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 October, January,  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: 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, 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 October, January, 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: 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. 

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 written music and tab, play chords, melodies and harmonies primarily in the first position. We will also learn some basic music theory.  Class time is structured to offer a balance between solo practice and group instruction. 

Text and materials: Everybody's Guitar Method, Book 1; Students must provide their own guitar as well as one set of spare strings and picks; 1 inch, 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

In Guitar II students will polish up the skills learned in Guitar I. In addition they will:

• Build up dexterity in playing melodies and improve 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

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

Chorale

Course #: FAM161   Grades: 9-12   Credits: 1   Length: Year   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Chorale is  a year-long vocal music class open to all students regardless of musical background. Students can expect to learn the basics of vocal technique and musical literacy. This course explores choral music from a wide variety of cultures and time periods through study and performance. This is a performance-based class. Regular outside practice is expected. Participation in dress rehearsals and concert performances outside of regular class time is required. 

Materials: Pencil and eraser that “lives” in the choral folder, concert dress (more information to follow, but there is a required concert dress code for all choral students)

Piano I 

Course #: FAM137     Grades: 9-12     Credits: .5     Length: Semester     Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None; limited to 15 students per section

Piano I is the first semester of a student-centered class that combines teacher instruction and self-directed study in piano. Students will progress and be assessed at an individual pace. The course will begin with keyboard notation and reading skills, and progress from short etudes to individual solo pieces. Cultural and historical contributions of major pianists and composers will be discussed. Regular individual practice is expected.

Text and materials: E-media piano course; various etudes and short solo pieces; access to a home instrument is strongly recommended

Piano II

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

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano I or instructor approval; limited to 15 students per section

Piano II is a one-semester course open to graduates of Piano I or more advanced pianists with instructor approval. Students will progress and be assessed at an individual pace. 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 pianists and composers will be discussed. Regular individual practice is expected.

Text and materials: E-media piano course; various repertoire collections; access to a home instrument is strongly recommended

Music Theory I 

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

Prerequisite: None, although it is suggested that students have proficiency on an instrument or voice

The Music Theory I course sequence is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of basic music fundamentals. The essential aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form are studied. Throughout the course of the semester students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, and cadences. Aural dictation and ear training are also an integral part of the course and will be taught throughout the semester. Individual creativity is nurtured through both rhythmic and melodic composition. This course is highly recommended for students in a musical ensemble, and is generally considered a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.

Music Theory II

Course #: FAM149    Grades: 9-12     Credits: .5     Length: Semester     Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None, although it is suggested that students have proficiency on an instrument or voice

The Music Theory II course is a continuation of Music Theory I. In this class, students can expect to build upon their knowledge of scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, cadences, form, part-writing and score analysis. Additionally, aural dictation and ear training become a larger focus in Music Theory II. Individual creativity is regularly encouraged through student composition. This course is highly recommended for students in a musical ensemble, and is generally considered a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.

AP Music Theory

Course #: FAM250    Grades: 10-12     Credits: 1     Length: Year    Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: Proficiency on an instrument/voice; co-enrollment in a school ensemble strongly recommended

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework. The goal of this course is to further develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Students will be required to read, notate, perform and compose music. Musical skills will be developed through listening, sight-singing, written exercises, analysis, and an exposure to a variety of musical styles. Students will take the Advanced Placement examination in May.