Music
Course Descriptions
Show Choirs
Code: Encore- 5513-5514; South Side Transit- 5515-5516
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12
Prerequisite: Membership is based on auditions in the spring. Encore students must be a member of Treble Choir and SST students must be a member of Concert Choir.
Course Description: Encore (all female, 9th & 10th grade), South Side Transit/SST (11th & 12th grade girls & 9-12th grade boys). Membership based upon auditions the previous spring. Primarily works in the more popular vocal idioms of modern America. In addition to specific choral and vocal techniques, each rehearsal-to-performance sequence is designed to help the student become aware of vocal music as a physical, emotional and social release, as well as a communicative skill. Class meets every other day and grades are based upon daily rehearsals (attendance, participation and attitude) and performances (attendance, participation and attitude). Some rehearsals meet outside of the school day. Two or more concerts will be held each semester in addition to the State Show Choir Contest in January and other scheduled competitions. Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in small group performance situations. Membership in the group means participation at all group performances. Please be aware that all MHS Vocal Music performances are video taped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Perform in the community for service organizations and private clubs.
Understand how the vocal mechanism works.
Display a knowledge of both vocal and choral techniques related to performance.
Show growth in self-confidence and an ability to communicate.
Recognize an awareness of various periods and styles in music repertoire.
Show heightened social skills – better understanding of self in terms of physical/mental/emotional balance in life.
Careers Related to Content
Vocal performance, directorial-choir conductor, communications, musical arranging, accompanist, technical theater as it relates to choral performance
Concert Choir
Code: 5517-5518
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 11-12 girls, 9- 12 boys
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: A performing organization open to all 9th – 12th grade boys and 11th & 12th grade girls. In addition to specific choral and vocal techniques, each rehearsal-to-performance sequence is designed to help the student become aware of vocal music as a physical, emotional, and social release, as well as a communicative skill. Class meets every other day. Grading is based on the Music Standards: Performing (50%), Creating (20%), Responding (20%), and Contribution to the Ensemble (10%)Four or more concerts are given each year, as well as the opportunity to be involved in many small group performance situations. Membership in the group means participation in all group performances. Please be aware that all MHS Vocal Music performances are videotaped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
The student must be able to read, and have the social skills necessary to work well with and interact in a large group situation. The student must have the ability to sing in tune and have an interest in vocal performance.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Display an awareness of how vocal mechanism works.
Display a knowledge of both vocal and choral techniques related to performance.
Display self-confidence and an ability to communicate.
Recognize various periods and styles in music repertoire.
Careers Related to Content
Vocal performance, directorial-choir conductor, communications, musical arranging, accompanist, technical theater as it relates to choral performance
Treble Choir
Code: 5519-5520
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-10 girls
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: A performing organization open to 9th & 10th grades. In addition to specific choral and vocal techniques, each rehearsal-to-performance sequence is designed to help the student become aware of vocal music as a physical, emotional, and social release, as well as a communicative skill. Class meets every other day. Grading is based on the Music Standards: Performing (50%), Creating (20%), Responding (20%), and Contribution to the Ensemble (10%).Four or more concerts are given each year as well as the opportunity to be involved in many small group performance situations. Membership in the group means participation in all group performances. Please be aware that all MHS Vocal Music performances are videotaped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
The student must be able to read, and have the social skills necessary to work well with and interact in a large group situation. The student must have the ability to sing in tune and have an interest in vocal performance.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Display an awareness of how vocal mechanism works.
Display a knowledge of both vocal and choral techniques related to performance.
Display self-confidence and an ability to communicate.
Recognize various period and styles in music repertoire.
Careers Related to Content
Vocal performance, directorial-choir conductor, communications, musical arranging, accompanist, technical theater as it relates to choral performance.
Orchestra
Code: 5511-5512
Credit: 1 credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12
Prerequisite: Completion of middle school orchestra or instructor permission
Course Description: Performance and study of orchestra literature from baroque to 21st century music. Music is studied with attention to tone quality, intonation, rhythm, balance, technique, bowings, and overall musicianship. Please be aware that all MHS Orchestra concerts are video taped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
Students should have the ability to play in the first three positions, know orchestral bowings, demonstrate vibrato, and have basic rhythmic skills.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Perform in an ensemble for a public audience.
Understand the structure and content of musical genres.
Make connections between music and everyday life.
Careers Related to Content
Music performance, music education, music business (sales, manufacturing, advertising), music composition/ arranging, music therapy
Symphonic Band
Code: 5521-5522
Credit: 1 credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12
Prerequisite: Completion of middle school band or instructor permission. Students interested in drill team during marching band and winter guard will be auditioned in the spring.
Course Description: All students enrolled in Symphonic Band will participate in marching band during the 1st 9 weeks of school. Marching band is designed to prepare for the performance of drill and music for home football games and competitions. Class meets every day and 7-9 pm on Monday evenings during the marching season. Upon completion of the marching season, students will audition for one of two concert ensembles. Selection of students is based on instrumentation needs and audition results. The Symphonic Band will prepare and perform intermediate band literature at home concerts and contest. Other performance opportunities include pep band, jazz band, solo and small ensembles, All-State, honor band, and community functions. Individual lessons will be assigned once every 6 days for 15 minutes. A band method book will be used for intense technical skill development as part of the lesson curriculum. Please be aware that all MHS Band concerts are videotaped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
Student should be technically proficient on their instrument. Memorization of marching band music is vital to the overall success of the ensemble performance. Students should be goal oriented and team driven.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Enjoy the exposure to, and performance of, music from all time periods and styles which include standard band literature as well as classical and popular.
Show a sense of commitment and pride.
Work well with others.
Appreciate music.
Careers Related to Content
Music performance, music education, music business (sales, manufacturing, advertising), music composition/ arranging (music publication)
Wind Symphony
Code: 5523-5524
Credit: 1 credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12
Prerequisite: Completion of middle school band or instructor permission. Students interested in drill team during marching band and winter guard will be auditioned in the spring.
Course Description: All students enrolled in Wind Symphony will participate in marching band during the 1st 9 weeks of school. Marching band is designed to prepare for the performance of drill and music for home football game and competitions. Class meets every day and 7-10 pm on Monday evenings during the marching season. Upon completion of the marching season, students will audition for one of two concert ensembles. Selection of students is based on instrumentation needs and audition results. The Wind Symphony will prepare and perform advanced band literature for home concerts and contest. Students in this ensemble are expected to perform at a high level of personal and instrumental maturity. Other performance opportunities include pep band, jazz band, solo and small ensembles, All-State, honor band, and community functions. Individual lessons will be assigned once every 6 days for 15 minutes. A band method book will be used for intense technical skill development as part of the lesson curriculum. Please be aware that all MHS Band concerts are videotaped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
Student should be technically proficient on their instrument. Memorization of marching band music is vital to the overall success of the ensemble performance. Students should be goal oriented and team driven.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Enjoy the exposure to, and performance of, music from all time periods and styles which include standard band literature as well as classical and popular.
Show a sense of commitment and pride.
Work well with others.
Appreciate music.
Careers Related to Content
Music performance, music education, music business (sales, manufacturing, advertising), music composition/ arranging (music publication)
Jazz Band
Code: 5507-5508
Credit: ½ credit
Elective/Required: Elective 9-12
Prerequisite: Jazz band members must be enrolled in band to be eligible for jazz band participation.
Course Description: Jazz band is the study of major composers, compositions, and the history of jazz. Students will study and perform the styles of various eras and examine the components of jazz to include: improvisation, chord structure, performance practice and individual styles of jazz greats. Class meets every other day. Grades will be based on performance in rehearsal, concerts, and contests. Please be aware that all MHS Jazz concerts are videotaped and frequently aired on local cable television.
Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class
Due to the complexity and demands of the music a student interested in Jazz Band should possess the following: above average playing skills, good concept of rhythms, desire to be challenged by difficult music, desire to learn to improvise, listen to jazz greats for ideas regarding style, improvisation, etc.
Learning Goals: The student will be able to:
Show knowledge of music in the ‘jazz’ idiom.
Perform with proficiency on his/her instrument.
Understand complex rhythmic figures.
Listen to, understand, and hopefully attain confidence in performing ‘improvised’ choruses.
Careers Related to Content
Music education, professional musician, military band, studio musician, music industry and business