.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Anima Cantorum is open to all students, grades 9-12, who sing in the tenor or bass vocal range. No previous singing experience is necessary. Emphasis is on personal vocal development within an ensemble setting and music literacy. Students who wish to take Anima Cantorum in addition to an instrumental ensemble or Theater have a .5 credit option where the period is divided equally between two courses. Performance opportunities include the fall choral concert, Candlelight, youth concert, and spring choral concert.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition and completion of at least one year of Treble Chorus

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Bella Voce is an intermediate-advanced vocal ensemble that is open to 10th-12th grade sopranos and altos who have successfully completed at least 1 year of Treble Chorus. Curriculum emphasizes continued musical literacy, in-depth understanding of vocal technique, and performance practice. Students who wish to take Bella Voce in addition to an instrumental ensemble or Theater have a .5 credit option where the period is divided equally between the two courses. Performance opportunities include the fall choral concert, Candlelight, youth concert, and spring choral concert.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition and completion of at least one year of SHS vocal experience

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities or Open STEAM (1.0 credit only)

Choralaires is an advanced vocal ensemble that is available by audition to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students of every voice part (SATB) who have successfully completed at least one year of singing in a vocal ensemble at Staples High School. Curriculum emphasizes an advanced level of musical literacy, vocal pedagogy, personal vocal growth, and performance practice. Performance opportunities include but are not limited to the fall choral concert, Candlelight, youth concert, and spring choral concert.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition and completion of at least one year of SHS vocal experience

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities or Open STEAM (1.0 credit only)

Sonora is an advanced vocal ensemble available by audition to 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students of every voice part (SSAA) who have successfully completed at least one year of singing in a vocal ensemble at Staples High School. Curriculum emphasizes an advanced level of musical literacy, vocal pedagogy, personal vocal growth, and performance practice. Performance opportunities include but are not limited to, the fall choral concert, Candlelight, youth concert, and spring choral concert.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grade 9                               Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Treble Chorus is open to students in grade 9 who sing in the soprano or alto vocal range. No previous singing experience is necessary. Emphasis is on personal vocal development within an ensemble setting and music literacy. Students who wish to take Treble Chorus in addition to an instrumental ensemble or Theater have a .5 credit option where the period is divided equally between the two courses. Performance opportunities include the fall choral concert, Candlelight, youth concert, and spring choral concert.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grade 9                               Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Freshman Concert Band is open to all 9th grade students who play a wind or percussion instrument. The Freshman Concert Band studies musically challenging band literature appropriate to the grade level. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student independence and leadership, sectional rehearsals and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. This ensemble combines with members of Freshman Orchestra – Strings for several concerts each year for performance of full orchestra repertoire. The Freshman Concert Band performs at concerts and the Memorial Day Parade. 

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grade 10                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Sophomore Band serves as the bridge between Freshman Concert Band and Symphonic Band for 10th-grade students who play a wind or percussion instrument. This ensemble is designed to strengthen fundamental musicianship while introducing students to more mature and stylistically diverse band literature. Students continue developing tone, technique, ensemble listening skills, and musical independence through daily rehearsal and targeted instruction. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student leadership, sectional rehearsals and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. Students in Sophomore Band engage with a repertoire of increasing difficulty and explore the expectations and skills required for advanced high school ensembles. The Sophomore Band performs at concerts throughout the year and participates in the Memorial Day Parade. 

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 10, 11, 12                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities or Open STEAM (1.0 credit in junior or senior year only)

Symphonic Band, SHS’s premiere band ensemble, is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who play a wind or percussion instrument. The Symphonic Band studies musically challenging band literature of a significant level of difficulty. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student independence and leadership, sectional rehearsals and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. This ensemble combines with members of the Symphonic Orchestra – Strings for several concerts each year for performance of full orchestra repertoire. The Symphonic Band performs at concerts and the Memorial Day Parade. 

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grade 9                               Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Students in Freshman Orchestra perform and study varied orchestral literature. Freshman Orchestra is open to all 9th grade string players (violin, viola, cello, and bass). The curriculum focuses on music literacy, musicianship, and refining fundamental technique and skills within an ensemble setting. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student independence and leadership, sectional rehearsal and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. This ensemble combines with members of Freshman Concert Band for several concerts each year for performance of full orchestra repertoire. Freshman Orchestra performs at several concerts during the school year.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grade 10                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Sophomore Orchestra is an advancing string orchestra that studies significant string orchestra literature. Sophomore Orchestra is open to all sophomore string players (violin, viola, cello, and bass). The curriculum focuses on expanding music literacy, musicianship, and refining technique and skills within an ensemble setting. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student independence and leadership, sectional rehearsal and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. The Sophomore Orchestra performs at several concerts during the school year.

.5 or 1.0 credit         Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities or Open STEAM (1.0 credit only)

Symphonic Orchestra is an advanced string and symphonic orchestra that studies significant and standard orchestral literature. Symphonic Orchestra is open to all junior and senior string players (violin, viola, cello, and bass.) The curriculum focuses on expanding music literacy, musicianship, and demonstrating mastery of technique and skills within an ensemble setting. This ensemble combines with members of Symphonic Band for several concerts each year for performance of full orchestra repertoire. The Symphonic Orchestra performs in several concerts during the school year.

Instrumental lessons are strongly encouraged for all instrumental students. Weekly, 15-minute in-school lessons are provided for students who need additional assistance. The focus of these lessons is to strengthen student technique and musicianship necessary for success in department ensembles. Lessons are scheduled during a free period, before or after school, or concurrently during an ensemble. Priority is given to students who do not study with a private teacher outside of school.

Entry Level Qualifications

Students who performed in the Western Region Middle School Music Festival in 8th grade should register for their freshman ensemble, then will be eligible to enroll in the honors section upon arrival at Staples.

Students who have not participated in the Western Region Middle School Music Festival but wish to receive honors credit must participate and maintain two or more of the following qualifications by December of 9th grade:

• Private lessons (minimum of 15 lessons per semester)

• Audition for CMEA’s Western Region Festival

• Consistent participation in a teacher-approved ensemble outside of the school day (Wind Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Orphenians, etc.) 

Sustaining Qualifications

Students who are enrolled in the honors section, in addition to continuing their entry-level qualification work, must continue to meet the following qualifications:

• Have earned and maintained an A- average in Staples music ensemble courses

• Receive a teacher recommendation to continue at the honors level

• Participate in CMEA’s Western Region/All-State Festival (if accepted and one of the two qualifications chosen by the student) 

Entry Level Qualifications

Students should register for their ensemble, then will be eligible to enroll in the honors section at the start of the next school year if they have:

• Earned and maintained an A- average in Staples music ensemble courses

AND

• Demonstrated Musicianship Skills Mastery Assessment appropriate to the ensemble/grade level 

Sustaining Qualifications

Students who wish to sustain honors credit must fulfill two or more of the following criteria:

• Private lessons (minimum of 15 lessons per semester)

• Audition for and participate in CMEA’s Western Region/All State or other teacher-approved honors ensembles

• Consistent participation in a teacher-approved ensemble outside of the school day (Wind Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Orphenians, etc.)

• MBDA Portfolio development, which may include recordings of solo or chamber work

*Other opportunities to earn honors credit may be possible, but must be teacher-approved by the 30th day of the semester.

1.0 credit                 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced string orchestra and open to string students who wish to explore string orchestra literature. Students are selected by audition in June of the prior school year and must be a member of a Staples orchestra, band, or chorus. Chamber Orchestra meets one evening per week for in-depth study and rehearsal. One weekly sectional is also required. The Chamber Orchestra performs at school functions, festivals, community events, and concerts during the school year.

1.0 credit                 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced string orchestra and open to string students who wish to explore string orchestra literature. Students are selected by audition in June of the prior school year and must be a member of a Staples orchestra, band, or chorus. Chamber Orchestra meets one evening per week for in-depth study and rehearsal. One weekly sectional is also required. The Chamber Orchestra performs at school functions, festivals, community events, and concerts during the school year.

1.0 credit                 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             Full-Year

Prerequisite: Selection based on audition

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Orphenians is open to vocal students who wish to explore advanced vocal repertoire. Students are selected by audition in June of the prior school year and must be a member of a Staples band, chorus, or orchestra. The Orphenians meet one afternoon per week for an in-depth study and rehearsal. One weekly sectional is also required. The Orphenians perform at school functions, festivals, community events, and concerts during the school year.

1.0 credit                 Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Previous participation in the high school instrumental or vocal music program; course instructor’s recommendation

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts, Open Humanities, or Open STEAM

AP Music Theory students will develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The student will develop aural, sight-singing, written, compositional, and analytical exercises. Students will solve compositional problems and become proficient in part-writing. Students will receive ear-training and skills for aural identification and dictation notation. The curriculum for this course has been designed in cooperation with the AP Testing Service and will prepare students to take the AP Music Theory exam in May. 

.5 credit                   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             S1, S2

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts or Open Humanities

Beginning Piano focuses on using keyboards and MIDI controllers to unlock personal musical creativity and the opportunity to work alone and collaboratively with others. This course is designed for students who are music enthusiasts and musicians with the desire to learn more about the music making process. Through a series of hands-on projects that involve recording, programming, and mixing activities, students learn workflow strategies that boost their music learning, efficiency, and productivity with modern tools and resources. Popular folk songs and traditional melodies are utilized to teach basic concepts. No previous musical experience is necessary.                       

.5 credit                   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             S1, S2

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts, Open Humanities, or Open STEAM

In this class, students utilize music software and digital instruments to create, compose, and respond to various musical elements and fundamentals. Songs and musical arrangements are studied to identify how each piece utilizes the basic elements of music (tempo, rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony, form, and style). Students use music applications to create, edit, manipulate, and arrange musical compositions in a style similar to ones studied in class. Students demonstrate their understanding of these musical components by generating original compositions and/or arrangements in a variety of musical styles (jazz, rock, Latin, reggae, techno, pop, etc.). This class may be repeated for credit with teacher approval.

1.0 credit                 Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Areas: Visual & Performing Arts, Open Humanities, or Open STEAM

This course examines American popular music within its historical and social context, primarily throughout the 20th century. It will encourage students to think critically and creatively about popular music in relation to topics of diversity. We will study significant styles of American popular music, with a focus on select songs that exemplify their respective genres, and explore several recurring themes throughout the course. The course is intended to enhance students’ enjoyment and understanding of the music they already know, as well as to introduce less familiar styles and genres. Students will develop critical listening skills and become more informed consumers of popular music. 

POPULAR MUSIC AND DIVERSITY IN AMERICAN SOCIETY ALSO OFFERS CREDITS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT THROUGH UCONN EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

UCONN MUSI1003: POPULAR MUSIC AND DIVERSITY IN AMERICAN SOCIETY

Three credits

An introduction to popular music and diversity in America: jazz, blues, Top-40 pop, rock, hip-hop, and other genres. Musicians and their music studied in the context of twentieth-century and contemporary American society, emphasizing issues of race, gender, class, and resistance.