MUSIC

 

Music is a subject demanding abilities different from those  required in other disciplines; students selecting music classes use their aural and motor-skills to enhance their ability to listen and to perform.  

 

 

Most music classes will have an audition prerequisite to be  determined by the director. Classes will have a rather stringent attendance policies  especially when it pertains to rehearsals and public performances. Grading practices will reflects the musical abilities and efforts of the individual student, but also the role of the student as a member of a performing musical organization.  

 

 

Music classes generally require outside-of-class preparation and studying as individuals, as well as extracurricular rehearsals, concerts, and competitions which students are expected to participate.  Learning activities may include: worksheets on music theory, listening to recordings, music tests and practice at home.  

THESE COURSES WILL SATISFY A FINE ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

 

VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE

1 Year             Credit: 1  

THIS COURSE IS A ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT. 

STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THIS MORNING/EVENING CLASS.  

 

PREREQUISITES:  Teacher permission required with Audition.

Teacher permission required (Auditions are held in the spring).  Students must be concurrently enrolled in Bel Canto Choir, Treble Choir or a CKHS Instrumental Ensemble.  This class meets before school Monday-Friday from 6:55-7:45.  

 

This is an advanced class for the serious, hard-working musician who is committed to improving musical skills and striving for excellence.  There will be emphasis on advanced vocal techniques, including sight-reading and improvisation.  This group performs at concerts, competitions, festivals and various community functions, as well as the regularly scheduled school concerts.  Regular attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances.  Grading is based on daily preparation and participation, attendance and serious effort.

SPECIAL NOTE:  This class is open to rhythm instrument players (piano, guitar, drums, bass) and other instrument players by instructor permission.

   

TREBLE CHOIR

1 Year             Credit: 1  

THIS COURSE IS A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT.

This group is open to singers are any level with treble voices (Soprano, Alto).  No past experience is necessary.  A wide variety of choral music will be rehearsed and performed, ranging from popular to classic styles.  This ensemble may be the first singing experience for many students, and an emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of singing and musicianship.  Grading will be based on daily preparation, participation, attitude and periodic tests.  Performance in four school-based evening concerts per year is also required, as well as participation in a few festivals and concerts outside of school and the school day/week.  

SPECIAL NOTE:  This class is also open to piano accompanists (Teacher permission required.)

 

 

ADVANCED CHOIR (Bel Canto Choir)

1 Year             Credit: 1  

THIS COURSE IS A ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT.

This group is open BY AUDITION ONLY to anyone with the desire to sing choral music and the ability to perform at the high school level, regardless of past experience.  A wide variety of intermediate and advanced choral music will be rehearsed and performed.  In addition, emphasis will be placed on choral and individual vocal technique, music reading, and basic musicianship.  Although this is an "elective" for most students, a serious attitude about singing is expected.  Grading will be based on daily preparation and participation, attitude and periodic tests.  Performance in four school-based evening concerts per year is also required, as well as participation in various festivals and concerts outside of school and the school day/week.  

SPECIAL NOTE:  This class is also open to piano accompanists. (TEACHER PERMISSION REQUIRED)

 

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

1 Year             Credit:  1  

Fee: Approx. $100-$150 for travel costs

THIS COURSE IS A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT.

PREREQUISITES:  All members are required to have a pair of concert sticks (5A).

This class is designed and required for all percussion members of the CKHS band program in lieu of taking a regular band class.  It will provide the opportunity for the percussion section to develop as a group throughout the year and address pertinent issues that will increase the section's effectiveness and skill level.  Students will prepare performance music for marching season as well as percussion ensemble music and will also learn parts to compliment the performances by their respective bands.  Students will study music theory, history, and terminology while also improving basic rudiments and techniques on all percussion instruments.  After school commitments are required both for rehearsals and performances.  Student's grade will center on attendance and participation at these and daily rehearsals but will also be based upon tests, papers, and daily practice.

 

WIND ENSEMBLE

1 Year             Credit: 1  

Fee: Approx. $200 for travel costs

 

THIS COURSE IS A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT.

PREREQUISITE):  Teacher permission required with Audition.

AUDITIONS FOR THIS GROUP ARE HELD IN EARLY MAY.

This is a select group of musicians seeking the highest of challenges to their instrumental abilities.  A variety of performances will be the centerpiece for this group, from field marching and a concert in the fall to concerts and festivals in the winter and parades and other community functions in the spring.  Aspects of the curriculum will include:  music theory/history, interpretation and musicianship, as well as performance of music from a variety of eras and in a wide range of styles.  Outside-of-school commitments are required for sectionals, rehearsals and performances.  Students grade will center on attendance and participation at these and daily rehearsals, but will also be based upon projects, test scores and daily practice.

SPECIAL NOTE:  ALL WIND ENSEMBLE PERCUSSIONISTS SHOULD ENROLL IN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

**Members are required to prepare materials over the summer to be used for assessment and grading purpose prior to the start of school in the fall.

 

CONCERT BAND

1 Year             Credit: 1

Fees:  Approximately $100.00-$150.00 in expenses for travel costs

Preferred Status: SOPHOMORES only

This group is for all sophomore band students who were not accepted to another group through audition.  Students must have previous instrumental background/training, through involvement at the junior high level or in private study, and possess the ability to perform high school level music.  Emphasis in this class will center on musical development, both individually and as an ensemble.  Students will study basic music theory, history and terminology while also improving basic skills and technique relevant to their instrument.  Performance opportunities will include marching (football games and parades, combined with all other bands), concerts, pep band, festivals, and community functions.  After school commitments are required for sectionals, rehearsals and performances.  Grading will be centered around attendance and participation at these commitments and daily rehearsals, but will also be based upon papers, tests scores, and daily practice.

 SPECIAL NOTE:  ALL SOPHOMORE PERCUSSIONISTS SHOULD ENROLL IN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

1 Year             Credit: 1  

Fees:  Approx. $100-150 in expenses for travel costs

Preferred Status:  JUNIORS or SENIORS ONLY. 

Prerequisite: Teacher permission required.  

This class is for all junior and senior band members who are not in the Wind Ensemble.  It is designed for students with previous instrumental background/training, through involvement at the junior high, high school, or private study, and the ability to perform high school level music.  Emphasis in this class will center on musical development, both individually and as an ensemble.  Students will study basic music theory, history and terminology while also improving basic skills and technique relevant to their instrument.  Performance opportunities will include marching (football games and parades, combined with all other bands), concerts, pep band, festivals, and community functions.  After school commitments are required for sectionals, rehearsals and performances.  Grading will be centered around attendance and participation at these commitments and daily rehearsals, but will also be based upon papers ,test scores, and daily practice.  

SPECIAL NOTE:  ALL PERCUSSIONISTS SHOULD ENROLL IN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

 

MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION

1 Year             Credit: 1

1 semester            Credit: .5

This class will cover the fundamentals of music (rhythm, reading musical notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, etc.).  Students will learn how to apply these fundamentals to the art of song writing.  This  class will also discuss and make use of modern technology as it pertains to the music industry (MIDI, sequencing,  synthesizers, intonation software) while creating your own songs.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY

1 Year       Credit: 1  

Fee: Textbooks approx. $100   $82 for AP Testing (optional)

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Music Theory I and/or demonstration of mastery of concepts and skill contained therein.

This class is open to students who have taken Music Theory/Composition or any serious music student with the prerequisite knowledge and abilities contained in that class.  This includes ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboard skills in addition to musical notation.  This course will be taught with the intent to prepare students to take the advanced placement music theory exam in the Spring.  The majority of instruction will be on music reading, part-writing, score analysis, ear training, and keyboard skills.  Minor emphasis will be on composition as relevant to the AP exam. 

 

BEGINNING CLASSICAL GUITAR

1 Year                    Credit: 1

1 Semester            Credit: .5

Prerequisite:  Students must provide their own instrument.

This class is open to all students interested in learning to play the guitar.  The primary focus of the class will be on classical guitar techniques and literature.  Students will also learn to read chord symbols, tablature, and strumming/picking patterns.  Students will have opportunity to play blues, rock, country, and other genres as well improvising.  The class will have a recital at semester's end.  Grading will be based on mastery of technique and reading ability as well as performance in solo and group contexts.  Practice outside of class will be necessary.

 

INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE

1 Year             Credit: 1

THIS COURSE IS A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT. 

STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE OWN TRANSPORTATION TO MORNING REHEARSAL FOR THIS CLASS.

PREREQUISITES: $$$$$  Concurrent enrollment in another performance ensemble, which meets during the regular school day.  Teacher permission required with Audition.

This is a "Zero Hour" class and meets from 6:55-7:40 each morning before school and will be counted as a seventh class.  Auditions are held in the fall (see the director).  This is a performance-based class designed for the more serious and dedicated musician.  Emphasis is placed on developing an advanced concept of the jazz idiom of jazz styles ranging from big band swing to contemporary funk an through the performance of a variety d fusion, while also working on individual skills, theory and improvisation.  This group performs frequently at concerts, festivals, and community functions, and, thus requires an out-of-school commitment as well.  Grading is based on attendance, participation and tests.