Music Department

Music expresses the highest values of a culture. It provides the means for expressing thoughts and feelings through performance and composition. Music is a creative art through which all people can enrich their lives, both by self-expression and response to the expression of others. Music teaches critical thinking skills important in today’s workplace: self-discipline, teamwork, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, and self-expression. The Music Department offers a variety of courses designed for students with varying degrees of interest and talent.  Included are courses which any student may elect regardless of music background, as well as courses for the more advanced student.

 

Band is offered for students with prior experience on a band instrument who have attained the level of proficiency necessary to read band literature.  Students will have the opportunity to improve playing techniques and music reading abilities through the study and performance of a wide variety of band music.  Both in school and out of school performances are scheduled during the year, as well as occasional special rehearsals for which attendance is required.  While emphasis is placed on cooperative effort, daily home practice is expected.  Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit

Prerequisite: For Honors Credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior Music CP/Grade 8 course, 75% or higher in a prior Music Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  Prior instrumental experience. (Full year course open to grades (9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course offers students the opportunity to refine their singing skills through an emphasis on proper vocal techniques, sight reading, ensemble singing and performing.  Repertoire will include, but is not limited to the following genre:  madrigals, classical, folk, multicultural, jazz, contemporary and musical theater.  Both in school and out of school performances are scheduled during the year, as well as occasional special rehearsals for which attendance is required.  Daily practice will be expected in order to improve skills. Students will also have the opportunity to audition for the Southeastern District Senior Festival Chorus. Enhanced assignments are required for Honors credit.

Prerequisite: For Honors Credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior Music CP/Grade 8 course, 75% or higher in a prior Music Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Full year course open to grades (9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is split into two explorations of choral performance. The first exploration looks at today’s pop hits and demonstrates how the choral style of arrangement can create an enduring and powerful re-imagining of today’s popular music. In the second exploration, Jazz, singers will be performing vocal jazz music, with an emphasis on sight reading and ensemble performance. Students will learn a variety of jazz music, both a cappella and accompanied.  Students will also improve their creative musical skills by learning how to vocally improvise (scatting).

Prerequisite: For Honors Credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Concert Choir CP, 75% or higher in Concert Choir Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. For CP Credit,  Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Concert Choir, or teacher recommendation and department approval.This choir will perform a minimum of one concert per semester. (Full year course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is designed for beginning guitar students. The course will consist of group and individual instruction in basic guitar skills with an emphasis on learning to read music. No prior music experience is required. There is no performance requirement, but opportunities for group or individual performance at school concerts will be available and encouraged. (Semester course every other day, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12) 

 

This course is offered for students who want to advance their guitar skills. Sight reading, scales and fingering techniques are just some of the topics the course will cover. Students will learn in an ensemble setting, while improving their own individual skills. There is no performance requirement, but opportunities for group or individual performance at school concerts will be available and encouraged.

Prerequisites:  Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Guitar I or Music Theory I, or teacher recommendation and department approval.(Semester course every other day, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12) 

 

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of percussion performance. Topics and activities will include basic techniques of stick control and hands on instruction with many different kinds of percussion instruments such as snare, timpani, mallet percussion, and accessories. There is no prior drumming experience required.  There is no performance requirement. (Semester course, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is for students who wish to advance their understanding of percussion.  Drum set, mallet playing, rhythm reading, will be some of the topics the course will cover.  Students will learn in an ensemble setting, while improving their own individual skills.  Students must supply their own sticks and music folder for the class.  There is no performance requirement, but opportunities for group or individual performance at school concerts/events will be available and encouraged.

Prerequisites:   Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Percussion I, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course will consist of group and individual instruction in basic piano skills with an emphasis on learning to read music.  No prior music experience is required. Students will not need to supply their own instruments for this class. There is no performance requirement, but opportunities for group or individual performance at school concerts will be available and encouraged. (Semester course every other day, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is designed for students who want to advance their piano skills.  Students will learn intermediate pieces, improve their sight reading skills and work in advanced music theory.  Students will not need to supply their own instruments for this class. There is no performance requirement, but opportunities for group or individual performance at school concerts will be available and encouraged.

Prerequisite:  Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Piano I or Music Theory I or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course every other day, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

23211  PARTNERS IN MUSIC - College Prep (.25 Credit)
This course is to provide training activities and appropriate small group experiences for students in general education with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   The entire focus of the program is to meet the SOCIAL EMOTIONAL needs of the students with disabilities and in the process:  Develop an understanding of developmentally appropriate musical content. Increase social skills and build positive self-esteem.  Peer teaching/Individualized Instruction through the verbal and physical prompting of their peer tutor. Immediate feedback and positive encouragement also help the instruction process.  Improve physical and motor development and enhance the acquisition of individual and cooperative musical activities.  Interact with non-disabled peers, increase the circle of friends, and become more a part of the total school environment.  Increase self-confidence and develop positive attitudes toward PE and recreation For Student Aides/Peers.  Interact with students with disabilities and develop empathy and respect for these students. Develop effective leadership skills.   This can be used for UNIFIED ARTS credit.   (Open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic use of music technology. Students will learn basic musical terms and musical notation while producing, creating, arranging, publishing, and recording music. (Semester course, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course is a continuation of Fundamentals of Music Technology I. Students will explore more intricate musical composition, such as expanded harmony, chord progression and inversion. Topics will emphasize various musical styles, including 12 bar blues and modern compositional techniques.

Prerequisite: For Honors Credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Music Technology I CP, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  For CP Credit,  Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Music Theory I, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

This course will focus on the basics of music theory in which students will study musical notation, rhythm, scales, harmony and ear training.  An introduction to basic piano skills will also be featured.

Prerequisite:  Prior musical experience recommended, but not required. (Semester course, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

This course continues the study of music theory with an emphasis on songwriting and composition. Students will use computer software to create original works of music, while improving their skills on the piano. Enhanced assignments are required for Honors credit.

Prerequisite:  For Honors Credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Music Theory I CP, or teacher recommendation and department approval. For CP Credit,  Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Music Theory I, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Second Semester course, open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

 

The content of this course is based on the recommendations of the College Board for the AP Music Theory course.  It is a rigorous course for the highly motivated music student and it has been designed to help students prepare for the AP Music Theory test. Topics include an advanced study of score analysis, advanced ear training, orchestration, and counterpoint with relation to composition.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in Music Theory I & II CP, 80% or higher in Music Theory I & IIHonors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work. In order to earn AP credit in this course the student must take the AP exam. (Full year course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

Students will explore careers in music through hands-on learning, music technology, music reading and field research. Guest speakers and field trips will provide 21st century experience to students considering a career in music. (Semester course open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

This is a course designed for students who have previously taken private lessons on guitar, piano, or percussion who would like to attain a portion of the ensemble experience required within the fine arts academy. It is recommended for students looking to apply their knowledge from a guitar basics, piano basics or percussion basics class in an ensemble setting. Students will be arranged into groups based on musical taste and ability. A variety of musical genres, styles, and techniques will be offered to improve student’s ability to play well with others. Music reading, notating, improvising and creating will be required for success. Regular home practice is also required.

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience. (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12) 

 

This course is for instrumental students wishing to advance their skills on woodwin, brass, or percussion instruments.  Students will have small group attention from the instructor in helping them to develop their technique, control, and sight-reading/ear-training skills.  Students will also have the opportunity to prepare for auditions, adjudications, and performances.

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience. (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)