Band (9-12) (Full year)
Band is open to students who have completed the previous year or have permission from the director to enroll. Emphasis is on developing music reading skills, individual technique, basic music theory, and appreciation for music through study and performance of traditional and contemporary music. Performances will be held outside of the school day in almost ALL instances. Attendance is mandatory. During marching season the Band will perform at football games as a pep band or as a marching band. Indian Color Guard (Silky Blues) is a vital part of the Marching Indians. Color Guard auditions will be held each spring for the following fall. Expectations will be stated and acknowledged at that time. Following marching season, concert band will begin for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Color guard members who do not play a musical instrument will be assigned other tasks supporting the Band. Concerts for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble (concert band) will include a winter concert, state band festival, and spring concert. Students may also participate in pep band at basketball games and may be offered other opportunities such as honor bands, solos and ensembles at regional and state festivals, as well as scholarship auditions. Students using school-owned instruments will pay a $50 user fee. USD 264 does not rent flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, or trombones. Special clothing is required for performances. This class meets the KSDE Fine Arts requirement for graduation and can be repeated for credit.
Jazz Ensemble (9-12) (Full year)
Members will audition during the first two weeks of school for the Jazz Ensemble, and in addition to the skills listed for Band, they will develop an understanding of different concepts of jazz. Rehearsal times may be assigned in addition to class rehearsals. Performances will be held outside of the school day in almost ALL instances. The Jazz Ensembles will perform at community events, concerts, and available jazz festivals. Attendance is mandatory. Special clothing is required for performances.
College Music Appreciation (11-12)
Music is an essential part of our social and cultural fabric. Music Appreciation is designed to broaden the understanding of the varuious aspects of music and its relationship to history and the world around us. No musical background is necessary. The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. Students enrolling in this course will receive 3 college credit hours through WSU Tech. Cost for the course is approximately $150 plus the possible cost of the book.
Choir - “Expressions” (9-12) (One semester)
This is a large choral group open to anyone with a desire to sing. Emphasis is on developing musical skills and music appreciation through a variety of available choral literature. The group will have concerts both semesters, as well as opportunities to sing outside the school. Evening performances are required. Dress clothes (slacks, dress shirts, ties for men and dresses or skirts and blouses for women) are required for performances. The class can be repeated for credit.
Select Vocal Ensemble - “Blue Notes” (9-12) (Full year) (Enrollment by audition)
This group of males and females will perform a variety of music from 16th century madrigals to contemporary show choir tunes. Movements are incorporated into many of the works. The ensemble serves as a public relations group through many outside performances. Evening performances and special clothing are required. There is a money requirement for uniforms and costumes. The class can be repeated for credit.
Select Women’s Ensemble - “Bel Canto” (9-12) (Full year) (Enrollment by audition)
This group of female singers will perform a variety of music from 16th century madrigals to contemporary show choir tunes. Movements are incorporated into some of the works. The ensemble serves as a public relations group through many outside performances. Evening performances and special clothing are required. There is a money requirement for uniforms and costumes. The class can be repeated for credit.
Select Men’s Ensemble – “Blue Man Crew” (9-12) (One semester) (Enrollment by audition)
This group of male singers will perform a variety of music from Barbershop to contemporary tunes. Movements will be incorporated into some of the works. Evening performances and special clothing are required. There is a requirement for uniforms and costumes. Members can be enrolled in more than one ensemble. The class can be repeated for credit.