Does music influence your life or the lives of others? Learn about popular music and other styles from 1945 until the present and how current events can influence the music that we hear. Students in this class will learn about musicians and popular styles and much more. In addition, you will get an opportunity to learn basic piano skills as well as share the music you listen to with others.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
This course is open to students interested in majoring or minoring in music and gaining knowledge of music fundamentals. The course covers the principles of chord structure, harmony, part writing, analysis, keyboard, sight singing, ear training, and composition. This is an Advanced Placement course; however, it is not a course requirement that students take the Advanced Placement test.
This course is open to all students interested in part-singing. Emphasis is on improving the student's voice while performing a varied selection of musical styles. Individual or group lessons are part of the class requirements. The group presents three concerts during the school year. Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts as well as the Chamber Music Festival. Solo and Ensemble Festival opportunities occur during second semester. Attendance is required of all members at performances. Pianists may elect this class to accompany only.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
This is a select group of students classified as advanced singers capable of performing difficult choral music of many styles. This class is typically students who have previously been a member of a WHS Choir. The group presents three concerts during the school year. Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts as well as the Chamber Music Festival. Solo and Ensemble Festival opportunities occur during the second semester. Individual or group lessons are part of the class requirements. Attendance is required of all members at performances. Pianists may elect this class to accompany only.
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Music Masters Ensemble is an audition-only ensemble. Students in grades 10-12 may audition for this select group of 12-18 singers. Auditions are held in late January. Various styles of music including madrigals, contemporary, and jazz will be performed. Performances include two choir concerts (Winter and Spring), Music Masters Showcase, the Chamber Music Festival and Chamber Music Recital, Solo/Ensemble Festival as well as community events. Individual or group lessons are part of the class requirements. Attendance is required of all members at performances.
Prerequisite: Previous participation in middle school band OR Symphonic Band OR consent of instructor
Symphonic Band is a performance ensemble that comes with many different performance opportunities. Performances can include, but are not limited to Concerts, Pep Band, Chamber Music Performances, Memorial Day parade, and 4th of July Parade. Students will have small group instruction throughout the year to enhance their individual skills. This class will focus on various repertoire featuring numerous composers and styles at various levels and meet frequently with the Wind Ensemble.
Prerequisite: 4 semesters participation in Symphonic band OR Previous participation in Wind Ensemble OR consent of instructor
Wind Ensemble is an advanced performance ensemble that has many performance opportunities. Performances will include diverse concerts, Pep Band, Chamber Music Performances, Memorial day Parade, and 4th of July Parade. Students will have the opportunity for small group instruction to continue to grow their individual skills. Wind Ensemble members will also meet frequently with the Symphonic Band.
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble OR consent of instructor (primarily for piano, guitar, and bass players).
The Band will explore various styles of jazz; including rock, Latin, and swing. Students will learn fundamental theory, jazz history, and improvisation. Attendance is required at ALL public performances.