Course Offerings

Students will develop and demonstrate:

#3 – critical and creative thinking and problem solving skills

#4 – the skills needed to communicate: read, write, speak, and listen effectively

#10–knowledge of and appreciation for various cultures

#14–an understanding of the issues that affect the quality of life on our planet

Symphonic Band      Level 2      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: 1.00      Full Year

This performing organization is designed to give the students instrumental music experience by way of regular rehearsal and performance. Participation is open to all students with previous experience with a band instrument. However, the band placement audition and a seating audition may be required. Criteria for this audition may be obtained from the instructor. Students who elect Symphonic Band will be expected to participate in all scheduled concerts, which will number no less than three, and will be responsible for learning all music assigned by the instructor. All students are expected to keep a regular individual practice schedule of a minimum of forty-five minutes daily. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year. (All members of the Symphonic Band are also members of the Spartan Marching Band and will be expected to participate in all marching band performances and rehearsals.)

Wind Ensemble      Level 1      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: 1.00 Full Year

Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the instructor

An advanced instrumental performing organization, members of the Wind Ensemble will be selected by audition only. Musical selections performed by the Wind Ensemble will be numerous and of a high level of difficulty, requiring a great amount of individual practice time. All students are expected to keep a regular,

individual practice schedule of a minimum of sixty minutes daily. All members will be responsible for the learning of all music assigned by the instructor. Membership in this organization is limited by instrumentation and students must have the permission of the instructor before selecting this course. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students' progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year. (All members of the Wind Ensemble are also members of the Spartan Marching Band and will be expected to participate in all performances and rehearsals.)

Concert Choir      Level 2      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: 1.00      Full Year

Concert Choir members cover a wide range of choral literature. The organization performs each year both in and out of school. Students who select this course will be expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances. As part of the requirements for Concert Choir, students will gain experience in the areas of sight-reading of vocal literature as well as sight singing by syllable. All students are expected to keep a regular individual practice schedule of a minimum of thirty minutes daily and will be responsible for the learning of all music assigned by the instructor. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble      Level 2      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: .25 (one period per week)      Full Year

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

The Jazz Ensemble is a musical organization in which students may perform the more contemporary forms of jazz and rock. It involves special instrumentation such as guitar, electric bass, piano, and drum set. A member of the Jazz Ensemble must be willing to participate in a very extensive performance and rehearsal schedule including a rehearsal one night a week for two hours as well as a section rehearsal once per week for one and one-half hours. Members will be responsible for the learning of all music assigned by the instructor. Membership is by permission of the instructor and auditions may be required.

Music Theory      Level 2      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: .50      Half Year

The content of this course is such that students will grasp a practical application of musical composition. The emphasis will be on the fundamentals of composition as they relate to scales, chords, intervals, and four-part writing. Ear training will play a large role in this course and students will learn to take musical dictation. Sight singing will also be studied. This course is for experienced musicians and can only be taken with permission of the instructor. An interview with the instructor may be required. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by research projects and written tests.

Music Appreciation      Level 2      Grades 9,10,11,12

Credits: .50      Half Year

This is a survey course that traces western music from its earliest stages to the present. It deals with the historical, social and aesthetic aspects of music during this time. Students will study the four major periods of western music as well as the contemporary era. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by written tests and research projects throughout the school year. Classroom participation will play a key role in the success of students who register for this course. Music Appreciation is open to all students regardless of previous music background.