Classes in Instrumental Music

Semester Long Courses

Marching Pep Band

  • 1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Fall Semester Only
  • Prerequisite: Working knowledge of a band instrument
  • A one period, co-curricular course which provides intensive training in marching and maneuvering execution as well as improving musicianship. Exposure to the skills and techniques necessary for positions in the Marching Colts. Opportunities to perform at football games and in parades. All performances are mandatory.
  • Participation outside of school day, certain parts of uniform are required.

Concert Band

  • 1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Spring Semester Only
  • Prerequisite: Working knowledge of a band instrument
  • Co-curricular band class that provides an intensive review of instrument fundamentals. Exposure to the musical skills necessary for advancement to symphonic or wind ensemble.
  • Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances are required.

Marching Colts

    • 1 Semester (2 hours)
    • Grades 9 -12
    • Satisfies 1 Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
    • Course Fee: $50.00
    • Prerequisite: Audition demonstrating necessary music and marching ability.
    • The varsity marching band is a co-curricular course which meets daily for two hours during zero and first periods. Weighted credit is available through fine arts petition program.
    • Fall semester only, participation outside of school day, certain parts of uniform are required. Performance at select home and away football games, plus various marching competitions and school activities is required. Scheduled Monday night rehearsals mandatory. 
    • Completion of 2 semesters will waive PE requirement.

Symphonic Band

  • 1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Spring Semester Only
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: Audition
  • Intermediate to advanced level, co-curricular concert music is performed by this group. Members may also participate in wind ensemble.
  • Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.

Wind Ensemble

  • 1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Spring Semester Only
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: Audition required
  • Advanced level, co-curricular concert band music is performed by this select group formed from first semester Colt and Pep Bands. Weighted credit is available through fine arts petition program.
  • Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.

Ensemble Honors Credit

  • 1 Semester
  • Course Fee: Same as the registered ensemble
  • Satisfies .05 of a Fine Art or Elective Credit
  • Receiving honors credit is an option for selected courses, this includes Marching Colts, Wind Ensemble, Show Band, Advanced Theater Technology, Theater Production Studio, Concert Choir and Rhythmix. While participating in a year-long major advanced performing ensemble, students will extend their understanding through involvement in a series of achievements. Students that petition for honors (weighted) credit will negotiate activities that address each of the following areas including: individual instruction, performance, academic content knowledge, and leadership/service. 

Music Technology

  • Mus1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Offered Both Semesters
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: None
  • This course is designed to give a basic understanding and experience using audio technology for musical application with a focus on digital audio recording and editing technology. Use of software including notation, sequencing, and audio editing will be surveyed. Class size is limited to available resources. Can be repeated for further credit and further study with instructor approval. 

Intro to Guitar & Piano

  • 1 Semester
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies 0.5 of a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Offered Both Semesters
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Emphasis on proper technique and hand position. Students will study basic chord progressions and introductory level guitar and piano pieces. Students do not need to be able to read music. Class open to beginning players as well as those with experience. Class can be repeated with instructor permission. 

Year Long Courses

Small Instrument Ensemble

  • Yearlong
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: Working knowledge of a band instrument
  • Woodwinds, brass, and orchestra strings included in these small, co-curricular ensembles geared toward improving musical skills.

Percussion Ensemble

  • Yearlong (2 Hours)
  • Grades 9-12
  • Satisfies a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • Fall semester–Marching Colt Drumline. Co-curricular course that meets daily for 2 periods (0 and 1st)
  • Spring semester–Buena Indoor Percussion. Co-curricular course that meets daily for 2 periods (0 and 1st).
  • Course Fee: $12.50 - Additional cost may apply.
  • Prerequisite: Audition
  • Intensive training in the demonstration of correct responses from percussion instruments and appropriate body movement. Recognize music symbols. Interact musically with other musicians during rehearsals and performances.
  • Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required. 

AP Music Theory

  • Year Long 
  • Grades 9-12
  • Satisfies a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • College credit can be earned with score of 3 or higher on AP test given in May.
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: None
  • This course is designed to introduce and examine in depth the musical skills necessary for college level music theory. Class will focus on concepts of notated music, sight singing, and dictation skills, including standard notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, and chords as well as developing listening skills. This is a weighted class recommended for upper level musicians.

Jazz Band

  • Yearlong
  • Grades 9 -12
  • Satisfies a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: Working knowledge of a band instrument
  • A co-curricular band designed as an exploration of the basic elements of jazz through performance, theory, and involvement in other bands. Students of an above average ability level admitted to this class.

Show Band

  • Yearlong
  • Grades 10-12
  • Satisfies a Fine Art or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12.50
  • Prerequisite: Audition
  • Advanced level, co-curricular band that provides experience in wide variety of jazz, dance, and pop-style music. Weighted credit is available through fine arts petition program.
  • Performances include numerous late evening events, extra rehearsals, and involvement in other bands.

BSB Honors Credit

  • Yearlong
  • Grades 10- 12
  • Satisfies a Fine Arts or Elective Requirement
  • Course Fee: $12:50
  • Receiving honors credit is an option for Show Band. While participating in this advanced performance ensemble students will extend their understanding through involvement in a series of achievements. Students that petition for honors (weighted) credit will negotiate activities that address each of the following areas including: individual instruction, performance, academic content knowledge, and leadership/service.