Academic Music Courses | Vocal | Instrumental
All students should have some musical experience as part of their general education. Interested high school students are given the opportunity to fully develop their musical skills through a variety of relevant courses. Students who have received basic foundations in elementary school may continue their study of music at the high school level through a series of elective courses. Each student is given an opportunity to study, understand and enjoy fine music in regularly scheduled classes; to participate in large and small vocal and instrumental ensembles; to learn to play an instrument of choice; to help prepare and present concerts and other public performances; and to specialize in music related to particular interests and talents.
Academic Music Courses
Music Theory 1
Course Number: 5951
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirements: Membership in any of the performing musical groups offered by the school, or at least two (2) years of private instruction offering basic musical knowledge in vocal or instrumental music.
Music Theory 1 is the study of basic musical forms and structures. Elements of music construction are studied and skills in music reading, sight singing and aural instruction are developed.
Music Theory 2
Course Number: 5959
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: Students must have a C or above in Music Theory 1 to enroll in Music Theory 2.
Music Theory 2 is a continuation of the concepts from Music Theory 1. Students will focus on tonal harmony, both in writing and analysis.
Vocal
Concert Chorale
Course Number: 5935 – Concert Chorale (1 year; 1 credit), 5936 – Concert Chorale (1 semester; 1/2 credit), 5973 – Concert Chorale & String Orchestra (1 year)
Length: 1 semester or 1 year
Credit: 1/2 or 1 credit
Requirements: Requirements for membership include: 1. ability to match pitch, 2. consistent and on-time attendance at all rehearsals and concerts, 3. careful maintenance of all music and materials, 4. a willingness to learn.
Concert Chorale provides students in grades 9-12 an opportunity to sing all styles of music (classical, jazz, musical theater, and popular) written for four-part, mixed chorus.
Concert Chorale Honors
Course Number: 5991
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Requirements: Same as those for Concert Chorale with the added requirements: participation in In Achord, the musical, All-County Chorus, Area All-State, NYSSMA, All-State, OR participation in a small ensemble directed by the choral director.
Chorale at the Honors level provides selected singers in grades 9-12 with the opportunity to sing all styles of music (classical, popular and jazz).
Voice Class
Course Number: 5939
Length: 1 semester or 1 year
Credit: 1/2 or 1 credit
This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of singing for beginners and the furthering of vocal technique for more experienced singers. In the course, many styles of solo literature are studied: Broadway, Classical, Jazz and Pop solos are included in the repertoire.
Instrumental
Concert Band
Course Number: 5952 – Concert Band (1 year; 1 credit), 5932 Concert Band (1 semester; 1/2 credit)
Length: 1 semester or 1 year
Credit: 1/2 or 1 credit
Requirements: Participation in lessons, rehearsals, and concerts is a requirement of the course.
This course is an ensemble made up of woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Lessons are a requirement for this course and will be conducted on a rotating, pull-out basis. The Concert Band focuses on developing music reading and instrumental technique through the performance of numerous styles of music, including: classical, pops, jazz, and contemporary. Members of Concert Band will have the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra as well through participation in mandatory rehearsals scheduled during the activity period. Participation in all evening concerts is a requirement of the course. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for music/art.
String Orchestra
Course Number: 5962 – String Orchestra (1 year; 1 credit), 5993 String Orchestra (1 semester; 1/2 credit), 5973 Concert Chorale & String Orchestra (1 year)
Length: 1 semester or 1 year
Credit: 1/2 or 1 credit
Requirements: Participation in lessons, rehearsals, and concerts is a requirement of the course.
This course is an ensemble made up of violin, viola, cello, and bass players. Lessons are a requirement for this course and will be conducted on a rotating, pull-out basis. The String Orchestra focuses on developing music reading and instrumental technique through the performance of numerous styles of music, including: classical, baroque, pops, and contemporary. Members will be required to attend 2-3 scheduled activity period rehearsals for each concert in order to collaborate with band members in performing full orchestra literature. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for music/art.