MUSIC
Musical Ensembles
Students who enroll in ensembles find musical performance a satisfying experience. As students mature and further develop their musical skills, they also develop leadership qualities. These students serve as positive role models for less-experienced performers. Once enrolled in performing ensembles, it is anticipated that students will continue to enroll for the duration of their high school careers.
The groups study technical and interpretive principles pertaining to their instruments or voices and engage in rehearsals for specific performances.
Attendance at lessons and all performances is required for all band, orchestra and choir students. In addition, groups may participate at school or community events
and attend professional concerts. Expectations for credit include two music concerts per year, small sectional meetings and other events.
CONCERT BAND
1/2 Unit 1 Year
Meeting on alternate days, band is open to musicians seeking the highest musical standards who are eager to work hard, perform at a high level and enjoy music. Members are required to perform at the Holiday Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Flag Day Parade and concerts throughout the school year. Attendance at all functions is required. Students must have the proper qualifications and have continuous prior membership in band. Participation is under the discretion of the conductor.
JAZZ BAND
1/2 Unit 1 Year
Students must pass an audition or be recommended by the band instructor in order to participate in this course. Jazz Band, which consists of alto and tenor Saxophones, baritone saxophone, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section, meets on alternate days and has performances in November, March/April, and in June. All jazz band members must be part of another musical ensemble.
CHORISTERS
1/2 Unit 1 Year
Choir is open to students who have an interest in music and are looking to fulfill their art/music requirement for graduation. Students will sing a wide variety of music that enhance their understanding of other subject areas. Members of this ensemble are required to attend concerts (one per marking period).
CHORALIERS
1/2 Unit 1 Year
Choraliers is an auditioned choral group designed to challenge advanced vocalists. Students must pass an audition or be recommended by the choir instructor in order to participate in this course.
VOCAL POINT
1 Unit 1 Year
Students must audition and be selected in order to participate in this course. The focus will be on independent part singing and contemporary a cappella music. Vocal Point will meet on alternate days and members must be concurrently enrolled in another choral ensemble.
ORCHESTRA
1/2 Unit 1 Year
Meeting on alternate days, orchestra is open to students with the proper technical preparation, continuous prior membership in orchestra, the desire to develop musically and the recommendation of the director.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
1/2 Unit 1 Year
The Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned string ensemble that is designed to challenge the most skilled string students. Chamber Orchestra will explore a wide range of classic concert string literature. It meets every other day and performs for evening concerts.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE ARTS
1 Unit 1 Year
This course will include acting warm-ups, such as Alexander Technique, Linklater Voice Method, Meisner, etc. Students will also learn theatre etiquette, scene study/character development, improvisation, historical text analysis, production design, playwriting, performance applications, elevated text analysis, stage combat, choreography, make-up design and historical context.
MUSIC THEORY
1 Unit 1 Year
Music Theory is open to students who hold a basic comprehension of music notation; proficiency on an instrument or voice is recommended. The course covers all aspects of music, including ear training, notations, keys, scales, chords, composition and analysis. Emphasis is on a theoretical understanding through aural comprehension. Theory is recommended to any student considering entering the field of music or desiring a deeper understanding of musical concepts.
BROADWAY PERFORMANCES
1/2 Unit 1 Semester
This course is designed to examine the emergence and significance of America’s most unique contribution to the literary and performing arts. Through readings, audio and video recordings and live performance, this course will examine the Broadway musical from 19th-century beginnings through the current season.
HISTORY OF ROCK
1/2 Unit 1 Semester
Students will be introduced to the earliest origins of popular music and will trace the history, and eventual evolution, of rock and roll and its subsequent genres. Students will also study the accompanying social influences such as war, segregation, politics and social activism. Students will keep an active journal and will complete various projects, such as interviews, album cover designs, music video replications and research presentations.