The music program is designed to provide students with group and individual musical experiences and to foster interest in and appreciation of music. The program is diversified to meet the needs of a wide range of talents and abilities and provides students with the study of a variety of musical literature. In addition to vocal and instrumental instruction classes, the program affords performing groups and opportunity to participate in numerous concerts and selected school and community functions. The program also includes course offering a background either for professional training or for vocational enjoyment and understanding.
Classroom Music
Fundamentals or Music - 5 credits
This course consists of the basic construction of music, notation, ear training, elementary harmony, musical form and melody writing. It is open to Juniors and Seniors with musical background, subject to instructor's approval.
Advanced Musicianship - 5 credits
This course is designed to provide the serious music student with studies in his field of interest and to prepare him for advanced study and advanced placement. Counterpoint, orchestration and form and analysis are some of the phases which will be emphasized.
Instrumental Music -- 5 credits
Band, a 5-credit performing art elective, is open to all students wishing to begin or continue study of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. In addition to one class period per day for large ensemble rehearsal, all students enrolled in band will report weekly for lesson instruction. There is no academic conflict for the lessons as they are scheduled based on student and staff availability . Currently, students have used one of the following scenarios for scheduling one lesson per week: study hall, physical education class (if not impacted by science lab), before school or after school or 1/2 of one lunch period. All band students are also required to participate in the marching band, during the first semester, which performs at all football games. At the conclusion of the fall marching band season, students are assigned into one of two concert bands (wind ensemble or symphonic) according to the proficiency level. Further performance opportunities include various school band concerts throughout the school year.
A balanced instrumental ensemble consisting of advanced instrumental music students. Membership is based on audition and/or completion of prescribed requirements. This group affords the talented instrumental music student the opportunity to prepare and perform the highest quality of wind instrument literature.
Wind Symphony HP/Concert Band (WP)
Designed for the less experienced music student, this instrumental ensemble provides the experience and expertise necessary to advance to the Concert Band. This group performs literature of the highest quality within its ability level.
This program is designed to provide the student who is already participating in the instrumental music program with the opportunity for advanced independent study, with supervision, on his/her principal instrument. Students may also use this course to begin the study of a second instrument.
All students in the instrumental music program participate in this instructional class. Scheduled from unassigned time study hall or released time from physical education, each student receives individual technical instruction on his instrument. Method materials commensurate with the ability of the individual student as well as solo and ensemble music are employed in assisting each student to reach his highest level of technical proficiency.
Organized for special purposes and/or performances (de: graduation, exchange trips, etc.), this group incorporates all members of both bands in one large ensemble.
Provides the instrumental music student with experience in marching drills and maneuvers, and performs for varsity football games and at other appropriate school and community functions. All instrumental music students except varsity football players, cheerleaders and those with physical handicaps participate.
String Ensemble - 5 Credits
Orchestral strings, a 5-credit performing arts elective without prerequisite, is limited to students who wish to begin and/or improve performance skills on violin, viola, cello, acoustic string bass and/or orchestral harp. This class seeks to develop performance skills sufficient to participate in school concerts and musical productions. Performance ensemble assignments will be based on student proficiency level. The more advanced students will have increased solo and chamber ensemble responsibilities at school functions and are encouraged to participate in Region and All-State Orchestra auditions. Violin students are expected to have their own instrument.
Vocal Music
Concert Choir - 5 credits
Membership in this class/ensemble is open to all students without audition. The class is focused on the studying of a wide range of vocal literature ranging from popular selections to more difficult pieces requiring a mixed voice repertoire. As a performance based program, students are required to participate in various concerts throughout the school year.
Applied Musical Vocal - No credits
This program is designed to provide interested students who are already participating in the vocal music program with the opportunity to study voice on an individual basis. Principles of breathing, tone production and projection are dealt with in depth. Standard vocal literature is studied and performed.
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