Music Education 

GUITAR 1 (Course #H6536) Fine Arts credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit 

Guitar 1 is a semester-long course in basic music fundamentals which will be taught using the guitar. Acoustic guitars will be provided during the class instruction. The fundamentals of acoustic guitar playing will be taught, including the tuning, playing technique, basic music notation, and sight reading. The student will learn to play melody lines as well as basic chords in several keys. Opportunities will be given to play both alone and in small ensembles. 

GUITAR 2 (Course #H6537) Fine Arts credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit 

Prerequisite: Guitar 1 or Teacher Recommendation 

Guitar 2 is a continuation of the skills learned in Class Guitar 1. Students will continue to develop music reading skills, right and left hand techniques, and ensemble performances. 

PIANO 1 (Course #H6540) Fine Arts credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit 

Piano 1 is a semester-long course in basic music fundamentals which will be taught using the keyboard. This course is not designed for students with piano experience. Electric keyboards will be provided during the class instruction. The fundamentals of keyboard playing will be taught, including playing technique, basic music notation, and sight reading. The student will learn to play melody lines as well as basic chords in several keys. Opportunities will be given to play both alone and in small ensembles. 

PIANO 2 (Course #H6541) Fine Arts credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit 

Prerequisite: Piano 1 or Teacher Recommendation 

Piano 2 is a continuation of the skills learned in Class Piano 1. Students will continue to develop music reading skills, right and left hand techniques, and solo/ensemble performances. 

PIANO 3 (Replaces General Music) (Course #H6542) Fine Arts credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit 

Prerequisite: Piano 2  or Teacher Recommendation

Piano 3 is a semester-long course in advanced music fundamentals.  Students will continue to develop their skills in the following areas: reading notation, chording, and building a piano portfolio from pieces of their choosing.  This course is designed for students who have completed Piano I & II, as students will learn more advanced skills and will be working more independently.  Prerequisite: Piano II or Teacher Approval.

BAND (Course #H6550) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

This is a course with emphasis on the performance of marching and concert band music. Extra rehearsals for marching and concert preparation are required. ***Students may opt to take the 4th year of Band for weighted credit. See instructor for more information. 

BARITONE CHORUS (Course #H6510) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

The Baritone Chorus is a course in which students will study and perform all styles of music. Students and parents should be aware of required attendance at all rehearsals and performances scheduled outside the class period. This is considered a course for beginning and advanced singers. 

TREBLE CHORUS (Course #H6520) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

The Treble Chorus is a course in which students will study and perform all styles of music. Students and parents should be aware of the required attendance at all rehearsals and performances outside the class period. No previous choral experience is required for this choir.

SELECT TREBLE CHOIR (Course #H6521) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

The Select Treble Choir is an intermediate level course in which students will study and perform all styles of music. Students and parents should be aware of the required attendance at all rehearsals and performances outside the class period. Previous musical training is encouraged but not mandatory for this choir. 

CONCERT CHOIR (Course #H6530) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

Weighted Course

The Concert Choir is a select group chosen by individual audition. Significant choral music of every period in music history is sung. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal skills, singing skills and individual musicianship. This choir is the top choral performing group. An extensive performance schedule and an annual tour are expected. ***Students may opt to take the senior year of Concert Choir for weighted credit. See instructor for more information. 

CHAMBER CHOIR (Course #H6525) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Audition 

Chamber Choir is a small, conducted ensemble designed to provide experienced and advanced singers with the opportunity to prepare and perform choral music from all representative styles, from the Renaissance period through Contemporary Vocal Jazz. Fundamentals of theory and vocal technique will also be emphasized. Members of the choir will be encouraged to expand their performance opportunities by participating in local, district and state activities that include solo and small ensemble singing.  ***Students may opt to take the senior year of Chamber Choir for weighted credit. See instructor for more information. 

AP MUSIC THEORY (Course #H6545) Fine Arts credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation plus prior or current participation in band, choir, piano, guitar.

*Weighted Course 

The ultimate goal of  the AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. In this course students will develop aural skills, sight-singing skills, written skills, compositional skills, analytical skills. The development of these skills occurs through listening, performance, written, creative, and analytical exercises. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Music Theory exam.