Music

Last updated 2/26/2007

3505 Music for Listeners (General Music)   

An introduction to music through an aural study of compositions of major composers of each historical period. Emphasis is on exploring the variety of styles of each period and the development of basic listening skills. Styles and historical periods are from Renaissance to the 20th century including theatre, country, and pop music. There are no prerequisites and any students in grades 9-12 may enroll. Maximum credit one unit.

3505 Jazz Styles    

A survey of music in the jazz idiom from late 19th century to the present with a special emphasis on the elements of jazz. Personalities in jazz music and their contribution are also emphasized. All students in grades 9-12 may enroll and there are no prerequisites. Maximum credit one unit.

3505 Development of Rock and Roll    

This course is designed as a survey of rock and roll music, from its very roots to the music today. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the musical elements of rock and roll and the major artists within each period. Students will identify the different styles that make up each period and study the social and cultural connections in the creation of rock and roll. Class participation, attendance, maintaining a journal, and completion of all assignments is required. Prerequisites are as noted.

3514 Music Theory (Theory and Harmony)    

A course for students with a particular interest and aptitude in music. Emphasis is on an in-depth study of music fundamentals through ear training and reading and writing music. Musical analysis as well as simple rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation will be explored. Maximum credit one unit. (Prerequisite: Permission of the teacher.)

3517 Music History    

A course designed to help students gain exposure to and an appreciation for a variety of styles of music. This course will cover approximately 1000 years of Western music history, starting with Europe in the Middle Ages and culminating with world music, today. Discussions will include famous composers, work, as well as significant concepts and historical issues surrounding their music. The goal is to better understand their music; thereby helping understand the music of our time. (Prerequisite: Instructor's signature)

3530 Band    

Provides students with the opportunity of continuing the study and performance of music emphasizing traditional band literature and selected orchestral transcriptions. The course focuses on the study of the elements of music and the development of individual and group performance skills. Individual practice, after-school practice and rehearsal sessions, and performances are required. Performance opportunities include marching band, concert band, invitational and audition clinics, festivals, and contests. (Prerequisites: Previous experience and teacher approval; Instructor's signature)

3530 Band: Concert, Symphonic, or Wind Ensemble

The Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble are musical groups concentrating their skills on musical performances for advanced woodwinds, brass, and percussion performance. These bands play a variety of styles and types of music selected from the standard high school band repertoire. The goal of these courses is to develop a proficiency on a chosen instrument through rehearsals, lessons and various performances. These bands will have several performance opportunities throughout the semester. Through these classes the students will improve instrumental skills, elevate performance skills as well as develop an understanding of the performance process. All National Music Standards are addressed and the highest expectations of musicianship and behavior are expected. Rehearsals and performances during the school day, before and after the regular school day, as well as on non-school days, may be required. (Prerequisite: Previous study of a band instrument or Music Instructor's signature)

3530 Instrumental Ensemble    

Provides students with the opportunity of continuing the study and performance of music literature relative to a specific ensemble, such as Jazz, Percussion, Brass, or Woodwind. The course focuses on advanced individual and group performance skills relative to the selected medium. Individual practice, after-school practice and rehearsal sessions, and performances are required. (Prerequisite: Teacher approval.)

3530 Orchestra    

Provides students with the opportunity of continuing the study and performance of music emphasizing styles from several historical periods. The course focuses on the study of the elements of music and the development of performance skills for individuals and ensembles. Individual practice, after-school practice and rehearsal sessions, and performances are required. Performance opportunities include string orchestra, full orchestra, invitational and audition clinics, festivals, and contests. (Prerequisites: Previous experience and teacher approval)

3531 Female Chorus    

For female choral students to study and perform a wide variety of sacred and secular choral literature of easy to medium difficulty from all historical and performance styles. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual and ensemble skills in vocal production, tone quality, diction, intonation, balance and blend, sight-reading and music reading, and ensemble esprit de corps. Previous choral experience is not a prerequisite but would be beneficial. Performances and after-school rehearsals are required.

3531 Male Chorus   

 For male choral students to study and perform a wide variety of sacred and secular choral literature of easy to medium difficulty from all historical and performance styles. Emphasis is on vocal production and basic choral techniques, intonation, phrasing, sight-reading and ear training, general musicianship skills, understandings and attitudes, and the responsibility of individuals to the group. There are no prerequisites, although some minimum requirements may be recommended by the teacher. Performances and after-school rehearsals are required.

3531 Music Instrument Study    

Provides opportunity for individual and/or small group study in (1) class piano, (2) class guitar, (3) handbells, (4) brass instruments, (5) woodwind instruments, and (6) percussion instruments. Student performance abilities may range from little or no experience to advanced skills on the focus instrument. Teacher will use music and materials appropriate for the individual and/or small group ability level. Class offerings are limited to the availability of instruments and equipment at each school. At schools where class piano and handbells are offered, students may use the school-owned equipment. There are no prerequisites and the course is available to students in grades 9-12.

3531 Vocal Music I   

 For beginning choral students who wish to study and perform a wide variety of sacred and secular choral literature of easy to medium difficulty in a variety of styles. Emphasis is placed on vocal production and basic choral techniques, intonation, phrasing, sight reading and ear training, general musicianship skills, understanding and attitudes, and the responsibility of individuals to the group. There are no prerequisites, although some very basic minimum requirements may be recommended by the teacher. Performances and after-school rehearsals are required.

3531 Vocal Music II    

For students who wish to study and perform a wide variety of medium to difficult sacred and secular choral literature in a variety of styles and historical periods. Emphasis will be placed on an advanced degree of musicianship and increased performance skills individually and in ensemble. The mixed chorus is for students who elect and are selected by audition to be in the group. Previous choral music experience is usually beneficial but not a prerequisite. Performances and after-school rehearsals are required.

3531 Vocal Music III/Choral Ensemble    

Consists of students with previous choral experience selected by audition. The nature of the group may vary according to the discretion of the director and the needs of the school music program. Examples are: Chamber Choir, Madrigal Singers, Pop Ensemble, and Show Choir. Emphasis is placed on an advanced degree of musicianship, increased harmonic and rhythmic reading skills, and increased performance skills. Opportunities are provided for performance in school and community. Performances and after-school rehearsals are required. Choreography and/or costumes may be required by the teacher for some ensembles. This is an auditioned group.

3535 Music Theory AP (Advanced Placement)    

The goal of the AP Music Theory course is to develop a student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of these goals will be approached by initially addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course will progress to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figure-bass notation. Part-writing, sight-reading, and sight-singing are essential components of this process. (Prerequisite: Teacher approval.)