MUSIC
Music unites and integrates all other core studies math, science, history, language. The members of the music faculty feel that the music program, while developing educated observers, creators, and participants, fosters the expressive and artistic nature and abilities of the whole child.
Students who elect courses from the Music Department are:
Responsible individuals who:
- Are citizens who have a sense of their own and global history.
- Function effectively as members of a team.
Competent learners who:
- Employ various forms of technology.
- Demonstrate skill and knowledge in a variety of disciplines.
Complex thinkers who:
- Solve problems critically and analytically
- Create original ideas and solutions.
- Are capable of self-reflection.
- Are willing to accept and use constructive criticism.
ORCHESTRA
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Seating of the Orchestra is by recommendation of the elementary string teacher or by audition. The Orchestra will prepare and perform standard string orchestra and full orchestra repertoire. Additional opportunities include local, regional, and state audition and festival participation, school quartet, and small chamber group activities. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
CONCERT BAND
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted
Prerequisite: Instructor Recommendation
Seating of the Concert Band is by recommendation of the elementary instrumental instructors or by individual audition. The Concert Band repertoire will include marches, symphonic compositions and orchestral transcriptions. One lesson per week is recommended. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional, and state auditions and festivals. Due to high school level instrumentation requirements, students may be assigned to parts other than their major instrument. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND I
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Jazz Band I introduces and develops the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Jazz Band I
Jazz Band II continues the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
GUITAR
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is recommended for beginners. The material introduced in this course includes: basic major, minor and seventh chords; strumming in 4/4 and 3/4 time; music alphabet, half/whole steps and their positions on both piano and guitar. The student will become familiar with the names of strings, guitar anatomy, scales and scale theory; chords and chordal theory; musical symbols and several songs appropriate to the level of the students. Emphasis will be placed on playing every day.
FRESHMAN CHORUS
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Freshman Chorus is a year of training and transition for the beginning chorister and is strongly recommended for students who want to continue singing in grades 10-12 in mixed chorus. Through the use of appropriate exercises and choral literature, emphasis will be on developing a foundation of healthy vocal production technique, instilling musicianship through performance and the study of basic theory, and fostering a sense of community within the chorus through mutual respect and support. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional, and state auditions and festivals. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the departments concerts, which are held throughout the year.
MIXED CHORUS
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Mixed Chorus, an ensemble that performs a variety of choral repertoire, is open to all students, grades 10-12. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional and state auditions and festivals. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year. Freshman chorus is highly recommended as a preliminary course. Minnesingers must participate in Mixed Chorus.
VOICE CLASS
2.5 Elective Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the workings of the voice and its proper and effective use in speaking and singing. We will explore the elements of the vocal apparatus, including the muscle system, breathing techniques, resonators, and enunciators. Proper diction will be explored for effective presentation of the spoken material and the music. Individual training with the instructor will also assist the student in developing the basics of good vocal production. Topics will also include sight-singing, interval training, part singing, English and foreign phonetics, vocal literature, and instruction in basic music theory.
MUSIC THEORY I
2.5 Credits Semester College I
Prerequisite: Recommendation by instructor
Music Theory I is designed for students with little or no previous musical background. The basic topics of rhythm, melody, scales, key signatures, ear-training, and harmony will be studied, as well as an introduction to form, composition, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. This course is especially recommended for students who wish to pursue vocal and instrumental performance throughout their high school career.
MUSIC THEORY II
2.5 Credits Semester College I
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or prior approval by the instructor.
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I, with emphasis on advanced harmony, composition, arranging, listening skills, and individual projects.
AP MUSIC THEORY
5 Credits Full Year AP
Prerequisite: Prior approval by the instructor. Offered during alternate school years starting in an even numbered year. Students are required to take the exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the principal at the end of the first quarter.
AP Music Theory is an accelerated honors course which integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening activities, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are an important part of the course. Students in AP Music Theory are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.
PIANO
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is strictly group piano lessons. Students with little or no experience are best suited for this class. Curriculum will include the basics of music reading, fingering, exercises and literature for the beginning pianist. The mid-term and final exams will include an in-class recital, as well as written tests covering the various aspects of music theory covered throughout the term. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
SOUNDTRACK TECHNOLOGY (MIDI/DIGITAL AUDIO AND BEYOND)
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Learn what MIDI is all about and how to edit, arrange and experiment with music. Then, take the electronic medium a step higher and combine the convenience and flexibility of MIDI composition with the high quality sound and subtlety of digital sound recording. Learn how to print individual parts of full scores and how to add lyrics. Finally learn to save your work in the formats most commonly used on the net for web authoring possibilities. The course is primarily a project-oriented survey of understanding MIDI, digital audio and its many applications at an introductory level. Projects will include the use of digital audio recordings with MIDI files, MP3s and MPEGs. Use your own voice in your recordings or add a drum track to your favorite MP3, film a movie and add a soundtrack to it. Enrollment is limited to 12 students. An advanced MIDI course may be offered if enough student express and interest.
JUST ABOUT MUSIC (JAM)
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This class is a survey course that will explore the music of different cultures, including units on the origins of American music: jazz, blues, and rock and roll, as well as hands-on units in drumming. Topics in music will be based on student interest.