Music Electives
BAND (INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
Band is a full year (2 semesters) course, which may be elected by students in the seventh or eighth grade. The band meets five times a week as a regularly scheduled class. In addition to the band rehearsals, students are given a small group lesson once a week. For these lessons, students are pulled from their gym class.
Students will progress in their musical understanding and performance through lesson materials, graded music, literature, and performance experiences. Local concerts and participation in music festivals and clinics are considered to be part of the curriculum. Students are constantly evaluated on their musical growth, keener musical discrimination and improvement in technical facility.
- Students will learn to read standard musical notation as it pertains to pitch, rhythm and dynamics.
- Students will learn expression/phrasing
- Students will demonstrate good posture and hand position.
- Students will develop skills in tone, intonation and articulation.
- Percussionist will learn standard rudiments and experience playing a variety of instruments.
- All band students will experience a broad variety of musical styles from around the world.
- Band students also have the option of doing a choir/band split.
EXPLORING MUSIC - Pop and Rock Music Emphasis
This fun, hands-on, interactive class is open to all students interested in learning more about the following musical topics:
- Learn the basics of playing guitar, piano, bass, and electronic drums.
- Form mini in-class rock bands (Electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, lead singer, etc.) playing basic pop/rock music, creating new music, and learning to work as a team.
- Learn about the history of pop and rock music by tracing today’s pop and rock music back to its origins and learn its effects on world culture.
- Learn how to record and arrange music using computer software.
- Learn basic improvisation skills.
- Learn to listen to and analyze music for form and genres.
- Discover various careers in the music industry.
- Become a better overall musician by learning to better read and understand standard music notation and rhythms.
No previous experience playing an instrument or performing is needed in order to take this class. This is a general music course, therefore, there are no public performances required for this class.
EXPLORING MUSIC - World Music and Composition Emphasis
This fun, hands-on, interactive class is open to all students interested in learning more about the following musical topics:
- Learn to play African and Latin percussion instruments alone and in drum circles.
- Learn how to compose basic music using computer notation software.
- Learn how to record and arrange music using computer software.
- Learn about the history of world music by tracing music back to its origins and learn its effects on world culture.
- Learn basic improvisation skills.
- Learn to listen to and analyze music for form and genres.
- Explore musical theatre topics.
- Become a better overall musician by learning to better read and understand standard music notation, and rhythms.
No previous experience playing an instrument or performing is needed in order to take this class. This is a general music course, therefore, there are no public performances required for this class.
CHORUS
Chorus is a full year course that may also be taken on a semester basis; however, a full year is highly recommended as the skills and curriculum are taught sequentially throughout the year. (Please note: Since Orchestra and Band both meet during Chorus, students MAY select both Orchestra and Chorus or Band and Chorus, and attend on alternating days).
Chorus students will study and demonstrate proper tone production techniques, healthy singing technique, and proper performance techniques. Students will also develop sight-singing skills, and be able to read music as it pertains to standard notation, rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing. Students will perform a wide range of musical selections from folk and classical to pop and jazz, as well as multi-cultural music. Local concerts and participation in music festivals and clinics are considered part of the curriculum. Students will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a proficiency of the topics covered above as well as their ability to demonstrate their growth as a musician in daily rehearsal participation and at the required concerts.
ORCHESTRA
Orchestra is a full year course that meets 5 times per week for large group rehearsal. In addition, each student is scheduled for 1 small group or individual lesson each week, on a rotating schedule.
Students will progress in their musical understanding and performance through lesson materials, music literature, and performance experiences. Students will experience music ranging from classical to pop music. Local concerts and participation in music festivals and clinics are considered part of the curriculum. Students will be evaluated on the presence of musical growth, keener musical discrimination and improvement in technical facility.
Main emphasis will be on tone production, intonation, increased rhythmic complexity, and continued development of bowing styles, and left-handed development.
- Improve student’s music performance.
- Increase students understanding of music literature and music concepts.
- Motivate students to continue their study of music.
- Establish standards of excellence in music performance.
- Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.
BAND/CHORUS SPLIT - Full year course alternating days
ORCHESTRA/CHORUS SPLIT - Full year course on alternating days.
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