Music Department

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.

~Maya Angelou

Students who wish to participate in an extra-curricular ensemble such as Marching Band, Moonglowers, SPF Jazz, Select Choir, Chamber Choir, Fortis Chorum, and Virtuoso Voices MUST be enrolled in an ensemble class that meets during the school day, such as Concert Choir, Concert Band, or Wind Ensemble. Students who select any performing ensemble are required to be present at all concerts in order to receive credit in the course.

Chorus #H6612

Grade: 9 Year Credits: 5

Concert Choir #H6662

Grades: 10 – 12 Year Credits: 5

An elective for any students interested in singing various types of music. All members are expected to participate in several annual programs.

Concert Choir/Band #H6632

Concert Band/Choir #H6622

Grade: 9 Year Credits: 5

Concert Choir/Band #H6682

Concert Band/Choir #H6672

Grades: 10 – 12 Year Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Students should have participated in the 8th-grade Concert Band program or be approved by the high school band director. Students who would like to receive a vocal and instrumental experience may select this course. However, they are responsible for both vocal and instrumental performances as well as all 7 a.m. morning practice sessions.

Piano #H6752

Grades: 9 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5

This course is a beginning keyboard class that will explore the many sounds of a midi-keyboard and learn the fundamentals of piano. Recommended for all high school students.

Fortis Chorum #H6723 - Honors

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 1

This chorus is a performing ensemble for select students with tenor or bass vocal ranges; minimum requirements include the ability to sing in tune, interested in exploring all types of choral literature, and responsibility for participation in rehearsal and program. Students are selected through an audition process in May.

Concert Band #H6602

Grade: 9 Year Credits: 5

Concert Band #H6642

Grades: 10 – 12 Year Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Students should have participated in the 8th-grade Concert Band program or be approved by the high school band director. We welcome all students with different levels of ability on their instruments. Beginning musicians are allowed to select Concert Band. Students electing this course will be required to take one Instrumental Technique lesson per week.

Wind Ensemble (Band) #H6651 - Honors

Wind Ensemble & Concert Choir #H6782; Concert Choir & Wind Ensemble #H6792

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Students should have been a member of the 8th-grade Band, high school Concert Band, or approved by the band director. 

Members of this group are selected by audition only. The Director recommends all members.

Music Theory #H6772

Grades: 10 – 12 Year Credits: 5

Prerequisite: All students selecting Music Theory must have participated in HS Concert Band/Choir for one year. Rhythm musicians must be able to read music and get approval from the Supervisor. 

Music Theory is an applied music course for the music student who hopes to major in music in college and/or pursue a career in music after high school. The course consists of the studies of musical elements, tonal and rhythmic dictation, scales, triads, intervals, transposition, and harmony. Home preparation, tests, quizzes, and exams will be a regular part of this course.

AP Music Theory #H6600

Grades: 10 – 12 Year Credits: 5

Prerequisite: All students selecting AP Music Theory must have participated in HS Concert Band/Choir for one year. Rhythm musicians must be able to read music and get approval from the Supervisor. 

AP Music Theory is designed to develop in-depth and broad skills in music theory by way of analysis, technical skill training, aural skills, composition, and historical context. The course will involve extensive study of pitch notation, meters, scales and keys, intervals, triads, melody/harmony, and songwriting. The course will focus on the development of skills in the following areas: analysis, composition, collaborative artistry, music history, decoding, historical practices, historical context, and music influence on culture. Students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Test in Music Theory. Students should consult with the instructor before registering for this course.

Instrumental Music Techniques #H6692

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 1

Students electing this course will be aided in the further development of techniques such as breath control, tone quality, and control, and sight-reading. All students in band are strongly advised to elect at least one period per week.

SPFHS Jazz Band #H6702

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 2

The SPFHS Jazz Band is a performing jazz band for all high school students. All high school musicians can audition. Students must have a commitment to rehearsals and all programs.

Moonglowers #H6711 - Honors

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 2

The “Moonglowers” is a performing Jazz Band for all high school students. Auditions are held in the beginning of each school year or in June of the previous school year. All high school musicians can audition. Minimum requirements for the Moonglowers are to be proficient on their instrument, willing to perform all styles of jazz, and a commitment to rehearsals and all programs.

Virtuoso Voices #H6721 - Honors

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 1

This chorus is a performing organization for select students with soprano or alto vocal ranges; minimum requirements include the ability to sing in tune, interest in exploring all types of choral literature, and responsibility for participation in rehearsals and programs. Students are selected through an audition process.

Select Chorus #H6731 - Honors

Grades: 9 – 12 Year Credits: 1

This is a performing organization for select students of all vocal ranges. Students are selected through an audition process. Minimum requirements include the ability to sing in tune, interest in exploring all types of vocal literature, and responsibility for participation in all rehearsals and programs.