Students must provide their own instrument and text. Some larger instruments may be provided.
ELECTIVES
All 6th graders participate in the Fine Arts exploratory wheel to allow them to explore SCPA’s core fine arts courses. Some students, with teacher recommendation and/or audition, may choose instead to specialize in Instrumental Music (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Band or Orchestra); Choral Music (Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced); or Dance (General Dance or Dance Foundations taken as P.E. credit).
BAND BRASS 1,2– BEGINNING (5003.2)
Grades 7-8
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a standard band instrument. Brass instruments are trumpet, trombone, French horn or tuba. Students will learn basic notation, music Terminology and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own instrument and text.
BAND/WOODWINDS 1,2 – BEGINNING (5003.2)
Grades 7-8
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a standard band instrument. Woodwind instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe or bassoon. Students will learn basic notation, music terminology and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own instrument and text.
BEGINNING BAND 1,2 – PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Grades 7-8
Pending Course Approval
This course introduces basic fundamentals for playing all percussion instruments. Students will learn a variety of instruments including but not limited to timpani, snare drum, bass drum, and xylophone. During the second semester students will perform standard percussion ensemble literature with an emphasis on multicultural music. Some students may also perform with cadet band second semester after school and at night time concerts.
BAND INTERMEDIATE (CADET BAND) (5008.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisite: Audition or consent of director.
This course is designed to develop musical skills and to increase knowledge of full band repertoire. Emphasis is placed on developing proper breathing technique, tone production and musical expression. Students are expected to provide their own instruments and encouraged to take private lessons outside of school.
BAND ADVANCED (CONCERT BAND) (5005.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: Audition or consent of the instructor.
Students in concert band will continue to focus on developing proper technique through performance of standard high school band literature. Members from this ensemble will have the opportunity to join with Concert Strings to perform standard full orchestral works.
ORCHESTRA BEGINNING (5007.2)
Grades 7-8
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a string instrument including violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will learn basic notation, music terminology, and ensemble playing. Students are expected to provide their own instruments. Larger instruments are available on loan.
ORCHESTRA INTERMEDIATE (5008.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisite: Audition or consent of director.
This course is designed to develop and enhance performance skills by increase of knowledge, music technique, and skill. Students are expected to provide their own instruments and appropriate performance dress, and attend all performances and after school rehearsals.
ORCHESTRA ADVANCED (CONCERT STRINGS) (5009.2)
Grades 7-8
(PENDING COURSE APPROVAL)
Prerequisite: Audition and or consent of the instructor only.
Students must have at least 2 years experience in an orchestra or private study and exemplary scholarship/citizenship grades in Intermediate Strings. This group will learn standard orchestral literature at the grade 4 high school level and will combine with concert band to form a full orchestra. Emphasis on community performances and smaller chamber groups is also incorporated. Students in this group will audition at the second semester for the advanced Chamber Strings.
CHAMBER STRINGS 1,2 ADVANCED (5009.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor. Students supply own instrument (violas, cellos and basses provided).
This course is designed for the advanced string player. Wind and percussion players from the wind ensemble will be added as needed to create the symphony orchestra. Special emphasis is placed on public performance of standard orchestral literature at the highest level. Students are expected to maintain regular private lessons out side of school. Students in this class course will be required to provide their own instruments, purchase appropriate performance attire and attend all public performances. This group takes an annual tour to other states for the Heritage Music Festival in the Spring.
Chorus- Beginning (5011.2)
Grades 7-8
This course exposes students to the fundamentals of choral music, correct posture, breath support, vocal technique, diction, expression and intonation- covering classical to popular music.
CHORUS INTERMEDIATE (5012.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisite: Audition or consent of director.
This course is designed to increase vocal musicianship and choral singing skills for intermediate to advanced level voice students in a choral setting. Students in this class are required to purchase performance outfits and to participate in performances.
CHORUS ADVANCED (TREBLE ENSEMBLE) (5013.2)
Grade 7-8
Prerequisite: Audition/or consent of director.
This course is designed to provide more advanced vocal music training focusing on vocal techniques, sight singing, ear training, posture, breath-support, and diction. Repertoire will reflect a wide range of musical styles. Students in this class will be required to purchase appropriate performance outfits. Special emphasis is placed on public performance.
PIANO 1,2 (5369.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisite: 6th grade wheel or consent of the instructor.
This course is designed for the student with very limited or no piano background. Students will work on traditional beginning piano literature with an emphasis on basic music vocabulary, diction, sight singing, and ear training.
PIANO 3,4 (5113.2) ; PIANO 5,6 (5115.2)
Grades 7-8
Prerequisite: Audition or consent of instructor.
These more advanced courses continue the development of piano technique and technical skills. Piano 5,6 is designed for the highly advanced piano student desiring a heavy concentration in technical, compositional and improvisational skills in both the classical, popular, and jazz traditions. Students in this class must possess advanced level keyboard competency and music reading skills.
BAND/BRASS 1,2 BEGINNING (5125)
Grades 9-12
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a standard band instrument. Brass instruments are trumpet, trombone, French horn or tuba. Students will learn basic notation, music terminology and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own instrument and text.
BAND/WOODWINDS 1,2 BEGINNING (5127)
Grades 9-12
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a standard band instrument. Woodwind instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe or bassoon. Students will learn basic notation, music terminology and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own instrument and text.
BEGINNING BAND 1,2 –PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
(PENDING COURSE APPROVAL)
Grades 9-12
This course introduces basic fundamentals for playing all percussion instruments. Students will learn a variety of instruments including but not limited to timpani, snare drum, bass drum, and xylophone. During the second semester students will perform standard percussion ensemble literature with an emphasis on multicultural music. Some students may also perform with cadet band second semester after school and at night time concerts.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE 1,2 (CADET BAND) (5101)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of the director. Open only to students who play band instruments.
This course is designed to further develop musical skills beyond beginning level playing abilities. Major focus points are posture, breathing, reading rhythms accurately, reading musical notation, developing listening skills and ensemble playing.
BAND SH ADVANCED 1,2 (CONCERT BAND) (5325)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of the director.
This course is designed to develop and enhance performance skills through an increase of knowledge, technique, and skill. Students will increase their knowledge of performance standards, band literature and solo opportunities with the ensemble as appropriate. Group performance teaches the skills of responsibility and independence and social skills necessary for the smooth operation of a performing group. Students will have purchased a suitable instrument, be required to provide appropriate uniforms and be willing to comply with the requirements of public performance. May be repeated for credit.
WIND ENSEMBLE 1,2* (5133)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor. Students supply own instruments (some large instruments provided). Open only to players of band instruments.
Emphasis will be placed on precise ensemble playing, good intonation, the further study of standard and small band, and solo literature as it applies to individuals in the class. Advanced improvisational skills are developed and used, as they are appropriate. Special emphasis will be placed on public performance. Instrumentalists from this class will join
the members of the Chamber Strings as needed to form the full orchestra. Students in this class will be required to provide/purchase appropriate outfits or uniforms as well as participate in all public performances, festivals, tour, and fundraising activities. May be repeated for credit.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1-2 (5330)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition only.
Students participating in Jazz Band will study various styles and genres of music and develop improvisation skills at a higher level. In this class students will perform standard Big Band Literature and form smaller combos for community performance. Students will explore jazz theory, composition, and history and perform at the annual Heritage Music Festival Tour. All students must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble (brass, winds, percussion). Piano students must be in piano 5-6 or play at an equivalent level.
CHAMBER STRINGS 1,2 BEGINNING (5135)
Grades 9-11
This course teaches the basic techniques for playing a string instrument including violin, viola, cello or bass. Students will learn basic notation, music terminology and ensemble playing. Students are expected to provide their own instruments. Larger instruments are available from the school.
ORCHESTRA SH – INTERMEDIATE 1,2 (5335)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of the director.
This course is designed to develop and enhance performance skills by increase of knowledge, technique and skill. Students will increase their knowledge of performance standards, string literature and have solo opportunities with the ensemble as is appropriate. Group performance teaches the skills of responsibility, and independence as well as the social skills necessary for the smooth operation of a performing group. Students will provide a suitable instrument, appropriate concert attire, and participate in all performances and fundraising activities. May be repeated for credit.
ORCHESTRA- ADVANCED (Concert Strings)
(PENDING COURSE APPROVAL)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition and or consent of the instructor only.
Students must have at least 2 years experience in an orchestra or private study and exemplary scholarship/citizenship grades in Intermediate Strings. This group will learn standard orchestral literature at the grade 4 high school level and will combine with concert band to form a full orchestra. Emphasis on community performances and smaller chamber groups is also incorporated. Students in this group will audition at the second semester for the advanced Chamber Strings.
CHAMBER STRINGS 1,2 ADVANCED (5139)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor. Students supply own instrument (violas, cellos and basses provided).
This course is designed for the advanced string player. Wind and percussion players from the wind ensemble will be added as needed to create the symphony orchestra. Special emphasis is placed on public performance of standard orchestral literature at the highest level. Students are expected to maintain regular private lessons out side of school. Students in this class course will be required to provide their own instruments, purchase appropriate performance attire and attend all public performances. This group takes an annual tour to other states for the Heritage Music Festival in the Spring.
CHOIR 1,2 SH (BEGINNING CHORUS) (5050)
Grades 9-12
This course exposes students to the fundamentals of choral music, correct posture, breath support, vocal technique, diction, expression and intonation, including classical to popular musical styles. Students will also be involved with listening to music and studying the basic elements of music, including sight singing and music notation. Unison to two-, three-, or four-part choral repertoire will be studied, based on class ability and progress.
CHOIR 3,4 SH (INTERMEDIATE CHORUS) (5055)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor.
This course is designed to increase vocal musicianship and choral singing skills for intermediate to advanced level voice students in a choral setting. Areas of study will include voice production, diction, ear training, sight-singing, continued development of basic musicianship and rehearsal and performance of a wide range of choral literature. If numbers permit, boys and girls will meet in separate sections to better enhance learning of male and female vocal skills at this level. Classes will be combined for concerts and performances. Students will be required to purchase choir outfits as well as participate in performances. May be repeated for credit.
CHOIR 5,6 SH (CONCERT CHOIR) (5060)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor. Strong commitment to SCPA, Concert Choir, and required performances.
This course is geared to the more experienced vocal student and includes advanced study in vocal production and techniques, diction, increased ear training, sight-singing skills and extended musicianship. Students will rehearse and perform a broad range of choral literature. As an advanced performing group, students in Concert Choir will be required to purchase choir outfits as well as participate in public performances, festivals, tour and
fund raising activities. May be repeated for credit.
CHOIR 7,8* SH (ADVANCED WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE) (5360)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor.
Strong commitment t o SCPA, Adv. Women's Ensemble and required performances. Strong commitment to academics as well as exemplary citizenship. This course is designed for high-level study and performance of vocal music for treble voices. Students
must be knowledgeable and skilled in basic musicianship, sight singing and voice production. Students will rehearse and perform a broad range of music with a strong emphasis on vocal jazz. Students will be required to sew or purchase choir outfits as well as participate in public performances, festivals, tour and fund raising activities. May be repeated for credit.
CHORAL ENSEMBLE 1,2* SH ADVANCED (5365)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor.
Strong commitment to SCPA, Choral Ensemble and required performances. Strong commitment to academics as well as exemplary citizenship.
This course is designed for high-level study and performance of vocal music. Students must display basic musicianship, sight-reading skills and knowledge and understanding of vocal production. The class will emphasize advanced vocal training, in-depth solo and ensemble performance technique, improvisation and independent musicianship, all within a broad range of musical styles and periods, and in several languages. Students in this group will be required to purchase choir outfits and participate in fund raising activities. Special emphasis is placed on public performances, festivals and tours. May be repeated for credit.
MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS 1-2 (5376)
Grade 9-10
This course is required of all incoming 9th and 10th grade Music majors. Students will learn basic vocabulary, notation, dictation, ear training and sight-singing skills. Music history, composition, and intro to basic keyboarding skills are explored 2nd semester.
PIANO 1-2 (5120)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Music Fundamentals 1 - 2 and/or audition/consent of the instructor.
Development of substantial skill foundations in piano and the elements of music will be stressed. The class will study basic rhythms and melodic notation, keyboard patterns, scales, chord progressions, pedal studies, basic keyboard harmony along with various keyboard studies. Students will work on traditional piano literature. Further study in music vocabulary, dictation, sight singing and ear training will be covered. This course is not a supplement to private lessons at more advanced levels and may not be repeated unless space permits.
PIANO 3-4 (5122)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of the instructor. Students will supply their own piano music as required for the class.
Students will continue development of piano skills presented in Piano 1-2. Proper technique and technical skills along with music reading and piano repertory will be stressed. Students will be introduced to simple improvisation and composition (song writing) for piano. Emphasis is also placed on basic music vocabulary, dictation, sight singing, and ear training. In-class solo performance/recitals of traditional keyboard literature will be encouraged. May be repeated for credit.
PIANO 5-6 (5140)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor. Students will supply piano music as may be required for the class.
Piano 5-6 is a year course designed for the highly advanced piano student desiring a heavy concentration in technical, compositional and improvisational skills as well as accompaniment skills in both the classical, popular and jazz traditions. Students will study the works of the "great masters" as well as explore the area of ethnic literature for the piano. In addition, students will have the opportunity to study and/or perform scores from musical shows and to develop and experience jazz piano techniques. Students in Piano 5-6 must possess advanced level keyboard competency and music reading skills. In-class solo performance/recitals of traditional keyboard literature as well as original works will be encouraged. May be repeated for credit.
MUSIC THEORY 1-2 (5371)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor, outstanding achievement and exemplary citizenship in Music Fundamentals 1-2 or demonstration of mastery of class content.
Skills learned in Music Fundamentals are further developed with continued study in theory, harmony and ear training. The student will analyze various writing styles and techniques, as well as develop compositional techniques. Listening and score study will be included. May be repeated for credit.
MUSIC THEORY 1,2* AP (5373) HP
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or consent of instructor, outstanding achievement and exemplary citizenship in Music Theory 1-2, Piano 3,4 or higher, or demonstration of mastery of class content.
This course is for students who wish to pursue a college-level study of harmony. The student will analyze various writing styles and techniques, as well as develop compositional techniques. Listening and score study will be included. This course helps prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. |
