High School Music Course Offerings

TITLE	COURSE #	LEVEL	SEMESTERS	CREDITS
Music Theory I	6125	9-12	1	.5
Proficiency in reading standard music notation in at least one clef is required for this course. Students in Music Theory I learn concepts that can lead to the creation of their own compositions and arrangements. Students also develop essential ear training skills. Any student interested in a career in music should take this course. This course also serves as a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.
AP Music Theory	6133	10-12	2	1
The AP Music Theory course is designed as a college level course following the standards set by the College Board. Students focus on more advanced musical analysis, ear training, and composition. College credit may be obtained for those with a qualifying score on the Advanced Placement Exam. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory I
Guitar I	6155	9-12	1	.5
Learn to play the guitar! This is a beginner class, meant for the student who has not studied the guitar. This course will teach you how to play a variety of songs in every style from classic rock to country. Ownership of a guitar is helpful but not required.
Percussion Ensemble	6505	9-12	Semester 2 Only	.5
Percussion Ensemble centers on performing music written specifically for percussion. Students will learn techniques of all types of drums and percussion, including traditional drumming, mallet instruments, such as the xylophone, and hand drums. A performance in the spring is a culminating project. Marching Band drumline members may opt for this course to fulfill their marching band requirement. This course may be repeated for credit.
Piano & Keyboarding	6471 (S1) or 6472 (S2)	9-12	1	.5
Ever wanted to learn to play piano? Here’s your chance! This class is for the student who has not studied the piano. Students will learn to read music and learn to play from chord symbols. Piano & Keyboarding is a self-paced, “learn as you go” class. Ownership of a keyboard is helpful, but not required. This course may be repeated for credit.
Concert Band*	6491 (S1) 6492 (S2) 6495 (YR)	9-12	1	.5
After-school rehearsals and concerts are required Concert Band provides students with the opportunity to develop music reading skills and rhythmic understanding. A variety of activities focus on technical ability, understanding and interpretation of terminology, and ensemble skills. Required for instrumentalists in marching band. This course may be repeated for credit.*
TITLE	COURSE #	LEVEL	SEMESTERS	CREDITS
Jazz Techniques*	6281	9-12	Semester 1 Only	.5
After-school rehearsals and concerts are required Students in this course will learn the basics of playing in a variety of jazz styles, including blues, swing, combo, and rock/fusion. Development of technical ability and ear training skills are important concepts in this course. Improvisational skills become more fluent as students gain experience, listen and evaluate recordings of various styles. Band members may opt for this course to fulfill their marching band requirement. This course may be repeated for credit.*
Concert Choir*	6081 (S1) 6082 (S2) 6083 (YR)	9-12	1	.5
After-school rehearsals and concerts are required Concert Choir students sing a variety of music including sacred and world music. Basic vocal and standard choral techniques are covered at all levels. The Choir does have many performance opportunities outside of school, and travel is part of the program. Students who plan to audition for Show Choir must take one year of Concert Choir. This course may be repeated for credit.*
Digital Music Production	6503	9-12	1	.5
Digital Music Production is an entry level course for students who have an interest in learning the process of producing and recording music. Students will spend half of a semester producing their own music using loops and MIDI creations, and the other half learning the ins and outs of recording live audio. Opportunities to host a podcast or radio show will also be available.
Music Repertory	6075	10-12	1	.5
Application and approval by music faculty required. Music Repertory is designed as an independent study for music department students. This course is open to all students with prior experience on a wind, percussion, string, or vocal instrument. Topics covered in this course are tailored to each enrolled student and may include studies on intermediate and advanced instrumental technique, study of secondary instruments, PMEA solo audition material, music theory concepts, collegiate audition material, and small ensemble repertoire. Concurrent enrollment in vocal or instrumental ensemble course work is expected. This course may be repeated for credit.*
Guitar II	6065	10-12	1	.5
Guitar II is a continuation of the skills students have learned in Guitar I. This course would serve to further students’ understanding of the techniques used to play guitar, delving into topics that are a greater challenge. Topics covered would include barre chords, power chords, finger picking, and more. This course would be for students who would like to continue their studies or who have prior experience in the guitar. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Guitar I (6155).
Show Choir	6093	10-12	2	1
Application and audition required. After-school rehearsals and concerts are required. Show Choir is an auditioned ensemble, selected by the Vocal Music Director and High School Choreographer. Students will work on a higher level of performance by learning challenging music and dance. Many opportunities are provided for this select group to travel throughout the community to perform during and after school hours. Choir members may opt for this course to fulfill their concert choir requirement. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Minimum one (1) year of Concert Choir (6081, 6082, or 6085) participation.*
TITLE	COURSE #	LEVEL	SEMESTERS	CREDITS
String Orchestra	6055	9-12	1	.5
After-school rehearsals and concerts are required. This course is open to all students who have an interest in learning to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. String Orchestra provides an academic opportunity for participation in instrumental ensemble playing. This course can be taken by students who both have experience in string performance, as well as beginners. Students must provide their own instrument, and the high school music teachers can help students with this process.* This course may be repeated for credit.