Music Department

Main Office: (203) 797-4800

Attendance Office: (203) 790-2893 or (203) 790-2864

CONCERT CHOIR (LEVEL 3) 9-12

This course is open to all students who would like to sing. It is designed to further develop proper vocal technique. High quality choral works will be emphasized. Students will perform various musical styles – classical, contemporary, jazz, folk, ethnic, etc. in a choral setting. Attendance at public performances is required.

MADRIGAL SINGERS (LEVEL 4) 10-12

This is a highly selective vocal ensemble. Acapella singing is stressed with emphasis on the polyphonic music of the Renaissance. An intense concert season is part of the program. Membership is by audition and with the approval of the instructor.

MUSIC PRODUCTION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY (LEVEL 3) 10-12

This course is designed to instruct students in the art of recording, sequencing and mixing down. Students will be cutting a CD and placing recordings out to the net or podcasting. Students will be creating original music, as well as using tracks from popular software such as Garageband and Logic Express. Students will be writing and implementing scripts for their podcasts. Students will be creating sound tracks for film.

BEGINNING BAND INSTRUMENTS (LEVEL 3) 9-12

This class is offered for any student who would like to begin (or continue) study on a flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone,or drums. The first semester covers beginning techniques of the instrument and basic note reading skills. Instruments should be rented at a local music shop. Part B is offered for any student who has completed Part A Beginning Band class. The second semester enhances all techniques studied in the first semester and progresses to develop higher performance levels.

CONCERT BAND (LEVEL 3) 9-12

This band is open to all students who play a band instrument. This course is designed to further develop instrumental musicianship kills. High quality band works representing various musical styles will be emphasized. Attendance at all public performances is
enrolled in Concert Band to be eligible for Marching Band.

SYMPHONIC BAND (LEVEL 4) 9-12

This course is designed for a select group of instrumental students who play a band instrument. Placement is by audition and with approval from the director. High quality band works representing various musical styles will be emphasized Attendance at all public performances is required. All students enrolled in Symphonic Band are required to be in Marching Band.

ORCHESTRA (LEVEL 4) 9-12

The High School Orchestra is designed for a select group of instrumental students who play stringed instruments. Placement is by audition and with the approval of the Director. Two sections of Orchestra will be offered, one for students with intermediate level performing skills and one for students exhibiting advanced techniques: bowing artistry, higher positions and vibrato skills. High quality orchestral works representing many musical periods and styles will be emphasized. Attendance at all public performances is required for students in both sections.

JAZZ IMPROVISATION (LEVEL 3) 9-12

Jazz Improvisation is open to all instrumentalists. This course will include the study and performance of jazz music with emphasis on improvisation. This course provides a form of creativity and self-expression through improvisation. Students will improvise in all jazz styles, gain an understanding of the impact of jazz music on our society, and study the music of all jazz eras.
PREREQUISITE: Instrumentalists with a basic understanding of music.

MUSIC THEORY (LEVEL 4) 10-12

This is an introductory course in the basic fundamentals of music which deals with notation, clefs, scales, tonality, intervals, chords, theory, terminology, ear training, elementary harmony, etc. Original music composition and beginning music on the computer, through music writing software, will be introduced in the second semester. Recommendation of current teacher only.

PIANO I (LEVEL 3) 9-12

This course involves students in music reading and its application to the piano keyboard. Students will study note names and values an the staff and keyboard. Hand/eye coordination will be emphasized and students will be encouraged to perform regularly.

PIANO II (LEVEL 3) 9-12

A continuation of Piano I. Students will study techniques and pieces of greater complexity with continued encouragement of performance.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Piano I or permission of instructor.

POP CHOIR (LEVEL 3) 9-12

Pop Choir offers the opportunity to learn various forms of movement combined with Broadway type music and music drawn from our multicultural heritage. The course will emphasize polished singing and movement and study originality. A main goal will be to present short musical style performances at the regularly scheduled music department concerts. Attendance at all public performances is required.

JAZZ-TO-ROCK (LEVEL 3) 9-12

Today’s Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop all have their roots in the American Tradition of Jazz & Folk music! This introductory course will explore the evolution of Jazz & Rock music through Swing & Be Bop, the Blues, Country Music, Rock ‘n Roll, the British Invasion & Contemporary Music. You don’t have to read music or play an instrument to take this non-performing course. You just need to enjoy music & desire to learn & experience the rich cultural traditions of American Music. Guest speakers & performers will be invited throughout the semester.

INTERMEDIATE PIANO (LEVEL 4) 10-12

Intermediate piano is for the piano student who wants to take his/her knowledge to the next level. Students will learn to play by ear as well as written notation, chord progression and develop compositional and theory skills. Students will be required to perform before peers and at Music Department programs.