Music

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

The Concert Band is the course for all wind and brass instrument players and percussionists entering their first year in the high school band program. Students will learn rehearsal and performance fundamentals while studying Level IV concert band literature as outlined in the New York State School Music Association manual. Students are required to perform at local concerts and participate in the annual NYSSMA Major Organization Festival. A weekly lesson is also required of all band members. This course may be used to meet the one unit New York State Arts requirement for graduation  

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

Membership is by audition and recommendation of the previous year’s instructor. The Wind Ensemble is the course for all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade brass instrument players, wind instrument players and percussionists who desire to learn advanced rehearsal and performance techniques while studying Level VI concert band literature as outlined in the New York State School Music Association manual. Students are required to perform at local concerts and participate in the annual NYSSMA Major Organization Festival.  A weekly lesson is also required of all band members.   

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

Concert Orchestra is the course for all string instrument players entering the 9th and 10th grades in the high school orchestra program. Students will learn rehearsal and performance techniques while studying level IV and V concert orchestra literature as outlined in the New York State School Music Association manual. Students are required to perform at local concerts and participate in the annual NYSSMA Major Organization Festival. A weekly lesson is also required of all orchestra members. This course may be used to meet the one unit New York State Arts requirement for graduation.   

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

Symphonic Orchestra is the course for all string instrument players entering 11th and 12th grades in the high school orchestra program. Students will learn rehearsal and performance techniques and be required to learn solos. Repertoire is chosen from Level V and VI concert orchestra literature as outlined in the New York State School Music Association manual. Students are required to perform at local concerts and participate in the annual NYSSMA Major Organization Festival. A weekly lesson is also required of all orchestra members. 

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

The William Floyd Concert Choir explores and performs vocal music from all ages and styles. Students are required to attend a weekly voice lesson in order to improve skills and learn solo repertoire. Students will have an opportunity to be selected to audition for participation in the various All-County, All-State and All-Eastern choruses. Attendance at the following functions is required: Winter and Spring Concerts, NYSSMA Major Organization, and other public performances (notification one month prior to event).   

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from previous year’s instructor 

The William Floyd Chorale explores and performs vocal music from all ages and styles. Students are required to attend a weekly voice lesson in order to improve skills and learn solo repertoire. Students will have an opportunity to be selected to audition for participation in the various All-County, All-State, and All-Eastern choruses. Attendance at the following functions is required: Winter and Spring Concerts, NYSSMA Major Organization, and other public performances (notification one month prior to event).   

 Prerequisite: Membership in Concert Choir or Women’s Choir or by recommendation of the Select Choir instructor. Membership in the Select Choir is by audition only. 

The Select Chorus is a select ensemble of students which specializes in the performance of smaller choral ensemble literature. Madrigals, pop tunes and vocal jazz styles will be performed. The group meets after school hours and performs at various school and community functions. One half-credit can be earned if performance and attendance requirements are met. 

Prerequisite: Membership in Band, or by recommendation of the Jazz Ensemble instructor. Membership in the Jazz Ensemble is by audition only.  

Jazz Ensemble is a small, select ensemble specializing in the performance of jazz and popular music. Students will be encouraged to develop technique in all pop idioms especially improvisation. The Jazz Ensemble meets one evening a week for two hours. The Jazz Ensemble performs at various festivals as well as many school and community functions throughout the year. One half-credit can be earned if performance and attendance requirements are met. 

Prerequisite: Membership in Concert Choir or Women’s Choir, or by recommendation of the Vocal Ensemble instructor. Membership in the Vocal Ensemble is by audition only.  

The Vocal Ensemble is a select ensemble of students which specializes in the performance of smaller choral ensemble literature. Madrigals, pop tunes and vocal jazz styles will be performed. The group meets after school hours and performs at various school and community functions. One half-credit can be earned if performance and attendance requirements are met.  

Prerequisite: Membership in Orchestra or by recommendation of the Chamber Orchestra instructor. Membership in the Chamber Orchestra is by audition only. 

The Chamber Orchestra is a select ensemble of students which specializes in the performance of smaller chamber orchestra literature. The group meets after school hours and performs at various school and community functions. One half-credit can be earned if performance and attendance requirements are met. 

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  None 

Students can be enrolled upon recommendation of the Middle School General Music Teacher/Middle School Guidance Counselor/High School Teacher/High School Guidance Counselor. This course is designed for beginning guitar players who wish to understand the fundamentals of music and performance through the guitar in connection with the NYS Learning Arts Standards. Prior instruction is not required. Basic skills such as chord strumming, tablature notation, improvisation, song performance, melody/riff playing and ensemble playing will be covered. Students will be provided an electric guitar, amplifier and necessary accessories.  

Prerequisite:  Guitar Ensemble 1 or students with previous guitar experience demonstrating skills outlined in Guitar Ensemble 1 by instructor audition. 

Guitar Ensemble 2 will continue to build upon the necessary skills and concepts for the intermediate guitarist. Students will continue through guitar performance their understanding of the fundamentals of music in relation with the NYS Learning Arts Standards. Further refinement of chords, chord progressions, tablature. melody reading and improvisational (soloing) skills in song performance to develop as proficient guitar players is the overriding goal. Students will be provided an electric guitar, amplifier and necessary accessories.  

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  Guitar Ensemble 1 and Guitar Ensemble 2 or special permission required (audition) 

Advanced Guitar Ensemble will continue to build upon the necessary skills and concepts for the intermediate guitarist. The course will focus on the basic elements of music. A primary goal of this course is to elicit a meaningful response to a wide range of musical styles, to heighten each students’ aesthetic experience and to use one’s own intellect and imagination in order to better understand music’s role in the history of civilization. This course may be used to meet the one unit New York State Fine Arts requirement for graduation. This course will have required performances. 

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  None

Acting and Vocal Training: To inspire students to use their imaginations, instincts, and intellect to act in tandem with voice training and body awareness, script analysis, and participation in rehearsal process techniques. Students will learn healthy vocal technique, vocal anatomy, productive practice routines, and how to approach song study for a musical perspective. Students will work on developing and demonstrating initiative, discipline, agency, and responsibility for work as performing artists. Students will learn the basic skills of good acting. All aspects of the theatre will be examined including stage terminology, scene study and monologues. This is a performance class for students interested in acting. This course may be used to meet the one unit New York State Arts requirement for graduation.  

Students (Grades 11-12 only) will have the option of taking this course for college credit through Five Towns College. 

Prerequisite:  A basic understanding of staff notation and participation in one of the performing groups (orchestra, band and chorus). 

This course is designed for students who are considering studying music beyond high school or those who have a sincere desire to study the structure of music in more detail. This course will introduce students to the basic rudiments of music theory. Major and minor scales, rhythmic and pitch notation, key signatures, intervals and triads will be studied. Class activities will include sight singing and dictation. Compositions of melodic and rhythmic speaking pieces will be explored. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to study music in college for a career in music. 

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory I or a successful challenge of Music Theory I. 

Theory II is a course which explores intermediate levels of study in harmonic and melodic analysis, counterpoint, as well as continued development of sight singing and dictation skills. Keyboard activities will be included where appropriate to the topic. A composition in four-part texture will be explored. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to study music in college for a career in music.   

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory II or a successful challenge of Music Theory II. 

Theory III-Advanced Placement is a course which explores advanced, college-level study in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic analysis, counterpoint, secondary dominants, modulation, transposition, figured bass, realization, harmonization of a melody, score reading, instrumental and vocal voice leading and composition, as well as further development of sight singing and dictation skills. Keyboard skills will be further developed as will composition in four-part texture. Students in this course will be exposed to a level of study suitable for the Advanced Placement Exam and may elect to take the exam at the commencement of the course. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to study music in college for a career in music.  

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite:  None 

Piano I is open to all students and recommended for all music majors. This course is designed to teach fundamental keyboard techniques including basic note reading, ear-training and the acquisition of all the basic elements that lead to an artistic performance. At the completion of this course, students will have acquired enough skill to play simple arrangements and accompaniments. Students who have some keyboard experience should see the instructor for an evaluation of their skills. In some cases, students may be permitted to take Piano II with instructor approval.  

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: Piano I or permission of instructor. 

Students who have some keyboard experience should see the instructor for an evaluation of their skills. In some cases, students may be permitted to take Piano II with instructor approval. Piano II will continue to build upon the skills and concepts acquired in Piano I. Appropriate solo material suited to individual skill levels will be prepared. Acceptable performance of music reflective of NYSSMA Level I and Level II will be required. 

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: Piano II or permission of instructor. 

Students will be required to perform all scales and basic keyboard progressions in all keys. Emphasis will be placed on the performance of simple accompaniment and harmonization of melody. Composition of an original keyboard piece will be required. Acceptable performance of music reflective of NYSSMA Level I and Level II will be required. 

Students will have the option of taking this course for college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.