Music

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

 (1-27-17)

CHAMBER CHOIR CP, H (See course teacher for Honors requirements)

This course is for advanced vocal students by audition only.  The goals of this class are to further develop the students’ successful ensemble singing skills, to improve their musicianship, to further develop their appreciation for working together toward a common goal, and to allow them a more advanced choral experience. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts. Students who wish to take the CP course for 2.5 credits must have permission from the director

Prerequisite:  By Audition Only for both the CP and Honors Courses

 

CONCERT CHOIR CP, H (See course teacher for Honors requirements)

This course is designed for students entering high school with beginning or intermediate skills. Concert Choir is a large choral group comprised of boys and girls. The music they sing, in English and other languages, includes movements from larger works of the great composers of several periods.  Class periods serve not only as rehearsals, but also for practical training in style, form, interpretation, sight-reading, dynamics, and vocal technique. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts. 

Prerequisite: By Audition Only for the Honors course

 

MUSIC THEORY CPE

Music Theory develops understanding and skills in the technical aspects of music. The course is designed for both students with no previous musical training and for those who sing or play an instrument. Attention will focus on training in sight singing and dictation, time-beating and rhythmic execution, conventional harmonic practices, and analysis.  The course explores the basic concepts of pitch and rhythm in terms of their physical basis, notation, performance, and theoretical organization, in a broad and thorough survey of music fundamentals.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY

This advanced course is for students who have completed Music Theory CPE and want to continue their study of the elements of music at a complex level leading to the Advanced Placement examination in May. The course of study includes sight-singing, ear training, orchestration, instrument identification, timed dictation, the analysis of a major piece of music, and the writing and performing of an original composition. The course includes the concept and application of rhythm, complex notation, and non-harmonic tones.

Prerequisite: Music Theory CPE. Students with an advanced level of musical experience who have not taken the Music Theory CPE course may take course with a teacher recommendation.

 

POP AND ROCK: AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC CPE

Pop and Rock is an introductory music appreciation course that will involve music listening and analysis for the inexperienced musician. Discussion of music history, theory, and culture is combined with the development of critical listening skills and exposure to all eras of musical development in the Western World from early European sacred music to modern rock and pop music. Though this is not a performance class, students will learn to aurally identify key components of music, such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythm. The initial components of the class will provide a foundation to the study of Music Theory. Much of the class will include units on jazz, rock, pop, and film music, which will allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the class to music they hear most commonly throughout their lives.

STRING ORCHESTRA CP, H  (See course teacher for Honors requirements)

The course provides students with experiences designed to develop basic string technical instrument skills and musicianship. Primary emphasis is placed on tone development, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts.

Prerequisite: By Audition Only for the Honors course

 

SYMPHONIC BAND CP, H (See course teacher for Honors requirements)

Membership in the Symphonic Band is open to all high school students, regardless of any previous musical background or experience. The Symphonic Band program includes music fundamentals of reading music notation, performance techniques, and rules of music interpretation. In addition to performing in evening concerts, Band students perform at assemblies, clinics, and festivals. Students are encouraged to take this course for four years and are expected to produce increasingly advanced work with each year. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW, and Spring Concerts. 

Prerequisite: By Audition Only for the Honors class

 

WIND ENSEMBLE CP, H (See course teacher for Honors requirements)

Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to all high school students by audition only. Emphasis is placed upon developing appreciation for all styles of music through the study and performance of original band works and transcriptions. The level of selected music is a grade 3-1/2 and higher requiring advanced musical skills. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts. Students who wish to take the CP course for 2.5 credits must have permission from the Director.

Prerequisite:  By Audition Only for both the CP and Honors courses

 

ADDITIONAL MUSIC OFFERINGS:

 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS

Utilizing small group instruction, wherein students are grouped according to ability and like instruments, instrumental music lessons are offered to all interested students in Grades 9 to 12. Students seeking instrumental lessons must be enrolled in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and String Orchestra.  Materials for the class lessons include standard method books, rhythm sheets, solo and ensemble materials, and selected problems taken from the band parts. Considerable attention is given to individual performance. The playing embouchure is evaluated, and attention given to developing correct rhythmic concepts and beautiful tone quality.