Music

THE ARTS

Mission Statement

The Arts program at Seymour High School provides opportunities for students to create, perform and respond with understanding to all of the arts, including music and the visual arts; to develop in-depth skills in at least one art form; to appreciate the importance of the arts in expressing human experience; and to be prepared to apply their arts skills and understandings throughout their lifetime.

Concert  and Jazz Band – 829

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 9-12

Concert Band provides students a chance to learn and perform music through an instrumental ensemble. Instruments appropriate for Concert Band include Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Tuba, or Percussion. Students who enroll must be available for a variety of performances and concerts.  Prior experience is necessary.

Concert Choir – 824 

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 9-12

Concert Choir is open to all students and offers an opportunity to develop vocal musical talents and general music understanding in a coed musical ensemble. No prior knowledge of music is necessary. Concert Choir performs music in numerous languages and covers music from a variety of musical genres. Students must be available for a variety of after school events which may include rehearsals, workshops, traditional concerts, and drama/musical productions.  

Music Production 1

0.5 Credit - Semester Course

Offered to grades 9-10-11-12

Students will learn the fundamentals of beat making, music production, and song creation.  Students will also develop proficiency in digital audio workstations such as Maschine 2 and GarageBand.  Skills learned include finger drumming, step sequencing, essential piano, and song composition. No prior music knowledge is required. By the end of the class all students will be able to create their own music from just about any style including classical, pop, rock, rap and hip hop.

Introduction to Guitar – 845

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 9-10-11-12

This course is designed for someone who never played guitar before.  Students will practice basic songs, learn about famous players, and study the technical aspects of the instrument. Students may take this more than once to further their knowledge and if students want to take guitar 

for semesters 1 & 2, then they need to sign up twice. (maximum 2 times)

Honors Ensembles – 857

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 9-12

Prerequisite: minimum of half a year in any SHS approved music course and/or an audition. 

An in-depth approach will be spent on personal goals, music appreciation, creating music, and performing with others. Students will perform modern music, and create music as part 

of a small group or ensemble. If students want to take this course playing a band instrument, they must also be enrolled in the band. Experienced Middle School players need to set up an audition with the teacher and be recommended by their Middle School music teacher. 

A Cappella - 852

1.0 Credit

Offered to advanced choir students in grades 10-12 who are selected through an audition process, and interested in working on and creating pop A Capella music.

Honors level performance course

All students are assessed regularly on their performance of selected repertoire and their overall understanding of music reading, history and basic music theory skills necessary to support a high level of performance. Additional performance expectations for students will be differentiated to allow students personalized avenues to fulfill honors requirements for this course. Students may retake the course.