Music

Charles Staley, Department Chairperson - NVHS
Matt Temple, Department Chairperson - WVHS

• Music Department's User Guide

The Music Department encourages each student to explore his/her own capabilities in the area of Fine Arts. Through the courses listed below, students are offered the opportunity to (1) perform, (2) develop aesthetic awareness and appreciation, and (3) acquaint themselves with various aspects of music theory and history.

Music Course Listings

Music Course Descriptions

All Music classes are year-long, unless noted. Auditioned groups are designated above.

4370 Cecillian Singers - Grade 9. This is the initial choral experience for all freshman girls. Emphases are on fundamentals of vocal technique and music literacy (understanding music notation). Music is selected from all periods. Attendance at concert performances is required.

4371 Treble Choir I - Grade 10. This is a choir open to sophomore girls on the basis of audition only. Entry level expectations include the ability to read musical notation and sight-sing accurately to the satisfaction of the instructor. Literature is selected with the more proficient singer in focus. Treble Choir performs in each choral concert. Participation in concert performances is required.

4372 Concert Choir - Grade 10-12. Concert Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble open to Grade 10-12 voices. The ensemble meets daily as a treble ensemble and combines in rehearsal with the Bass Chorus (see description below) to perform SATB literature. Emphasis is placed on beginning and intermediate vocal/choral techniques and notational abilities. Literature is selected from all historical periods. Concert Choir performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

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4373 Bass Chorus - Grade 9-12. Bass Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble for grade 9-12 male voices. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of vocal technique as it applies to the changing voice, as well as music literacy. Through the study of a varied selection of music literature, students enhance their understanding of music notation and other elements of music. Bass Chorus performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

4374 Treble Choir II (Chorale) - Grade 11-12. This is a junior/senior ensemble scheduled on the basis of audition only. Demonstration of advanced vocal proficiencies and sight reading ability are necessary prerequisites to placement in this class. Previous experience in an entry level choir is also an expectation. Literature is selected from all periods and styles with the capacity of the more independent vocalist in focus. Student ability to demonstrate advanced vocal techniques and a mature approach to independent achievement are necessities for success in this environment. Participation in concert performances is required.

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4376 Varsity Singers - Grade 10-12. Varsity Singers is an advanced, mixed choral ensemble. Music reading abilities and the demonstration of advanced vocal proficiencies are a prerequisite for this ensemble. Literature includes advanced SATB and SSAATTBB choral literature from all periods. Emphasis in the class is advanced choral techniques and independent singing skills. Students are expected to be self-motivated and leadership-oriented. Students are placed in this ensemble by audition only. Participation in concert performances is required.

4378 Music Theory - Grade 10-12. One semester. This music class is an introductory course to the basic building blocks of music. The content includes the following areas of concentration: scales, intervals, chord structure and progressions, beginning harmony, and elementary ear training. This course is especially useful for all serious music students who plan to continue in music beyond high school. Students will have the opportunity to complete assignments using MIDI keyboards and computers.

4380 Concert Band I - Grade 9. An auditioned group for students with advanced skills. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor.

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4391 Concert Band II - A non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school band experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

4382 Symphonic Orchestra I - Grade 10-12. An auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Students will be expected to advance their talent through completion of technique classes. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous orchestra experience need the instructor's consent before registering. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor.

4394 Symphonic Orchestra II - A non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship of Concert Orchestra. Symphonic Orchestra I is an auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous orchestra experience need the instructor's consent before registering.

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4383 Chamber Strings - Grade 10-12. Chamber Strings is a select string ensemble which utilizes wind and percussion students from the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on literature specific to the string ensemble with opportunities to perform with guest soloists. Students will be assigned chamber ensembles in which they will rehearse and perform. All performance opportunities and requirements for Symphonic Strings also apply to this ensemble.

4384 Concert Orchestra I - Grade 9. An auditioned group that is for students with highly developed skills. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor.

4396 Concert Orchestra II - Gr 9. A non-auditioned ensemble that might be the best place for a student to become familiar with the high school level. Concert Orchestra II is composed entirely of freshmen, providing important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous orchestra experience need to meet with the instructor before registering.

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4376 Senior Varsity Singers
4383 Senior Chamber Strings
4386 Senior Wind Ensemble
Seniors enrolled in 4376, 4383, or 4386 may be eligible to take one of these courses for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include: four small ensemble performances with a comprehensive written critique: two evaluations of concert programs: and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance. Audition and instructor's permission required.

4392 Music Theory AP - Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Intro 4378 or placement. Music Theory AP is a continuation of Intro to Music Theory. Students will study four part writing, harmonic progression, texture, form, non-harmonic tones, and secondary dominants. Ear training and sight singing will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to complete assignments using MIDI keyboards and computers. Students completing this course will be expected to take the AP Theory Exam as an outcome of their course work.

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4385 Symphonic Band I - Grade 10-12. An auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Members of both bands will be expected to advance their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Membership is determined by audition.

4398 Symphonic Band II - Grade 10-12. A non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Band. Members of both bands will be expected to advance their talents through completion of weekly technique. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous band experience need instructor's permission before registering.

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4386 Wind Ensemble - Grade 10-12. Wind Ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college level works for winds and percussion. Due to the soloistic nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performance. Private study on principal instrument is strongly recommended. The Wind Ensemble performs a minimum of 4 concerts, and participates in IHSA Organizational Contests, and members are expected to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members will have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition. Consent of the instructor and attendance at performances are required.

4389 Wind Symphony - Grade 10-12.This ensemble provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of master works for winds and percussion. Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of techniques classes. The Wind Symphony performs a minimum of 4 concerts.

IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members may have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition, and the consent of the instructor. Attendance at performances is required.

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