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Music

Electives

  • Senior High Chorus
  • Music Theory I
  • Music Theory II
  • Senior High Band (Grades 9-12)
  • Music Theatre Performance Skills

Course Offerings

Senior High Chorus
1 Credit

Senior High Chorus is open to all students in grades 9-12. The focus of the class is on performing four-part choral music. Members of Senior High Chorus also receive small-group vocal lessons once every six days in order to work on individual singing technique. Course requirements include lesson attendance, in-class writing assignments, and performing in two evening concerts per year.
 

Music Theory I
1/2 Credit

Music Theory I is open to all students in grades 9-12. The class focuses on building an understanding of basic written music notation as well as basic ear-training skills. For the final project, students compose an art song for voice and piano using all available music technology.
 

Music Theory II
1/2 Credit - Prerequisites: Mastery of music composition technology and successful completion of Music Theory I

Music Theory II is a continuation of Music Theory I and focuses entirely on composition skills. Students write four to six compositions in varying musical styles such as four-part chorale, woodwind or brass quintet arrangement, pop song, and elementary band piece.

 

Senior High Band (Grades 9-12)
1 Credit

Senior High Band is open to all students in grades 9-12. In this group, we play an array of music including marches, Broadway tunes, movie soundtracks, and classics. Some previous titles have been the John Williams soundtrack, 2001 Space Odyssey, and The Barber of Seville. Students in this ensemble will also receive weekly instrumental lessons which will focus on building and refining techniques specific to the instrument they play. In addition to the two concerts we play in December and May, we also prepare music for school functions such as the Veterans Day assembly at the elementary school and the graduation ceremony at the high school. Because we work so diligently at honing our individual as well as ensemble skills year after year, we take the time in this high school group to “show off” our talent, dedication, and hard work at festivals such as “Music in the Parks.” During this time, we enjoy performing for other schools and judges, as well as having the pleasure of hearing what other groups like ours do throughout the year. Other activities that students involved in band may participate in either by choice or selection include: All-County, NYSSMA, Jazz Band and Honors Bands.

 

Music Theatre Performance Skills
1/2 Credit

The class meets every other day for the full year. Students in this class will work on the following concepts: breath control, articulation, facial expressions, body movement, stage blocking, vocal inflection, motivation (historical/plot context), characterization, genre/style, and stage presence/posture. Activities will include: group and individual performances of musical theatre songs, monologues, group dialogue scenes, peer critiques, and solo/duets in scenes. The midterm and final projects will include evening showcases performed for the public.