The music program in the high school offers numerous opportunities for the development of each student's musical and creative abilities. The performing groups offer the student an experience that he/she seldom encounters in adult life. Through study and performance a student can learn to appreciate and enjoy music more. Any combination of Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, and Field Band will equal 1 full credit.
This course is designed for students who desire to continue developing their vocal ability through the performance of various styles of music. Members of the Concert Choir may also audition for Select Chorus. Students enrolling in the Concert Choir will be auditioned for voice placement. Concert Choir members will perform several required concerts during the school year, and may be required to take lessons during the school day. Any student selecting this class for the second, third, or fourth year must have successfully completed the previous year and/or have the approval of the chorus teacher.
The Symphonic Band is comprised of students who have the desire to study and perform on a wind or percussion instrument in a large ensemble instrumental music setting. Symphonic Band provides students with experiences designed to develop their technical and musical understandings at a higher level. Primary emphasis is placed upon the development of characteristic instrumental tone, musical literary, and ensemble performance through the study of a wide variety of excellent musical literature. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take lessons during the school day, participate in several concert performances throughout the year, and attend all scheduled local community parades throughout the course of the school year. Each year this ensemble will also participate in a music department trip (not required). This course acts as a prerequisite to all other band offerings.
The Field Band acts as an extension of the Symphonic Band experience that continues the tradition and heritage of American music performed in an outdoor setting. This group meets once every 4 day cycle during the school day for the 1st marking period and during the evening, outside of school. Topics of study include: fundamentals of breathing, physical conditioning and its effect on musical performance, strength training/endurance, and development of tonal concepts relating to blend, balance, and intonation. The Field Band experience places a primary emphasis on the development and achievement of a musical and visual product that elicits emotional response. Students enrolled in this course will be required to participate in summer conditioning, Band Camp in August and additional evening rehearsals outside of school. A rehearsal/performance calendar is distributed by April the year previous to the upcoming/new school year. The Field Band is the most visible part of the Instrumental Music Program at Twin Valley High School and represents the school district by being ambassadors to the local community.
The orchestra program at the high school is open to anyone who plays a bowed string instrument, or students who play wind, brass, or percussion instruments (by audition). Students who wish to begin playing a string instrument need prior approval from the director. Along with increasing skills on their particular instruments, orchestral players also develop a deeper appreciation and understanding for music in general. Additional requirements include lessons during the school day and several outside performances. Any student selecting this class for the second, third or fourth year must have successfully completed the previous year. This does not apply to entry-level players.
Computers are used to explore the history of music, including major composers, the development of styles and forms, and specific characteristics of musical works. In addition to listening to recorded music in class, students may attend live music concerts. Students will explore as many different styles of music as possible, including classical, folk, rock, jazz, contemporary, country and western, and pop. Connections between Music, History, and Visual Art will also be discussed.
This course introduces the building blocks of music: scales, chords, rhythm, intervals and key signatures. Harmonic and melodic analysis of music, ear training and sight singing, and composition are also studied. Keyboards and computers are used for basic drill and to develop skills leading to four-part music writing. Much of the work during this class is done independently. Prior music reading skills strongly recommended.
Advanced Placement Music Theory is a rigorous course designed to expand and enhance the basic skills of the serious high school musician and the content learned in Music Theory I. Music composition, melodic practices, theory of harmony, aural activities (sight singing) and other musical concepts are studied, encompassing the common practice period up through the Baroque/Classical period (1600-1750). Music from other stylistic periods are also analyzed and discussed. The study, writing, singing and analysis of the 4-part chorale from this common practice period is the common thread to the course study. Students are prepared to take the AP® Music Theory Exam when they have completed the course.
Music Keyboard Lab is for students who have an interest in learning to read music, compose music, and perform music on the piano keyboard while incorporating the use of a computer. Students will use notation and sequencing software to learn basic note reading and how to compose and perform different styles of music. Students may take this course more than once.
This is an elective course for beginning guitarists with little or no experience on the instrument. Students will learn open chords, power chords, movable chords, single note (melody) playing, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles, including both pick-style and finger-style approaches to the guitar. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performances, listening, improvising, and learning to read standard music notation as well as tablature. Students may take this course more than once if the instructor feels that more preparation is necessary to take the next level course. Students may not take this course after taking Intermediate Guitar.
Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar Class or teacher recommendation
This is an elective course for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Students will expand upon playing techniques learned in Beginning Guitar Class. The second-level course will more heavily emphasize music fundamentals, theory, songs, solo performances, group performances, listening, and improvisation. Continued reading of standard music notation and tablature will be included as well. Students must have previously taken Beginning Guitar Class OR receive approval from instructor.
This course is designed so that the student will develop musical listening and descriptive skills; understand and implement basic musical concepts; explore and understand the history of music technology and its development; understand the basic workings of computer hardware and operating systems; explore the basic properties of sound and MIDI technology; create, mix and edit a multi-track recording; create multi-media presentations incorporating animation, audio, and video; and mix and record podcasts and musical compositions using notation software such as Finale. There is no prerequisite for this class. Some musical experience would be preferred, but it is not required