Music
Music
Wausau West High School offers a variety of courses in the field of music. The choirs, bands, and orchestras maintain an active performance schedule and are recognized throughout the state for their excellence.
Why Choose Music? Recent research has once again found a strong correlation between music and brain development. Studies prove that listening and participation in music have a powerful and positive influence on the brain and enhance learning levels.
The Wausau West Music Department holds the following beliefs:
We believe the study of music develops life skills.
We believe the study of music is a vital part of every student’s education.
We believe music positively influences other disciplines and professions.
We believe a quality music program as a positive impact on school climate and community life.
MORE INFORMATION: www.wsmamusic.com or www.menc.org
FRESHMAN CHOIR
Course: 120011/220011 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 9
Fee: None Prereq: None
A year-long course that includes in its study: choral techniques, part reading, diction, and extending knowledge of choral literature. The choir participates in several concerts during the school year. Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required.
UPPER CLASSMEN VOCAL MUSIC (Grades 10-12)
Course: 120051/220051
Vocal Music is available to students interested in a performing choral group. All students who are interested in the program are to register for VOCAL MUSIC. Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required. Following registration, audition schedules are arranged. After the audition, the students will be placed in one of the three choirs listed below.
TENOR-BASS CHOIR
Course: 120021/220021 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 10-12
Fee: None Prereq: Must meet minimum singing standards as determined by the Director
A year-long course designed to give students in the tenor or baritone range, with limited choral experience, the opportunity for training in ensemble work, chorale techniques and the study of chorale literature. The chorus participates in several concerts during the school year. Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required.
TREBLE CHOIR
Course: 120041/220041 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 10-12
Fee: None Prereq: Must meet minimum singing standards as determined by the Director
A year-long course designed to give students in the soprano or alto range, with limited chorale experience, the opportunity for training in ensemble work, chorale techniques and the study of chorale literature. The chorus participates in several concerts during the school year.
Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required.
CONCERT CHORALE
Course: 120001/220001 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12
Fee: None Prereq: Must meet minimum singing standards as determined by the Director
A performance group of selected vocal students. The members of Concert Chorale are selected on the basis of individual audition. The choir makes numerous appearances in the Wausau are each year and the opportunity is provided for participation in Solo and Ensemble Festivals.
Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required.
CONCERT BAND
Course: 120081/220081 (Sign up for instrument section) Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year
Year Taken: 9-12 Fee: Band Fee: $35/Year, Optional school instrument rental: $30/Year
Prereq: Minimal musical standards as determined by the Director
A year-long course open to grades 9-12 with placement being determined by the individual's musical ability and advisement of the instructor. Performances are viewed as an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required. Opportunities for participation in Solo and Ensemble Festivals are available and encouraged.
WIND ENSEMBLE
Course: 120091/220091 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 10-12 with Instructor approval
Fee: Band Fee: $35/Year, Optional school instrument rental: $30/Year
Prereq: Director placement
Wind Ensemble is a year-long course for advanced instrumental musicians focusing on performance of a variety of musical styles. Wind Ensemble members are selected by audition in the spring semester. Performances are viewed as an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required.
Students should initially enroll in Concert Band.
ORCHESTRA
Course: 120061/220061 (Sign up for instrument section) Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year
Year Taken: 9-12 Fee: $10/Year Prereq: Minimal musical standards as determined by the Director
A year-long course, open to students in grades 9-12, which is performance oriented. Students perform a variety of music styles at several concerts. Performances and concerts are considered an extension of the classroom; therefore, attendance at all performances is required. Opportunities for participation in Solo and Ensemble Festivals are available and encouraged.
MUSIC PRODUCTION I
Course: 120111 Credit: .5/Sem Offered: Semester I or II Year Taken: 9-12
Prereq: None Fee: None
This one semester introductory course will explore concepts in music creation using modern technology. This course will provide Wausau Music Production students opportunities to learn about career pathways into the music industry. This course is open to all students without prerequisites. This course is project-based. Soundtrap Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) will be utilized as the main application for this class. Students will be able to access Soundtrap from any device. Canvas will be used as a hub for class assignments and materials.
MUSIC PRODUCTION II
Course: 220141 Credit: .5/Sem Offered: Semester I or II Year Taken: 9-12
Prereq: Music Production I or Director permission Fee: None
Music Production II is a one semester course. It is a more in depth offering for students interested in music/event production or in home recording studios. Students must be willing to contribute by singing and / or performing on musical instruments throughout the course. This course covers a broad range of music production & recording topics including: *Live sound reinforcement: understanding and applying techniques used in live performances (i.e., mixers, microphones, speakers, effects, etc). *Studio recording reinforcement: understanding and appling techniques used in the studio environment to record, mix, and produce professional quality musical recordings.
Photo credit: Reggie Smith