first year of music theory at the college level. Students earn college credit based on scores from the AP Music Theory test in May. Students register for the test in the fall at their own financial cost. Students may choose to take or forgo the test. Music fundamentals explored include pitch, major/minor scales and key signatures, rhythm, meter, timbre, texture, and expressive elements. Harmonic exploration includes triads, seventh chords, chord functions and progressions. Voice leading and part-writing concepts include embellishments, motives, and melodic devices.

COURSE: Introduction to Guitar

OPEN TO: Grades 9-12 

PREREQUISITE: None

CREDIT: 1/2 credit / semester (not applied to grade point average)

OVERVIEW:

Introduction to Guitar is a class designed for students to learn the basics of playing the guitar. There is no prior music experience necessary to enroll in this course, and those with no guitar experience or little formal training are encouraged to enroll. This course will cover guitar technique for rhythmic and melodic playing, various forms of music notation and music theory, and instrument maintenance. 

Students may utilize a school owned instrument or may bring in their own acoustic guitar to participate in the course.