Music

Graduation Requirements 

Music Theory I

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This full year introductory course in the basic principles of music theory will teach students how to read and write music. Emphasis will be placed on aural skills; including sight singing and ear-training, as well as rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation. The course will also cover major and minor scales, key signatures, the principles of basic four-part harmony and music composition. Students will be introduced to music technology programs. Credit may be applied toward the one-credit art/music requirement. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

• This course is offered at HS East for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 

• Requirement: Demonstration of basic rhythm and aural skills, including the ability to match pitch vocally.

Advanced Placement Music Theory

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is limited to highly motivated music students who are interested in an in-depth study of advanced music theory. This course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, music history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and sight singing are also part of this class. The quality, concentration and breadth required should be equivalent to an introductory college course in music theory. Students will prepare for the AP music exam as part of the focus of this course.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations

• This course is offered at HS East.

• All students enrolled in this course are expected to register for and complete the AP exam in May at a cost of approximately $100, which will be reduced or waived for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. 

• Requirement: 90 average in Theory I or satisfactory grade on the placement exam. Students must also demonstrate ability to vocally match pitch.

Chamber Orchestra

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

The Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned string ensemble for students in grades 11-12 that is designed to challenge the most skilled and mature string students. Students will be encouraged to seek recommended private instruction. Chamber Orchestra will explore and sight-read a wide range of classic concert literature, with an emphasis on performance excellence and NYSSMA level 6 literature. Performance is a required part of the course including evening concerts, assemblies, festivals, etc.  This group is frequently called upon to represent the school district at various community events. Chamber Orchestra is available to students in High School East.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Successful completion of previous year’s orchestra class, audition, attendance at all performances, and weekly group instrumental lessons during the school day. Students who study privately may be exempt from the weekly lessons, at the discretion of the director.

String Orchestra 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

Membership in String Orchestra is open to orchestral string players who have demonstrated proficiency in performance in accordance with the Shenendehowa Essential Content and Competencies. Performance is a required part of the course including evening concerts, assemblies, festivals, etc. String Orchestra meets at High School West for grade 9 students and at High School East for students in grades 10-12.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Successful completion of previous year’s orchestra class, attendance at all performances, and weekly group instrumental lessons during the school day. Students who study privately may be exempt from the weekly lessons, at the discretion of the director.

Symphonic Band

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

The ensemble aims at developing excellent ensemble techniques through the performance of quality band literature in accordance with the Shenendehowa Music Essential Content and Competencies.  Performance is a required part of the course including evening concerts, assemblies, festivals, etc. This course is offered at HS West for students in grade 9 and at East for students in grades 11 and 12.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Successful completion of previous year’s band, audition for grade 9 students at West and grades 11 and 12 at HS East, attendance at all performances, and weekly group instrumental lessons during the school day. Students who study privately may be exempt from the weekly lessons, at the discretion of the director.

Wind Ensemble

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

The high school wind ensemble is a select auditioned music ensemble designed to challenge the most advanced, musically mature and skilled student instrumentalists. Students will be recommended for audition by their respective band director, although ultimate acceptance will be at the discretion of the wind ensemble director. Students will be encouraged to seek recommended private instruction, as well as perform in small chamber ensembles during school lessons. Wind ensemble will explore and sight read a wide range of professional classic concert band literature, with an emphasis on performance excellence and NYSSMA level 6 literature.  Performance is a required part of the course including evening concerts, assemblies, festivals, etc. This course is offered at East.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Successful completion of previous year’s band, audition, attendance at all performances, and weekly group instrumental lessons during the school day. Students who study privately may be exempt from the weekly lessons, at the discretion of the director.

Grade 9 Freshman Jazz Band

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

This beginning ensemble, which meets for one period on alternating days, provides basic instruction in jazz-related rhythm, tone, style, concept and listening skills. The ultimate goal of this ensemble is to provide interested students an opportunity to study and perform basic jazz ensemble literature. Various audio and visual resources will be utilized in this course from a performance, stylistic and historical reference. This band performs evening school concerts. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Attendance at all performances, successful completion of previous year’s jazz band, and audition. Concurrent enrollment in Grade 9 Concert Band or Symphonic Band (Orchestra for bass players).  Exception: piano and guitar players upon need.

Grades 10-12 Concert Jazz Band

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

This intermediate ensemble, which meets for one period on alternating days, continues the study and performance of jazz literature for the more advanced student. Handouts, computer technology, and various audio recordings, will be used to continue the formal study of jazz appreciation and listening skills. This band performs evening school concerts. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Attendance at all performances, successful completion of previous year’s jazz band, and audition. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble (Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra for bass players). Exception: piano and guitar players upon need.

Jazz Ensemble

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

This advanced ensemble, which meets for one period on alternating days, continues the study and performance of jazz literature for the more advanced student. Handouts, computer technology, and various audio recordings, will be used to continue the formal study of jazz appreciation and listening skills. This band performs evening school concerts. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Attendance at all performances, successful completion of previous year’s jazz band, and audition. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble (Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra for bass players). Exception: piano and guitar players upon need.

Concert Choir 

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

Membership in the Concert Choir is open to all students with previous experience or with an audition/director approval.  A variety of choral styles and compositions will be studied with music reading skills and vocal/choral techniques as the main focus.   Performance is a required part of the course including evening concerts, assemblies, festivals, etc.  Concert Choir is offered at West for Grade 9 students and at East for students in grades 10-12.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: Attendance at all performances is required.  

West Chorale (Grade 9) / Choraliers (Grades 10-12)

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

Membership in this ensemble is open to students who pass an audition and are recommended by a music teacher.  Students will explore and sight read a wide range of classic choral literature with an emphasis on performance.  West Chorale (at HSW) is an extension of West Concert choir and concurrent enrollment is required.  Choraliers is an extension (not a substitute) of the full credit Concert Choir ensemble and concurrent enrollment is required.  Band and orchestra students may audition for these ensembles and utilize their full credit ensemble as the concurrent enrollment.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: This is an auditioned group.  Attendance at all performances is required.

Bella Voce

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

Membership in this ensemble is open to select vocalists by audition.  Bella Voce is an advanced, premier choral ensemble for students in grades 11 and 12.  This course challenges the most mature and musically independent choral student with demanding literature.  Concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir is required (or another full credit ensemble).

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: This is an auditioned group and requires teacher recommendation.  Attendance at all performances is required.

Applied Music 

1 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

Students may seek private instruction on those instruments not offered as part of the school music program. These typically include, but are not limited to, guitar and piano. One-half credit is available for students who study music privately, provided the course of study is approved by the Academic Administrator for Music, K-12 and High School Principal. Students may receive credit provided State regulations and governing procedures and standards are satisfied. Registration must be approved by the Academic Administrator for Music and the private lesson instructor by October 1st.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Please Note: Credit for Private Applied Music Instruction is not applicable towards a diploma. Applied Music Instruction can only be used for elective credit. Applied Music Credit does not fulfill the music credit needed for graduation. Students can earn a maximum of 0.5 credit per year.

Digital Audio Production

1/2 Year/.5 Unit

Course Description

Digital Audio Production is an introductory course in the basics of audio technology.  Students will learn to create, edit, and mix audio using digital tools. Students will explore music production, sound design for film and games, and podcasting, gaining skills to work in studios and media production. This course is ideal for those interested in the art and technology of sound and is an entry-level course, so no previous music or technological experience is required.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

No prerequisite.  This course is intended for students not currently enrolled in music classes.