MUS 850 and MUS 851
Credit: 1
The goals of the chorus program are to:
- develop a broad knowledge of choral literature encompassing many different styles.
- practice proper singing techniques including diction, posture, and breathing.
- interpret and perform music according to its stylistic features.
- develop listening skills, which allow for blending within a group.
- promote music literacy through the interpretation of scores and both rhythmic and melodic sight-singing activities.
The high school mixed chorus is designed to accommodate students who wish to elect group singing in parts. The high school select chorus is comprised of approximately 30 students chosen by audition and/or teacher recommendation. The level of music literature is much higher for this group. The select chorus, in addition to school concerts, also participates in many out of school performances and competitions. All choral students are expected to participate in the winter concert in December and the spring concert in May. In addition, select chorus members are required to participate in baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies in June. A point system is used for evaluation. Points are given for participation and preparedness. The accumulation of these points is used as the grade for each quarter. The performances listed above serve as the final exam grade, which is averaged with the four quarter grades for the final average. Chorus students also have the opportunity to participate in/audition for other activities, including All-County Chorus, NYSSMA Festivals, Area All-State, All-State and Melodies of Christmas.
856 Wind Ensemble
Credit: 1
Wind Ensemble is a full year course that meets every other day. In conjunction with the band class time students receive a weekly group band lesson. Wind Ensemble is a performance-intense course that focuses on the rehearsal and performance of a challenging musical repertoire. Students will play a variety of band classics and new music. Much of the repertoire will be NUSSMA Level 5 and 6. This band will consist of 45-650 members who will audition to be part of the group. It is expected that students will maintain respectful behavior and exert maximum effort during rehearsals. Rehearsal techniques and maturity will be taken into consideration along with the students’ audition when considered for admittance. It is also expected that students attend all required performances. Failure to attend a required performance will negatively impact a student’s grade.
857 Jazz Ensemble
Credit: 1
Jazz Ensemble is a full year course that meets every other day. During class the group will read, rehearse and perform both classic and modern jazz repertoire. In conjunction with the performance of this repertoire the group will learn basic jazz chord theory and improvisation skills. This course will not be a substitute for Concert Band and or Wind Ensemble. In order to audition students must be a member of one of those ensembles. The group will be required to perform at the concerts and will also participate in member of one of those ensembles. The group will be required to perform at the concerts and will also participate in Jazz Festivals and competitions. Grades will be based on class participation and performance attendance.
854 Music Theory I
Credit: 1
This course is an elective open to students in grades 11 & 12. It meets every day for a full year. Music Theory is a college-level course geared toward those students interested in pursuing a career in the field of music. This course covers basic music theory, sight-singing, rhythmic and melodic dictation and composition. Theory units include: notation scales, intervals, transposition, chords, texture, melodic organization, voice leading, harmony, modulation and form. Grading is based on homework, quizzes, tests, sight-singing exercises and compositions. A final exam is given at the end of the year.
855 Music Theory II
Credit: .5
Pre-Req: Music Theory I with a final average of 80%. This course is a continuation of Music Theory I and is open to students in grade 12. This course meets every other day for a full year. In addition to theory and aural skills, this course prepares students for college music auditions. Theory topics focus on modes, 2- and 4-part voice writing and harmonic analysis. Aural skills include melodic and rhythmic sight-reading, triad and interval recognition and melodic sing-backs. Grading is based on homework, quizzes, tests and compositions. A final exam is given at the end of the year.