Course Descriptions

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Instruments

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through beginning level techniques in playing orchestral or band instruments. The course develops the physical skills necessary to play beginning level music accurately and with good tone quality, and develops skills in reading music notation. The course also provides opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements as applied to the music played. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Instruments, Orchestra

Course Title/Name: Instruments Ensembles

A-G Requirement: No

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of more difficult band and orchestra music and other forms, including chamber music. The course develops the ability to perform on an instrument with considerable skill, accuracy, and aesthetic sensitivity. The course provides opportunities for increasing skill in ensemble playing, and provides acquaintance with the standards repertory of chamber orchestra and band that is technically and qualitatively advanced. The student also develops an understanding and appreciation of artistic expression and the ability to discuss and write with discrimination about the music literature studied. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Instruments, Instruments Ensemble

Course Title/Name: Advanced Band

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of band music and other forms including chamber music. The course develops the ability to perform on an instrument with considerable skill, accuracy, and aesthetic sensitivity, develops skills in score reading, and develops understanding and appreciation of artistic expression. The course provides opportunities for increasing skill in ensemble playing, and provides acquaintance with and study of the standard repertory of band that is technically and qualitatively advanced. The student is provided with opportunities to examine and study the fundamental arts components including, where applicable, the perceptual, creative, historical, and critical. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Orchestra

A-G Requirement: No

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of comparatively simple orchestra literature. The course extends the physical skills necessary to play simple band music accurately and with good tone quality, increases skills in reading musical notation, and provides additional opportunities for growth in the understanding of music elements. The course also provides opportunities to study and play the music of many geographical locations and historical periods. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Orchestra, Instruments Ensemble

Course Title/Name: Advance Orchestra

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of more difficult orchestral music and other forms, including chamber music. The course develops the ability to perform on an instrument with considerable skill, accuracy, and aesthetic sensitivity; develops skills in score reading; develops understanding and appreciation of artistic expression. The course provides opportunities for increasing skill in ensemble playing, and provides acquaintance with the standards repertory of orchestra that is technically and qualitatively advanced. The student is also provided with opportunities to examine and study the fundamental arts components including, where applicable, the perceptual, creative, historical, and critical. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Instruments, Instruments Ensemble, Advanced Band

Course Title/Name: Jazz Ensemble

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of jazz ensemble music and other forms including improvisation and combos. The course develops the ability to perform on an instrument with considerable skill, accuracy, and aesthetic sensitivity, develops skills in score reading and arranging, and develops understanding and appreciation of artistic expression. The course provides opportunities for increasing skill in solo and ensemble playing, and provides acquaintance with and study of the standard repertory of jazz that is technically and qualitatively advanced. The student develops an awareness of the influence of personality, intelligence, talent, coordination, and discipline on the style of the individual musician. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Voice

A-G Requirement: No

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through singing. Instruction is offered in the various techniques involved in the use of the singing voice. The course further develops skills in reading music notation and in singing expressively, and provides opportunities to study literature for the solo voice. The student develops an awareness of the influence of personality, intelligence, talent, coordination, and discipline on the style of the individual musician.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Chorus SH (Mixed Chorus)

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through

singing and vocal production. The course develops the skills necessary for

ensemble singing of simple choral literature appropriately arranged for senior high

school voices, develops skills in reading music notation, and provides

opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements as applied to

the music performed.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Glee SH (Treble Choir)

A-G Requirement: No

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the student of intermediate level choral literature. The course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing appropriately arranged for senior high school voices including proper breathing and vocal technique, sight singing, and provides opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements as applied to the music performed.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Placement

Course Title/Name: Choir SH (Chamber Singers)

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the

study of more difficult choral music. Students develop the ability to sing with

considerable skill, accuracy, and sensitivity. The course provides for

improvement in vocal tone quality through breath support and ear training, for

increased skill in sight singing, and for more highly developed aesthetic

appreciation and critical judgment. The course also provides for increased skill in

ensemble singing in small and large groups, and enlarges students’ acquaintance

with standard choral literature.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Placement

Course Title/Name: Vocal Ensemble (Vocal Jazz)

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the

study of vocal ensemble music. Students develop the ability to sing with

considerable skill, accuracy, and sensitivity. Skills are increased in breathing

techniques, control of tone quality, and in sight singing. Individuality on the part of

each member of the small ensemble is encouraged. Aesthetic appreciation and

discriminating judgment are developed. The course also provides for increased

skill in ensemble singing in small groups, and enlarges students’ acquaintance

with the study of standard choral literature of varying degrees of difficulty.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): Voice AB or Harmony1 AB or equivalent experience.

Course Title/Name: AP Music Theory

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through

analysis of the elements of music heard or presented in a musical score. The

student is provided with opportunities to develop aural, sight-singing, written,

compositional and analytical skills through listening, performing, analyzing,

creating and writing music. The course also develops a more advanced

understanding of the interrelationships among the elements of music, provides

opportunities to analyze musical compositions in detail, and stimulates student

interest in a variety of music forms and styles through study of music in the

present and from the past representing Western and non-Western cultures.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NA

Course Title/Name: Beginner Guitar

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Guitar is to develop student achievement through the study of classical guitar and popular music mediums. Students perform solo, quartet, and large ensemble classical guitar music as well as perform cover songs and compose original songs in rock bands. Students develop the ability to play with considerable skill, accuracy, and sensitivity. Skills are increased in standard notation and chord chart literacy, sight reading, playing techniques, and control of tone quality. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): Beginner Guitar and/or audition with teacher

Course Title/Name: Advanced Guitar

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Guitar is to develop student achievement through the study of classical guitar and popular music mediums. Students perform solo, quartet, and large ensemble classical guitar music as well as perform cover songs and compose original songs in rock bands. Students develop the ability to play with considerable skill, accuracy, and sensitivity. Skills are increased in standard notation and chord chart literacy, sight reading, playing techniques, and control of tone quality. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed. Advanced Guitar builds and furthers skills learned in Beginner Guitar.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NA

Course Title/Name: Beginner Production

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Production is to develop student achievement through the study of music production via creative hands-on projects using Ableton, Logic Pro X, and other industry standard software. Students create several full length songs/instrumentals, build online portfolios, and have an opportunity to perform their music in concert. Students develop the ability to produce with considerable skill and quality. Skills are increased in music theory, composing, arranging, editing, mixing, and mastering. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed.

 

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): Beginner Production and or audition with teacher

Course Title/Name: Advanced Production

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Production is to develop student achievement through the study of music production via creative hands-on projects using Ableton, Logic Pro X, and other industry standard software. Students create several full length songs/instrumentals, build online portfolios, and have an opportunity to perform their music in concert. Students develop the ability to produce with considerable skill and quality. Skills are increased in music theory, composing, arranging, editing, mixing, and mastering. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed. Advanced Production builds and furthers skills learned in Beginner Production.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NA

Course Title/Name: Sound Engineering

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Sound Engineering is to develop student achievement through the study of live and studio sound engineering via creative hands on projects using industry standard gear and software. Students learn the basics of microphones and how to mic different mediums from rock bands to orchestral settings, both in concert and studio applications. Students develop the ability to record, edit, mix, and master in these different settings with considerable skill and quality. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed. Engineering students will be required to work school shows during the year, and are encouraged to become members of the school’s official sound crew.  

 

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): NA but it is highly encouraged to take Beginner Production, Sound Engineering, and at least 1 year of music theory. 

Course Title/Name: Composition and Film Scoring

A-G Requirement: 

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: 

The major emphasis of Composition and Film Scoring is to develop student achievement through the study of composition and film scoring via creative hands on projects using industry standard software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro X. Students create several full length compositions and short film scores, and have an opportunity to have their music performed in concert, film festivals, and recording sessions as well as work directly with student and professional performers and filmmakers. Students develop the ability to compose and score with considerable skill and quality. Skills are increased in music theory, composing, orchestration, arranging, music notation, editing, mixing, and mastering. Aesthetic appreciation and discriminating judgment will be developed. Composition and Film Scoring will focus on composing concert works and scoring for film and multimedia.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Mariachi

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through beginning level techniques in playing mariachi. The course develops the physical skills necessary to play beginning level music accurately and with good tone quality, and develops skills on typical mariachi instruments. The course also provides opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements as applied to the music played.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Harmony 1

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through study of the vertical aspects of music including the structure, function, and interrelationships of scales, intervals and chords. The course also develops the following skills: sight singing, ear training/listening, reading and writing music, playing/keyboard application, analyzing chords and harmonic progressions.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Harmony 2

A-G Requirement: Yes

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: F

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the use of more advanced harmonic techniques and principles, including contemporary idioms. The student is provided with opportunities to examine and study the fundamental arts components including, where applicable, the perceptual, creative, historical, and critical. The course continues the activities of Harmony 1AB, and develops the following skills: playing piano improvisation, writing original composition, and reading - technical analysis of music. Harmony 2B emphasizes individual research and original work. Students may enroll in Harmony 2A only.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Course Title/Name: Modern Band

A-G Requirement: No

Semester(s): AB

A–G Subject Area: N/A

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the exploration of a modern band ensemble. The course will introduce the skills necessary to perform on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drums and vocals. Many styles of music will be discussed, demonstrated and performed by the students. The course will also foster peer to peer development in the band setting while encouraging each band to perform cohesively as a single unit. Students in Modern Band will also be introduced to the art of Songwriting. End of term projects will culminate with each student having their song performed by the ensemble.