Fine Arts: Music

Concert Band

Course #: FAM131 Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Audition or successful completion of 8th grade Concert Band

This is the first level of performing bands at SHS. Most students who do not have previous high school band experience are placed in this band to bring their playing skills to a more advanced level in a fun working environment. Students learn and perform various styles of concert band music, ranging from traditional band music to contemporary styles and composers. Concepts of music theory and history are studied in relation to the music performed. Performances are mandatory and include (but are not limited to) concerts in December, March, April, and May, as well as performance in the Scarborough Memorial Day Parade. Students enrolled in the Concert Band are eligible to audition for District and State Honors Music Festivals.

Text and materials: Fourteen Weeks to a Better Band; Tradition of Excellence Book 3; additional technical studies, select Concert Band literature; pencils, accessories for maintenance and performance on their instrument. Student-owned instruments are expected to be in excellent working condition at all times.

Expectations: Focus and effort during rehearsal time, written worksheets and tests, home practice, and live or recorded performance tests. Instruments must be in good playing condition. Students must have and use accessories properly (reeds, valve oil, maintenance supplies). Concert attendance is mandatory.

Symphonic Band Course #: FAM231

Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Ability to read music; proficiency on an instrument; string players welcome

Symphonic Band students are expected to have a strong level of proficiency on their instrument plus a clear understanding of good rehearsal and practice technique. This full-year course provides further growth in performance skills and musicianship through traditional and contemporary band music. Study of music theory, instrumental skill, and musical expression move students to a new level of ability in a fun, working environment. Performances are mandatory and include (but are not limited to) concerts in December, March, April, and May, as well as performance in the Scarborough Memorial Day Parade. Students enrolled in the Symphonic Band are eligible to audition for District and State Honors Music Festivals.

Text and materials: Fourteen Weeks to a Better Band Level 2; Hal Leonard Advanced Band Method, scale studies, ear-training, and other developmental studies are used in addition to concert music. Students must have pencils for every rehearsal, and instruments must be in good playing condition. Students must have and use accessories properly (reeds, valve oil, maintenance supplies). Student-owned instruments must be in excellent working condition or repaired immediately.

Expectations: Class participation in keeping with a Level 4 class. Focus and effort during rehearsal time, written worksheets and tests, home practice, and live or recorded performance tests. Concert attendance is mandatory.

Wind Ensemble

Course #: FAM232 Grades: 10-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4+

Prerequisite: Audition and one year of experience in Concert or Symphonic Band

Wind Ensemble is taught in a manner equivalent to an honors-level class. Students are expected to meet the highest levels of rehearsal and performance ability, including serious at-home study. A strong interest in and enthusiasm for learning and performing music at the highest level attainable leads to success in this class.

Text and materials: Instrument in excellent working condition, appropriate care supplies and accessories used consistently; pencils at each rehearsal; accessories for instrument maintenance and performance; various methods and studies for band will be used in addition to outstanding literature for band; focused individual practice time on a flexible schedule is the main homework for Wind Ensemble.

Expectations: Students participate fully in intense rehearsals, extended practice time, solo playing during class, and multiple performances. Instruments must be in good playing condition. Students must have and use accessories properly (reeds, valve oil, maintenance supplies)Students enrolled in Wind Ensemble are eligible to audition for District and State Honors Music Festivals.

Music Production

Course #:FAM236 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None; space limited to 16 students

Music Production is a semester-long music class. Members will learn the fundamentals of sound, recording techniques, differences between types of hardware and software, and the basics of digital music production. Students will be assessed by daily music reading activities, weekly quizzes, meeting the NCCAS music standards, and Habits of Work & Learning, and several recording projects. Students will occasionally need to record live music, which may or may not take place outside of class hours.

Expectations:

Respect the equipment: Many students will be sharing the workstation and associated hardware. Damaging any of the class materials or leaving them in disarray will result in disciplinary action.
Musicianship: Students are expected to progress through regular practice/drills with notation, sight-singing, and ear-training. Tools/strategies include worksheets, tests, and training drills.

Mixed Chorus

Course #: FAM240 Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None

Mixed Chorus is a year-long vocal music class. Members are required to read music, practice independently, and occasionally attend mandatory extracurricular functions. Students will be assessed by daily music reading activities, weekly quizzes, meeting the NCCAS music standards, and Habits of Work & Learning. Students in Mixed Chorus will also prepare a few concerts which occur after the end of the school day.

Expectations:

Attendance: This is mandatory for any performance group.
Preparedness: For each rehearsal students will bring a pencil and working black binder for choral music (to be maintained throughout the year).
Musicianship: Students are expected to progress through regular practice/drills with notation, sight-singing, and ear-training. Tools/strategies include worksheets, tests, and online practice sites.
Regular outside practice: Students are expected to practice their music outside of rehearsal; in some cases audio files may be provided by the director to facilitate this process.

Piano I

Course #: FAM137 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None; limited to 15 students

Piano I is a one-semester, student-centered class which combines teacher instruction/guidance and self-directed study in piano. Students will progress and be assessed at an individual pace. Students will be assessed on their mastery of basic music reading skills and simple theory as applied to early skill levels of piano. Students will begin with learning notation and reading skills, and progress to simple applications of music theory including composition. Students will also work on individual solo pieces of their choice. Cultural and historical contributions of major piano performers and composers will be discussed.

Text and materials: E-media piano course (beginner level); Sibelius notation and ear-training software; various method books and teacher-generated worksheets; audio-visual sampling

Piano II

Course #: FAM235 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano I or teacher approval; limited to 15 students

Piano II is a one-semester course is open to graduates of Piano I or more advanced pianists. Students in this class should minimally be able to perform Level II repertoire (early sonatas and solo pieces). Students will continue to improve upon their performance and sight-reading skills and augment their study with applicable music theory. Cultural and historical contributions of major piano performers and composers will be discussed.

Text and materials: Various repertoire collections; Sibelius notation and ear-training software; teacher-generated worksheets; audio-visual sampling; documentation on pianist and concert performances

Guitar I

Course #: FAM136 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Guitar I is a one-semester class open to all students who would like to learn basic guitar techniques. We will learn to read notes, play chords, melodies and harmonies primarily in the first position. We will also learn some basic music theory. Class lessons will be augmented by student-led sessions in which they share familiar pieces with the class. Class time is structured to offer a balance between solo practice and group instruction. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar or make arrangements with the teacher to rent a guitar.

Text and materials: Everybody's Guitar Method, Book 1; students must provide their own acoustic guitar as well as one set of spare strings and picks; 1" three-ring binder.

Guitar II

Course #: FAM234 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Guitar I or audition; must be able to read music notation as well as chord symbols

Materials: You must bring your own Guitar - either acoustic or electric (with a small portable amp). Guitar I or audition. Must be able to read music notation as well as chord symbols.

In Guitar II you will polish up those skills you learned in Guitar I. In addition you will

Build up dexterity in playing melodies and improve your ability to make smooth chord changes.
Learn to play melodies and chords in 3rd, 5th and 7th position.
Explore playing rock, folk, blues, swing, classical styles of music.
Learn how to play fingerstyle guitar.

Music Theory

Course #: FAM139 Grades: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Music Theory is an introductory music class that explores the elements and construction of music. Students will learn to read music notation, create compelling melodies and harmonizations, and analyze pieces of music. Students will also practice melodic and harmonic dictation, ear training, creating original compositions, and reading music at sight.