MUSIC

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 COURSE SELECTIONS

MUSIC AND LIFE                                                                                                   Full year - 1 credit 

The survey of music for students whose experiences with music performance is limited.  Music literature and its relation to modern day life (and  throughout history) is explored while developing student perceptions, especially listening skills.  Open to all students Grades 9-12. 


SYMPHONIC BAND                                                                                               Full year - 1 credit

For students who can demonstrate acceptable playing ability on wind and percussion instruments.   Open to all students Grades 9-12.

REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory performances per year and participation in a rotating lesson schedule.

ORCHESTRA                                                                                                         Full year - 1 credit

Open to all students who can demonstrate acceptable ability on stringed orchestral instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass).  Students will experience both string orchestra and symphonic orchestra literature. Open to all students in Grades 9-12.

REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory performances per year and participation in a rotating lesson schedule.

CHAMBER STRINGS                                                                                           Full year – ¼ credit

The Chamber Strings is open to all string students currently enrolled in the orchestra program.  This ensemble rehearses once a week after school and performs at various school/community functions throughout the year.  Students will study and perform  literature specific to the orchestral string chamber ensemble.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Two  mandatory performances per year  (Chamber Concerts).

MIXED CHORUS                                                                                                    Full year - 1 credit

Open to all students who wish to learn choral singing with a wide variety of repertoire of music for mixed chorus, both a cappella and accompanied.
Open to all students Grades 9-12 with approval of teacher.

REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory performances per year and participation in a rotating lesson schedule.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA                                                                                     Full year – 1 credit

For students who can demonstrate advanced ability on orchestral stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass).  Open to students in grades 9-12. 

PREREQUISITE:  Audition by teacher.
REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory  performances per year and participation in a rotating lesson schedule.                                                                             

WIND ENSEMBLE                                                                                                 Full year –1 credit

For students who can demonstrate advanced ability on wind and percussion instruments.  Open to students  Grades 9-12.

PREREQUISITE:  Audition by teacher.
REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory performances per  year and participation in a rotating lesson schedule.

MUSIC THEORY AND LITERATURE                                                                  Full year - 1 credit

An introduction to music theory with work in scale and chord construction, four-part writing, counterpoint, ear training with some keyboard and sight-singing.  Open to students in grades 9-12.

PREREQUISITE:  None 

FLUTE CHOIR                                                                                                       Full year – ¼ credit

The Flute Choir is open to all flutists currently enrolled in Band / Wind Ensemble.  This chamber ensemble rehearses once a week after school and performs at various school/community related activities throughout the year.  Students study and perform assorted chamber music specific to the flute and flute choir.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Two  mandatory performances per year  (Chamber Concerts).

JAZZ ENSEMBLE                                                                                                 Full year – ½ credit

Open by audition to students who can demonstrate ability on wind, percussion, keyboard, and guitar for the study of jazz music.  (One evening/week)

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Three mandatory  performances per year.

JAZZ CHOIR                                                                                                          Full year – ¼ credit

The Jazz Choir is open to all vocalists enrolled in the high school choral program.  This vocal ensemble rehearses once a week after school and performs at various school/community related functions throughout the year.  Student participation will perform vocal literature in the jazz/pop idiom.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Three  mandatory performances per year  (Chamber Concerts / Jazz Night).

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE                                                                                 Full year – ¼ credit

The Percussion Ensemble is open to all students interested in the study of percussion instruments and percussion literature.  A wide variety of ensemble types explore classical, jazz, African, world music, and contemporary genres.  Participating students rehearse once a week and perform at various school/community related functions throughout the year. 

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Two  mandatory performances per year  (Chamber Concerts).

CLARINET CHOIR                                                                                                Full year – ¼ credit

The Clarinet Choir is open to all clarinetists currently enrolled in Band/Wind Ensemble.  This chamber ensemble rehearses once a week after school and performs at various school/community related activities throughout the year.  Students study and perform assorted chamber music specifically adapted to the clarinet and clarinet choir.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher approval.
REQUIREMENTS:  Two mandatory performances per year  (Chamber Concerts).

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION WITH DISTINCTION

(For seniors only)

MUSIC

The following has been established as criteria for Graduation With Distinction in the Music Department.  In order to receive this recognition, the student must meet the following criteria:

·        Student must have no less than an A- in any department class 

·        Student must have participated for four years in a major performing ensemble (band, orchestra, chorus) 

·        Participation in the NYSSMA Solo Festival with a minimum of Level VI through the Junior year. 

·        Solo/small ensemble performance in the Winter / Spring Chamber Concerts 

·        Student must have 9 hours of department/community service

      (i.e. Concert ushers, festival assistants, community performance, stage crew)

(Students should contact the guidance department chairperson for an application.  Applications are due by April 1^st of your senior year.)

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