Music

Welcome to the State College High School Music Program!  

Students who are interested in performing music are provided with a sequential program of music courses in band, choir, orchestra, guitar, and rock ensemble.  Students may enter the sequence at any grade in high school by demonstrating their abilities to perform music commensurate with the grade level.  Select groups are available to challenge those students with more advanced abilities.

Students who are interested in creating music or understanding more about music are offered a variety of nonperformance electives, including Music Theory  and AP Music Theory.

Frequently Asked Questions......& Answers

1. 1. Why should I take a music course in high school?

Students who take music courses in high school  are actively engaged in creativity.  This engagement stimulates all the parts of your brain and develops your intellect and makes you multi-dimensional.   Creating music is a social activity.  You are going to feel a sense of achievement because you are using imagination, teamwork, and personal skills to  continuously improve.  Being in a music course makes you feel better.

1. 2.  Can I take Band, Choir, AND Orchestra?

Yes!   It is possible for students to participate in band, choir, and orchestra in all grades.  Students can easily take one, two, or all of the 9th grade music ensembles.  Each ensemble meets for a half-block.  The remaining half is available for one of the other music ensembles or a study hall.

1. 3.  Do I have to audition to take 9th grade band, choir, or orchestra?

No. Students do NOT need to audition to be in the 9th grade music ensembles.

1. 4.  Are there any non-audition ensembles for 10th -12th grade students?

Yes, students who do not wish to audition can join the 10th grade choir or band, concert choir, and/or concert band.

1. 5.  Are there any music courses that do not have concerts?

Yes, Music Theory 1, AP Music Theory, Guitar 1, and Guitar 2 are great music classes to increase your personal music knowledge and skills without a concert performance.

1. 6.  What about ROCK music?

Students who want to perform rock music and learn how to be a member of a rock band should audition for Rock Ensemble or Adv Rock Ensemble.   

1. 7.  May I  join a choir even if I didn't take choir in middle school?

Absolutely!!! 

Non-audition choirs:  9th Grade Choir, 10th Grade Choirs, Concert Choir.   

Audition choirs:  Advanced Choir (Master Singers), Chamber Singers, Treble Makers

Teacher - Mr. Paul Leskowicz

Y401 - 9th Grade Band - (Credits .5)

Ninth-Grade Band is intended for students interested in improving their skills in instrumental music.  In rehearsals, students work to strengthen and improve their abilities to correctly perform band music at two public concerts.  In addition, students enrolled in this band have the opportunity to participate in the high school marching and jazz bands.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  Participation in eighth grade band or audition with the band director.  Suggested Grade Level : 9

Y402 - 10th Grade Band - (Credits .5)

Tenth-Grade Band  is intended for students who are interested in furthering their study of high school level band literature.  In rehearsals, students work to improve their performing skills, while preparing for two public concerts.  In addition, students desiring more performance opportunities and a greater challenge may audition for the symphonic and jazz bands. All band members are also eligible to join the high school marching band.  This course meets for a half block.   Prerequisites:  Participation in Ninth Grade Band or audition with the band director.  Suggested Grade Level : 10

Y400 - Concert Band - (Credits .5)

The Concert Band is intended for students who are interested in performing excellent high school band literature.  In rehearsals, held every other day, for the whole year, students work to expand their instrumental music skills while preparing for three public concerts.  In addition, students are eligible to participate in the marching band and the jazz bands,.  Students desiring a greater challenge may also audition for the symphonic band.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  Participation in Tenth Grade Band or audition with the band director.  Suggested Grade Level : 11-12.

Y404 - Advanced Band - (Credits 1)

This course, also known as Symphonic Band, is designed for motivated band students of advanced ability who plan on continuing their musical activities at the college/conservatory level.  In rehearsals the students work on the skills of blend, balance, tone quality, intonation, and proper interpretation, while preparing for three major concerts during the school year.  Advanced Band students will receive an enriched curriculum which will address individual music skills.  In addition, students are eligible to audition for music festivals at the district, regional, state, and all-eastern levels and to travel to festivals and competitions as the opportunities occur.  Students enrolled in Advanced Band have the opportunity to participate in the marching band and to audition for the jazz bands. This course meets for a full block.   Prerequisites:  Audition and acceptance into Advanced Band/Symphonic Band.   Suggested Grade Level:  10-12

Teacher - Mr. Erik Clayton

Y410 - 9th Grade Choir - (Credits .5)                                        

Ninth-Grade Choir is intended for students interested in improving their performance skills in vocal music.  In rehearsals students work on the development of appropriate vocal production, sight reading, and aural skills.  Three public concerts will be presented yearly.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  none.   Suggested Grade Level:  9

Y423 - 10th Grade Choir - Upper Voices - (Credits .5)

Tenth-Grade Choir - Upper Voices  is for students who are interested in furthering their study of high school level choral literature in a non-audition choral ensemble that contains students of the higher vocal ranges.  This allows for a learning experience  tailored to the needs of higher voices.  If you are a tenth grade student who sings in the soprano or alto ranges, enroll in "10th Grade Choir - Upper Voices."  In rehearsals, students work to improve breathing technique, sight-reading, more advanced music notation reading, tone development, posture, and musical expression.  No previous experience is necessary.  At least three public concerts will be presented.  This ensemble may travel to festivals and competitions as opportunities occur.   This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  none.  Suggested Grade Level:  10

Y424 - 10th Grade Choir - Lower Voices - (Credits .5)

Tenth Grade Choir - Lower Voices  is for students who are interested in furthering their study of high school level choral literature in a non-audition choral ensemble that contains students of the lower vocal ranges.  This allows for a learning experience  tailored to the needs of lower voices.  If you are a tenth grade student who sings in the tenor or bass ranges, enroll in "10th Grade Choir - Lower Voices."  In rehearsals, students work to improve breathing technique, sight-reading, more advanced music notation reading, tone development, posture, and musical expression.  No previous experience is necessary.  At least three public concerts will be presented.  This ensemble may travel to festivals and competitions as opportunities occur.   This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  none.  Suggested Grade Level:  10

Y425 - Concert Choir - Upper Voices - (Credits .5)

Concert Choir - Upper Voices is a non-audition choral ensemble that meets with students in the upper vocal ranges.  This allows for learning experiences tailored to the needs of upper voices.  Students in the 11th and 12th grades who sing in the soprano and alto ranges should enroll in "Concert Choir - Upper Voices."  In rehearsals, students work to improve breathing technique, sight-reading, more advanced music notation reading, tone development, posture, and musical expression.  No previous choral experience is necessary.  At least three public concerts will be presented.  This ensemble may travel to festivals and competitions as opportunities occur.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  none.  Suggested Grade Level:  11-12

Y426 - Concert Choir - Lower Voices - (Credits .5)

Concert Choir - Lower Voices is a non-audition choral ensemble that meets with students in the lower vocal ranges.  This allows for learning experiences tailored to the needs of lower voices.  Students in the 11th and 12th grades who sing in the tenor and bass ranges should enroll in "Concert Choir - Lower Voices."  In rehearsals, students work to improve breathing technique, sight-reading, more advanced music notation reading, tone development, posture, and musical expression.  No previous choral experience is necessary.  At least three public concerts will be presented.  This ensemble may travel to festivals and competitions as opportunities occur.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  none.  Suggested Grade Level:  11-12

Y412 - Advanced Choir - (Credits 1)

This course, also known as Master Singers,  provides a challenge for students who show exceptionally high levels of skill development and vocal maturity, and who plan on continuing their musical activities at the college/conservatory level.  In rehearsals, students work on the skills of blend, balance, tone quality, intonation, and proper interpretation while preparing for four major concerts yearly.  Advanced Choir students will receive an enriched curriculum which will address individual musical skills.  In addition, students are eligible to audition for  the PMEA festival system, which includes district, regional, state, and all-eastern  choirs.  Advanced Choir students will have the opportunity to audition for the Chamber Singers, an advanced level, co-curricular choral ensemble, and to participate in travel opportunities.  This course meets for a full block.    Prerequisites:  Audition and acceptance into Advanced Choir/Master Singers.  Suggested Grade Level:  10-12

S419 - Guitar 1 -  (Credits .5)

This course will focus on learning the rudiments of guitar including:   proper posture, basic music notation, tablature, scales and chord reading.  The class will also learn popular songs by ear and through using tablature.  Students will play individually and in groups.  Additional focus will be placed on using music software as a learning tool.  This semester course meets for a full block.   Prerequisites:  none.    Suggested Grade Level:  9-12

S422 - Guitar 2 - (Credits .5)

This course is intended for individuals who have successfully achieved the skills acquired in Guitar 1.  Additional emphasis will be placed on advanced scale studies, traditional notation, individual class performance, and ensemble class performance. This semester course meets for a full block.    Prerequisites:  successful completion of Guitar 1 or  by instructor approval.    Suggested Grade Level:  9-12

Teacher - Mr. Erik Clayton

S416 - Music Theory 1 - (Credits  .5)

This course is intended for students with limited experience with the fundamentals of music.  Students study the basics of music theory, including scales, chords, intervals, keys, modes, rhythm, melody, and harmony,  Students are trained to hear and identify these music mechanics and to use rhythm in composing and arranging works of their own and of others.  This semester course meets for a full block.   Prerequisites:  none.  Suggested Grade Level:  9-12

Y417 - AP Music Theory -  (Credits  1)

This course is designed for students with extensive musical background who have plans to continue musical study at the collegiate level.  Prior knowledge of harmonic analysis, scales, keys, intervals, and keyboard skills are required prior to enrollment.  In addition to advanced-level music theory, students will study musical form and music history with extensive work in aural skills, melodic and harmonic dictation, music transcription and composition.  The curriculum is designed to provide the necessary background for the successful completion of the AP test in Music Theory.  This year-long course meets for a full block.  Suggested Prerequisites:  successful completion of Music Theory 1, reading notation - treble and bass clef, construction of major and minor scales, intervals, triads, and seventh chords.  Suggested Grade Level:  10-12

Y405 - 9th Grade Orchestra - (Credits  .5)

The Ninth Grade Orchestra affords students the opportunity to gain experience playing a wide range of orchestral literature from various styles and period.  In rehearsals, students work to develop an awareness of proper pitch, timbre, tone quality, rhythm, and intonation.  Students will expand skills in articulation, bowing, orchestral tone production, and interpretation of the different styles of orchestral music while preparing for two public concerts.  This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisite:  Participation in middle school orchestra or audition with the orchestra director.  Suggested Grade Level:  9

Y409 - Concert Strings - (Credits .5)

Concert Strings is intended for students who are interested in performing high school orchestra literature.  In 1/2 block rehearsals, held every other day, for the whole year, students work to expand their string orchestra music skills while preparing for two public concerts.  **This course meets for a half block.  Prerequisites:  Participation in 9th Grade Strings or acceptance from the director  Suggested Grade Level : 10-12.

Y407 - Advanced Strings - (Credits  1)

This course is intended for motivated string students of advanced ability who plan on continuing their music activities at the collegiate level.   Advanced Strings students will receive an enriched curriculum which will address individual musical skills in addition to those assignments included in the orchestra curriculum, .  Prerequisites:  Audition and acceptance into Adv Strings.  Suggested Grade Level:  10-12

S415 - Rock Ensemble - (Credits  .5)

This course is designed to focus on contemporary popular ensemble music.  In rehearsals, students participate in small group ensembles focusing on performing classic rock literature, along with writing, arranging, rehearsing, and performing their own original compositions.  Students must be proficient on their instruments and able to work positively in a small group environment. Students will be expected to demonstrate their command of melody, harmony, meter, tonality, ensemble balance, and style through regular performance in class and at a final recital/concert.  Additional focus will be place on sound reinforcement, musical equipment set-up, care and maintenance, along with basic instrument repair.  This semester course meets for a full block.   Prerequisites:  Audition         Suggested Grade Level:  9-12.

Y420 - Advanced Rock Ensemble - (Credits 1)

This course is designed for self-motivated musicians who have already completed Rock Ensemble.  The class will focus on contemporary popular ensemble music, including original compositions.  Students must be very proficient on their instruments and able to work positively in a small group environment.  Students will be challenged with advanced study of melody, harmony, meter, tonality , ensemble balance, and style thorough regular classroom performances and two public recitals/concerts.  Additional training on sound reinforcement, music equipment set-up, and care and maintenance will be part of the curriculum.  This year-long course meets for a full block.  Prerequisites:  Successful completion of a least one year of Rock Ensemble and an audition .  Suggested Grade Level:  10-12.