Beginning with 2004-05 ninth grade students, one unit (1.0) in physical education may be given if a student completed three (3) marching band seasons BEFORE the start of the senior year. Students must earn a B- or better all three years for this to count. (TWO years of band will NOT give 0.5 credits-it will not count towards a PE requirement.)
MARCHING BAND/CONCERT BAND - 1121
Duration: Full Year course(with the exception of colorguard members in the marching band. They can take this course for only the fall semester). (OFFERED ONLY 1ST PERIOD) Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: 1 year of middle school band or director approval. Grades 9-12
Description:Description: This performance-based ensemble will expose students to the many jazz styles including blues, be-bop, swing, shuffle, Dixieland, funk, latin, and many others. A heavy emphasis will be placed on improvisation and solo work for each student. In addition, the student's performance proficiency will be regularly tested. Members of this group will also enjoy trips to many local and distant venues for other performances. This ensemble requires a significant amount of time outside of the regular class period. All performances and extra rehearsals are REQUIRED, and a heavy weight for the student's grade is placed on attendance.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE -1125
Duration: Full year course credit 1.0
Prerequisites: Audition for director, 1 year of middle school band or director approval. MUST ALSO BE ENROLLED IN MARCHING BAND/CONCERT BAND (unless approved by director). Grades 9-12
Description: This performance-based ensemble will expose students to the many jazz styles including blues, be-bop, swing, shuffle, Dixieland, funk, latin, and many others. A heavy emphasis will be placed on improvisation and solo work for each student. In addition, the student's performance proficiency will be regularly tested. Members of this group will also enjoy trips to many local and distant venues for other performances. This ensemble requires a significant amount of time outside of the regular class period. All performances and extra rehearsals are REQUIRED, and a heavy weight for the student's grade is placed on attendance.
PIANO 1 -- 1127
Duration: one semester only Credit: 0.5 credits
Elective: Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12
Prerequisite: None Lab Fee: $5 per sem.
Content: This course covers the fundamentals of music and basic keyboard techniques such as scales, chords, and melodic lines. It gives students a hands-on introduction to playing the piano. No previous musical knowledge is required and there are no prerequisites. Students will have time in class each day to practice. The class will also learn how to play melody lines and add harmony to them. There will be a recital at the end of the semester.
Piano 2 -- 1129
Duration: 2nd semester only Credit: 0.5 credits
Elective: Grades 9-12 Lab Fee: $5 per sem.
Prerequisite: Piano 1 or Instructor approval
Content: Course is a continuation of Piano I and is intended to improve skills at the keyboard. Students will build their knowledge of rhythm, pitch, and harmony gained in the Piano I class.
CHOIR, TREBLE - 1130W
Duration: All year Credit: 1
Elective: Grades 9-12 Lab Fee: $5 per sem.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or Director Approval
Content: This choir is designed for students who have a desire to learn to produce good singing and thus enjoy music. Students will sing two and three part arrangements of all types of music. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required. Students should maintain a 2.0 grade point average for eligibility purposes. Students will be required to have theprescribed uniform. Students will be required to pay for uniform cleaning at the end of the year.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE (CHOIR) -- 1131
Duration: All year Credit: 1 credit
Elective: Grades 9-12 Lab Fee: $5 per sem.
Prerequisite: Audition and director approval
Materials: Uniform is provided by the school,
shoes are provided by student.
Content: Acapella is a highly select and specialized choir open only to those students with advanced skills in singing. All performances are done acapella with emphasis on literature from all periods of music. Members are required to try out for All-State Choir, attend all concerts and festivals. Some evening and/or early morning rehearsals are required.
SHOW CHOIR - 1132
Duration: All year Credit: 1 credit
Elective: Grades 9-12 Lab Fee: $5 per sem.
Prerequisite: Approval of choir director and enrollment in another choir class.
Content: Students are required to participate in after school productions, solo and ensemble competitions and maintain a "C" or above grade in all classes.
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC THEORY-1141
Duration: Full year course credit : 1.0
Electives: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Prior musical instruction in a middle school or high school class. MUST ALSO BE ENROLLED IN ANY PERFORMING ENSEMBLE AT THE SCHOOL.
Description: This class will meld music history and theory to aid the student's understanding of the evolution and function of music in society. Students will learn how music works, and be able to analyze musical selections. Students will also exercise their understanding of music composition and arranging. This class will prepare students to take the AP Music Theory exam.