Music

Course Title:
Concert Choir

Prerequisite:
None

Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Value:
1.0

Credit Type:
EC or VPAA

Course Duration:
Two Semesters

Course Description:
A choir that develops musicianship through study and performance of appropriate high school literature, as well as general music concepts. This choir is open to any student who enjoys singing and learning about music. This choir has approximately five required performances per year. Students are expected to practice outside of rehearsals. Students receive academic credit for this class. After completion of this course, students will…

    o Understand and be able to demonstrate reading/performance of musical notation

    o Become familiar with vowel shape, blend, different placement of their voice, and many other choral concepts

    o Be proficient in solfege and be able to perform using it

Course Title:
Symphonic Band

Prerequisite:
Director Approval

Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Value:
1.0

Credit Type:
EC or VPAA

Course Duration:
Two Semesters

Course Description:
A for-credit performing group involving instrumental students that meets year round. This ensemble is open to all students and no audition is required. Students will learn a variety of skills that will enhance their musical awareness, performance, and understanding. These students will learn how to perform at a higher level, within an ensemble and also as an individual. This class may also serve as a preparatory ensemble for the membership into the Wind Ensemble. Extra rehearsals and individual practice outside of the school day are required. Attendance at all concerts, festivals, competitions, and graduation, including the senior awards night, is required. District Band Festival will be held in March and the Symphonic Band will attend. If the Band receives a superior rating, the band will attend State Band Festival. Private lessons are not required but are highly recommended. Students are expected to practice outside of rehearsals. Students receive academic credit for this class. After completion of this course, students will…

    o Develop a more in-depth understanding of how to play in an ensemble and as individuals

    o Better their ability to perform and rehearse more complex music

    o Expand their understanding and execution of scales, arpeggios, musical development and styles, notes, musical terminology, and rhythms

    o Gain further understanding of the instrument and musical basics, to solidify the ability and application of knowledge

    o Further develop their listening skills as an individual and ensemble member

    o Use learned knowledge to create music

Book(s) Needed

· Sound Innovations Ensemble Development, Intermediate Concert Band by Peter Boonshaft and Christ Bernotas (Green Cover)

· Percussion ONLY- Books will be provided to the section. If a book is lost, the cost will be divided amongst the section members.

Course Title:
Varsity Voices

Prerequisite:
Audition

Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Value:
1.0

Credit Type:
EC or VPAA

Course Duration:
Two Semesters

Course Description:
An advanced mixed-voice choir that demonstrates musicianship and artistry through study and performance of appropriate literature and general music concepts. Authorized admittance by the teacher only. This choir is open to any 9th through the 12th-grade student who has demonstrated a proficient level of vocal and musical growth. This choir has approximately six required performances per year, including some extra-curricular responsibilities. Students are expected to practice outside of rehearsals. Students receive academic credit for this class. After completion of this course, students will…

    o Develop a more in-depth understanding of how to sing in an ensemble and as individuals

    o Better their ability to perform and rehearse more complex music

    o Expand their understanding and execution of scales, arpeggios, musical development and styles, notes, musical terminology, and rhythms

    o Gain further understanding of vocal and musical basics, to solidify the ability and application of knowledge

    o Further develop their listening skills as an individual and ensemble member

    o Use learned knowledge to create music

    o Continue developing the skills they started in Concert Choir or middle school choir.

Course Title:
Wind Ensemble

Prerequisite:
Audition

Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Value:
1.0

Credit Type:
EC or VPAA

Course Duration:
Two Semesters

Course Description:

A for-credit performing group involving advanced instrumental students that meet year round. This ensemble is by audition only which will be held in the previous semester of enrollment and requires a specific instrumentation. Students should exhibit an advanced level of musical awareness, performance, and understanding. Students in this ensemble will get the opportunity to play advanced, quality literature and perform it at a high level. Extra rehearsals and individual practice outside of the school day are required. Attendance at all concerts, festivals, competitions, and graduation, including the senior awards night, is required. District Band Festival will be held in March and the Wind Ensemble will attend. If the Band receives a superior rating, the band will attend State Band Festival. Private lessons are not required but are highly recommended. Students are expected to practice outside of rehearsals. Students receive academic credit for this class. After completion of this course, students will…

    o Develop a more in-depth understanding of how to play in an ensemble and as individuals

    o Better their ability to perform and rehearse more complex music

    o Expand their understanding and execution of scales, arpeggios, musical development and styles, notes, musical terminology, and rhythms

    o Gain further understanding of the instrument and musical basics, to solidify the ability and application of knowledge

    o Further develop their listening skills as an individual and ensemble member

    o Use learned knowledge to create music

Book(s) Needed

· Sound Innovations Ensemble Development, Intermediate Concert Band by Peter Boonshaft and Christ Bernotas (Green Cover)

· Percussion ONLY- Books will be provided to the section. If a book is lost, the cost will be divided amongst the section members

Course Title:
Musical Theater

Prerequisite:
None

Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Value:
0.5

Credit Type:
EC or VPAA

Course Duration:
One Semester

Course Description:

Musical Theater is a class that will offer a comprehensive understanding of the development of theater and how the craft has evolved into what it is today. This class will explore the history of theater and will involve an examination of scripts, songs/song lyrics, plot, themes, musical techniques used, character development, and more. This class will focus on the study of musical theater, not so much on the performance of theater.