Music
The goal of the Music Department is to instill in the student an appreciation for music through participation in musical activities, listening experiences, and an understanding of the major musical styles and forms which have influenced the music of today. The program is also designed to provide the student with the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with others in the school and community through both vocal and instrumental performances.
The following courses fulfill 0.50 Credit in Fine Arts:
Music In Our Lives
943 Music In Our Lives
Music In Our Lives is a comprehensive music program that offers students the opportunity to create, perform, listen to,, and analyze music. It surveys music from diverse cultures around the world and explores how people express themselves through music. The social, cultural and historical context of music in our lives is explored.
The History of Musical Styles
945 History of Musical Styles
Students will explore the traditional styles of music through the ages to give them the basic skills necessary for the appreciation of all types of music.
Vocal Techniques
946 Vocal Techniques
The focus of this course is instruction in note reading, sight singing, various vocal styles and a proper and healthy singing technique. Performance opportunities, both solo and group, are available to all interested students. This course is the prerequisite to Glee Club, and students enrolled in this course will be eligible to join the Glee Club in January.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION
Students who wish to follow a concentration in Instrumental Music are advised to audition for the Orchestra and include AP Music Theory in their schedules in Junior or Senior Year.
Students who wish to follow a concentration in Vocal Performance must register for 946-Vocal Techniques in Freshman Year and then register for the Glee Club and take AP Music Theory in Junior or Senior Year.
These students may also choose to expand their Music experience by taking the Music Courses available-943, 945 and 946, (Descriptions listed above).
Students who are not following a Concentration in Music but wish to take the AP Music Theory course may do so with Departmental Approval.
Each of the following courses earns one credit
AP Music Theory
354 AP Music Theory
An Advanced Music Theory course, AP Music and Theory will include an in-depth exploration of the five musical elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and style. Application of theory through analysis, composition and aural skills will be a main component of the course.
PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
MUSIC PERFORMANCE COURSES
Glee Club
358 Glee Club
This performing ensemble focuses on the study of correct singing technique, music notation, sight-singing and diction, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the choral literature. Rehearsals are scheduled during the day and after school on Monday and Wednesday. All after school rehearsals are mandatory. Attendance at the Christmas and Spring Concerts is required. Members of the Glee Club may also participate in a variety of performances during the year.
PREREQUISITE: Music 946
Orchestra
357 Orchestra
This performing ensemble focuses on the study of musical styles and forms, correct instrumental techniques, and the interpretation of music notation, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the orchestral literature. Rehearsals are scheduled during the day and after school on Tuesday and Thursday. All after school rehearsals are mandatory. Attendance at the Christmas and Spring Concerts is required.
PREREQUISITE: Audition