MUSIC CLASSES
Each course in the music program is designed to develop skills, understanding, and musicality at the highest possible level. Inherent in the musical experience is a simultaneous combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, as well as the emotional connection to the art form. Additionally, the process of musical study enhances the development of creative and critical thinking skills, affords opportunity to build individual and group discipline, and increases achievement through both individual and collective effort.
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Guitar I
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Students develop basic guitar techniques through performing solo and ensemble guitar literature from difficulty levels I and II. Skills emphasized include tuning and proper tone production, note reading using traditional notation and guitar tablature, and utilizing current technology to assist in developing basic improvisational and compositional techniques. All students interested in learning guitar may participate. |
Guitar II
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completion of previous level(s) or teacher approval Students develop intermediate guitar techniques through performing solo and ensemble guitar literature from difficulty levels III and IV. Skills emphasized include identifying and analyzing musical elements and structural characteristics of various styles and genres and utilizing current technology to assist in further development of improvisational and compositional techniques. After-school activities, such as recitals and performances, may be required, and grades may reflect such participation. The number of required non-school hour performances and practices during a school year may not exceed 5. |
Guitar III/IV - Honors
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completion of previous level(s) or teacher approval Students develop advanced guitar techniques through performing solo and ensemble guitar literature from difficulty levels V and VI. Skills emphasized include performing with alternate tunings and more sophisticated chord progressions and developing advanced improvisational and compositional techniques. Afterschool activities, such as recitals and performances, may be required, and grades may reflect such participation. The number of required non-school hour performances and practices during a school year may not exceed 10. |
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Piano I
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Students develop basic piano techniques through performing a variety of piano literature representing various styles and genres from difficulty levels I and II. Skills emphasized include performing with independent parts for right and left hands, note reading using traditional notation, and utilizing current technology to assist in developing basic improvisational and compositional techniques. All students interested in learning piano may participate. |
Piano II
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completion of previous level(s) or teacher approval Students develop intermediate piano techniques through performing a variety of piano literature representing various styles and genres from difficulty levels III and IV. Skills emphasized include identifying and analyzing musical elements and structural characteristics of various styles and genres and utilizing current technology to assist in further development of improvisational and compositional techniques. Afterschool activities, such as recitals and performances, may be required, and grades may reflect such participation. The number of required non-school hour performances and practices during a school year may not exceed 5. |
Piano III/IV
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completion of previous level(s) or teacher approval Students develop advanced piano techniques through performing a variety of piano literature representing various styles and genres from difficulty levels V and VI. Skills emphasized include performing scales and arpeggios in all keys and developing advanced improvisational and compositional techniques. Afterschool activities, such as recitals and performances, may be required, and grades may reflect such participation. The number of required non-school hour performances and practices during a school year may not exceed 10. |
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Music Theory I
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Students learn the basic elements of music and their applications in elementary composition. Aural development is stressed throughout the year through rhythmic and melodic dictation and sight-singing. Music technology will be used as a resource to develop aural and compositional skills. A student with limited experiences in music must receive teacher approval. |
Music Theory II - AP
Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Music Theory I or teacher approval Students learn more advanced concepts in music theory as well as twentieth-century compositional techniques. Aural development will continue through sight-singing and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Music technology will be used as a resource to develop aural and compositional skills. It is recommended that students in this course take the AP Exam when it is offered in May. |
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Music Technology I
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Students learn basic compositional techniques and apply them using notation and sequencing software programs. Students utilize, analyze, describe, assess and discuss various compositional techniques using original compositions. Students also develop multimedia presentations to describe and accompany their original music compositions, and present those compositions in a classroom or concert setting. All students interested in music technology may participate. |
Music Technology II
Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Completion of Music Technology I or teacher approval Students learn advanced compositional techniques and apply them using professional level notation and sequencing software programs. Emphasis is on more complex manipulation and editing of audio and video, as well as advanced study |
