Orchestra Director:

Courses Offered:

9500 Elements of Music (1 credit)

This course is designed to explore music from its primitive beginnings right through the 20th century, including pop, rock, and jazz. This course helps develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of different musical styles using actual works of music while developing a technique of critical analysis so each student can better evaluate all musical forms. This course does not require prior musical experience of any kind.

9505 MIDI for Non-Musicians (1 credit)

This course explores beginning level applications of MIDI for the student who has limited musical background. Software for making beats will be used in the MIDI lab. Elements of songwriting including melody, harmony, and bass line construction will be studied. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.

9501 Music Theory 1 (1 credit) 

This course is designed to expose students to fundamentals basic to good musicianship and beginning harmony. The nomenclature of various key signatures and intervals will be introduced while acquainting the students with solfeggio and music reading.  Students will explore harmonization (including vocal and instrumental arranging) and sight singing. Melodic dictation will be emphasized and harmonic dictation will begin. Prerequisites: a final grade of C or better in Elements of Music or permission of the teacher.

9502 Music Theory 2 (1 credit)

This course will further explore all aspects of musical learning previously begun, with emphasis on composition and arranging through individual study. Creativity is encouraged through composing and listening to examples of composer techniques both old and new. Student interest and capability may determine certain aspects of the content. Prerequisites: a final grade of C or better in Music Theory 1.

9506 Music and Midi Computers (1 credit)

This course explores beginning to advanced level practical applications of the musical instrument digital interface. The midi computer lab is equipped with up-to-date hardware where the student will learn sequencing materials and techniques along with notation techniques with many music composition and arranging assignments. Accompaniment programs and sampler applications are also studied. Students will learn methods of accessing midi information and data from bulletin boards and the Internet. Multiport interfaces will be introduced with discussion of multimedia applications. Other areas may be alternately or additionally examined depending on the experience of the students. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.

9606 Piano 1 (1 credit)

This class will give students the basic skills needed to play piano/keyboards. Emphasis will be on music reading and good piano technique with some basic music theory. The class allows each student to progress at his/her own pace. Prerequisites: students must have a serious interest in learning to play the piano and permission of the teacher.

9607 Piano 2 (1 credit)

This class will allow students to increase their skills needed to play piano/keyboards. Prerequisites: a final grade of C or better in Piano 1.

9701 Concert Band   (1 credit)

Concert band meets as part of the regular school day. A variety of band literature is studied and performed with a repertoire of music graded at the high school-advanced high school level. Students will learn techniques of phrasing and interpretation as well as articulation and sound production. The band has concerts in the winter and spring, and may perform at other musical events throughout the school year. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.

9702 Symphonic Band  (1 credit)

Symphonic band meets as part of the daily class schedule. A variety of literature is studied and performed with a repertoire of music graded at the advanced high school or college level. The band has concerts in the winter and spring and may perform at other musical events throughout the school year. Membership is by audition and is limited to symphonic band/wind ensemble instrumentation. Opportunities for performing in ensembles beyond the regular band rehearsal are available according to the interests of the individual band members. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.

9703 Marching Band (1 credit)

The marching band field show is a multimedia presentation of music, precision marching, and choreography of dance, as well as band front routines with flags or other apparatus. Marching band is a co-curricular activity that rehearses outside of the daily school schedule. Marching band rehearsals are scheduled two weeks before the opening of school and attendance is required. A number of rehearsals in the evening during the school year (football season) will also be scheduled and required. The marching band will participate at football games, parades, and competitions. Prerequisites: students must successfully audition.

9801 Jazz Band (1 credit)

This band will concentrate on jazz literature, and students will learn techniques of phrasing and interpretation in all styles of jazz. Performances for the school and community are scheduled throughout the year, with festivals and competitions in the spring. Prerequisites: This is a performance group that is by audition only.

9810 District Symphony Orchestra (1-2 credits)

A performance group comprised of 7th-12th grade students with approval of the Director. This is a full orchestra that will utilize students from strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion at times. The District Symphony Orchestra will rehearse once a week in the evenings starting in January. The course will cover the mechanics of string instruments, note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy at a higher level. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.

9811 Chamber Orchestra (1-2 credits)

A selected ensemble where students are selected based on talent, skills, and achievement, with the understanding that there will be out-of-school performances and rehearsals required of all members during the school year. The course will cover the mechanics of string instruments, note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy at a higher level. Prerequisites: permission of the teacher.