Music

Senior Chorus: Grades 9-12 – (551)

This course is designed for students in senior high school who desire to continue developing their vocal ability through the performance of various styles of music. Members of Senior Chorus may also audition for Select Chorus. Students enrolling in Chorus will be auditioned for voice placement. Chorus 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

Senior Band: Grades 9-12 – (561)

The Senior High School Band is the core of the high school woodwind, brass and percussion program. Incorporated into the band are several performing groups; a marching unit that consists of approximately 85 playing members plus a band front of approximately 10 members; a concert band, and several smaller groups such as combos and ensembles. Marching Band is no longer a required part of this class, although members are highly encouraged to participate. Members of the band not only learn to develop playing skill and marching precision but also develop a better understanding and appreciation of music in general. Those who select this course must have adequate playing ability on their instrument. Interested students should contact the high school band director. Students will perform several required concerts each year, and are 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.

Marching Band: Grades 9-12 – (560)

Students enrolled in Sr. Band have the option of also enrolling in Marching Band. This group meets once every 4 day cycle during the day, for the 1st Marking Period Only. Students perform at all home football games and several evening parades in the fall and spring. The year begins with Band Camp in August, which is required for all students enrolled in the class. Some evening rehearsals may occur, especially for Percussionists.

Jazz Band: Grades 9-12 – (562)

The Jazz Band is for those students who have an interest in Jazz and popular music. The instruments used in this organization are limited to: trumpets, trombones, saxophones, piano, guitar, drum set and string bass or electric bass. The following instruments are sometimes used: baritone horn, French horn, flute, tuba and vibes. Students who play any of the above instruments may enroll in Jazz Band provided they have the required technical ability. Please speak to the high school band director before selecting this course. With the possible exception of string and keyboard players, students who select Jazz Band must also select Senior Band (561). Drummers should not elect this course unless they have had previous drum set experience. Any student selecting this class for the second, third or fourth year must have successfully completed the previous year.

Senior Orchestra: Grade 9-12 – (570)

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. Several outside performances will be required. 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.

Music History & Appreciation: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (563)

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.

Music Theory: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (564)

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.

AP® Music Theory: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (566)

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: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (565)

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.

Beginning Guitar: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (567)

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.

Intermediate Guitar: Grades 10-12 – 0.5 credit (568)

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.

Music Recording & Technology: Grades 10-12 – 0.5 credit (569)

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