GRADES 9-12 MUSIC COURSES
Chorus (Grades 9-12)
This course investigates music from other cultures and historical time periods and explores different languages as well as popular American music. Students improve their music reading skills and vocal techniques by exploring solo/duet literature during voice classes scheduled once a month. Sectional lessons are given on a rotating schedule during the school day. Evening performances are required.
H Chorus (Grades 9-12)
This course accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit towards graduation.
The student must meet at least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list): practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; perform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Districts; take weekly private lessons; participate in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the high school music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Mixed Chorus or Women's Ensemble.
Concert Band (Grades 9-12)
This course provides students with the opportunity to improve basic musicianship skills and to perform concert band literature of the different time periods and styles on standard concert band instruments. Folk, classical, pop, march and contemporary music is prepared for the winter, pops and spring concerts. Evening performances are required. Sectional lessons are given on a rotating schedule during the school day.
H Concert Band (Grades 9-12)
This course accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit toward graduation.
The student must meet at least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list): practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; peform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Montco or Districts; take weekly private lessons; practice in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the high school music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Concert Band.
Orchestra (Grades 9-12)
This course provides instrumental students with the opportunity to perform orchestra music from early classics to contemporary music. Performances include winter, pops and spring concerts, school and community events. Sectional lessons are given on a rotating schedule during the school day. Evening performances are required.
H Orchestra (Grades 9-12)
This course accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit toward graduation. Some after-school practice is required.
The student must meet at least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list): Practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; perform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Districts; take weekly private lessons; participate in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the high school music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Orchestra.
Advanced Placement Music Theory Through Composition and Technology (offered in even school years, e.g., 11/12, 13/14, etc.) (Grades 10-12)
This course uses music composition computer technology as a vehicle to teach advanced concepts in music theory. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music through a variety of assignments, sight-singing, keyboard, computer applications, and listening activities. Exercises will focus on analysis and study of various historical and contemporary styles. Students will take the Advanced Placement Music Examination published by the Educational Testing Service. Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 and Music Theory 2. Please review the Advanced Placement section of the Course Selection Catalog before selecting this course.
Exploring Musical Styles (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
This course studies the composers, trends, styles and techniques in music. Students will experience a chronological approach to music, music history and the basic elements of music. The program will stress techniques of listening and evaluation, and allow exploration with technology in musical composition.
The History of Rock and Roll (Grades 9-12)
This course provides an overview of the history and development of rock and roll music. Students discuss and learn the elements of music that contribute to the rock style as well as the important historical and political events that influenced artists and their music. The course begins with the emergence of rock and roll and chronologically address rock music through the present. Styles of rock music that are studied include: Fifties, Sixties, British Invasion, Folk, Soul, Motown, Sand Francisco, Art, Jazz, Seventies, Eighties, and current trends.
How to Read Music (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
Many students develop a love of music from playing in a band, teaching themselves piano or playing Guitar Hero, but they cannot read music. This course teaches students to read music. It will focus on rhythm reading and pitch reading in treble and bass clefs. Students will be exposed to specific music software. This course also prepares students for Music Theory 1.
Jazz Improvisation 1 (.5 credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course teaches students the basic skills necessary to improvise in the jazz style. Students must already know how to read music and play the 12 major scales on an instrument. Vocalists must have basic piano proficiency. Students should demonstrate creativity and have a willingness to perform individually. Students will be exposed to Smart Music software and critically listen to jazz music. This course will teach students to read lead sheets and improvise over the chord changes. Prerequisite: Recommendation of a music instructor or successful participation in Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble, Women's Ensemble, Orchestra and/or Music Theory 1.
Jazz Improvisation 2 (.5 credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course teaches students intermediate skills necessary to improvise in the jazz style. Students must already know who to read lead sheets, analyze and improvise over basic chord progressions and play dorian, mixolydian, natural minor, blues, diminished and whole tone scales. Students will learn III-VI-ii-V-I progressions and rhythm changes. Students will critically listen to and analyze jazz music and write solo transcriptions. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz Improvisation 1.
Music Theory 1 (Grades 9-12)
This course provides a study of music theory, rhythmic and melodic dictation, transposition, arranging and music listening techniques. Students will be exposed to specific music software. This course is designed for students with a thorough background in musical performance who can already read music.
Music Theory 2 (Grades 9-12)
This course is designed for serious music students who have successfully completed the Music Theory 1 course. In-depth review of the Music Theory 1 course, harmonic dictation and four-part writing will be studied. Advanced arranging and composition activities will focus on the use of computer technology. Prerequisite: Music Theory 1.
Women's Ensemble (1 credit - alternate blocks per year) (Grades 9-12)
This course is open to all female students enrolled in Mixed Chorus, Orchestra or Concert Band. Students perform music from different styles and historical periods at student and community functions. Students investigate music from other cultures and explore different languages as well as popular American music. Students improve their music reading skills and vocal techniques and explore solo/duet literature during voice classes. The voice classes are given on a rotating schedule and part of the choral grade.