Music Department

Graduation Requirements

While music is not required for graduation, many institutions require two years of Foreign Language or Music for admission. Most colleges and universities look favorably upon the application of students involved in music during high school.

Special Note

Albert Einstein said, "I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music... I get most joy in life out of music."

• The advantages of participating in a music class have long been established by anecdotal evidence. Research shows that participation in music is a key indicator of student success in high school. All students are urged to consider including a music course in their schedule to enhance their entire educational experience.
• Music performance classes are sequential. The prerequisites for advanced music classes are rigidly enforced. In addition, most advanced musical groups at the high schools require auditions prior to enrolling for the class. When an audition is required, it is noted in the descriptors.
• The true assessment for any educational, amateur, or professional performing group is ultimately the performance itself. For that reason, for every music group, participation in the appropriate concert performance is mandatory. When a member of a group is absent, the performance of the entire group suffers and that is certainly unfair to the rest of the group. Involved parents carefully consider the concert schedule for a music class prior to encouraging their children to enroll in it.

The course descriptions that follow serve as a guide to assist students in picking the classes that best suit their needs. We encourage parents to read all the descriptions carefully and to remain an active partner in their child’s education throughout his or her high school education. If you have any questions prior to registering, please call the Music Department Chair of the high school.

Music Graduation Check List

Graduation Requirements: While music is not required for graduation, many institutions require two years of Foreign Language or Music for admission. Most colleges and universities look favorably upon the application of students involved in music during high school.
 

* Indicates course may be taken multiple times for credit
¤ Indicates audition required

Electives

How do I know which course to take?

Cecillian Singers (Grade 9)
Designed to assimilate the young female voice into the high school choral program, Cecillian singers builds on the middle school choral experience. If a student is interested in becoming involved in music at the high school level, then this may be the first course she may wish to take. Focusing on freshmen sopranos and altos, this introductory, non-auditioned course examines vocal technique and music notation. Music literature selected for this course represents many different historical periods and styles. Concert performance is required. (One credit)

Bass Choir (Grades 9,10,11,12)
Designed to help develop the male voice, this is a non-auditioned ensemble for grades 9 through 12 tenors, baritones, and basses. If a student is interested in becoming involved in choir, this may be the perfect first class for him. This course helps build a basic vocabulary of the elements of music and helps develop vocal techniques. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Chamber Strings (Grades 10,11,12)
Chamber strings is a select string ensemble that utilizes wind and percussion students from the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on literature specific to string ensembles with opportunities to perform as guest soloists. This class is by audition only. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Concert Band I and II (Grade 9)
Concert Band II is a non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school band experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Concert Band I is an auditioned group for students with advanced skills. If a student enrolls in Concert Band I or II, he or she will be expected to advance his or her talents through completion of weekly skill tests during technique classes. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous band experience need the instructor's consent before registering. (One credit)

Concert Choir (Grades 10,11,12)
This is a non-auditioned ensemble open to sophomores through seniors. The class meets daily as a treble ensemble and combines in rehearsal with the Bass Choir. Emphasis is placed on beginning and intermediate vocal/choral techniques and notational abilities. The Concert Choir performs at all choral concerts and attendance is mandatory. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Concert Orchestra I and II (Grades 9)
The non-auditioned ensemble Concert Orchestra II 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. Concert Orchestra I is an auditioned group that is for students with highly developed skills. If a student enrolls in Concert Orchestra I or II, he or she will be expected to advance his or her talents through completion of weekly skill tests during technique classes. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous orchestra experience need to meet with the instructor before registering. (One credit)

Music Theory (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student is a skilled musician already, then he or she may consider taking this introductory theory course. The course stresses the basic building blocks of music in preparation for the Advanced Placement Music Theory class that can lead to college credit. Students who take this course usually continue into the Music Theory Advanced Placement class. (.5 credit)

Music Theory Advanced Placement (Grades 11,12)
Any student who has successfully completed Music Theory will want to consider taking the next class in the sequence. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement music theory prepare for the Advanced Placement exam in the spring. This course is for the most serious and most advanced music students who intend to continue their music careers well past high school. Even if not pursuing music as a career, students receiving a “3” or better score on their Advanced Placement test will receive college credit at most colleges and universities. (One credit)

Symphonic Band I and II (Grades 10,11,12)
Symphonic Band II is a non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Band. Symphonic Band I is 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. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous Band experience need instructor's permission before registering. Both classes may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Symphonic Orchestra I and II (Grades 10,11,12)
Both Symphonic Orchestra II and I are for students with previous orchestra experience. Symphonic Orchestra II is a non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Orchestra. Symphonic Orchestra I is an auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. If a student enrolls in Symphonic Orchestra I or II, he or she will be expected to advance his or her talents through completion of weekly skill tests during technique classes. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Students without previous orchestra experience need the instructor's consent before registering. These classes may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Treble Choir I (Grade 10)
If a student did well in Cecillian Singers, then she may wish to consider auditioning for Treble Choir I. This class is open only to sophomore girls and only through audition. Students interested in auditioning for this class should already have the ability to read musical notation and sight-sing accurately. Music is chosen for more advanced singers. Concert performance is required.
(One credit)

Treble Choir II (Grades 11,12)
This is a junior-senior ensemble based on entry by auditions only. Students interested will be asked to demonstrate advanced vocal proficiencies and sight-reading ability. Previous experience in an entry-level choir is also an expectation. Students interested in this course should be advised that the expectations are for talented students who bring not only advanced vocal techniques but also a mature approach to independent achievement. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Varsity Singers (Grades 11,12)
Varsity Singers is an advanced choir of both male and female voices. Students are expected to be self-motivated and able to demonstrate music reading abilities and advanced vocal proficiencies. This course expects its members to demonstrate leadership abilities as well. Placement into this class is by audition only. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Wind Ensemble (Grades 10,11,12)
Wind Ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college-level works for winds and percussion. Placement in this class is available by audition only. Due to the soloist nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performance. Private study on the principal instrument is required. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Wind Symphony (Grades 10,11,12)
This class provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of standard literature for winds and percussion. Placement in this class is available by audition only. Members of this class are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes. Private study on the principal instrument is strongly recommended. Concert performance is required. This class may be taken multiple times. (One credit)

Special Note for Seniors in Varsity Singers, Chamber Strings, and Wind Ensemble

Seniors only in these three courses may be eligible to take one of them for a weighted grade. In addition to meeting all the regular expectations of the course, the senior would be expected to create a performance portfolio divided into four sections:

1. Ensemble Leadership Development
2. Scholarly Project
3. Individual Musicianship
4. Personal Reflection