Music Department

The music program is aesthetic education in action. Its major goal is to increase the sensitivity of students to the power of music as an art, to develop their abilities to perceive the art of music keenly, and to respond to it deeply. The primary aim of the high school music program is to offer a variety of musical experiences to students in light of their interest and ability. The subject offerings promote a broader knowledge and understanding of music and musicians, while the applied music phase of the program is concerned with the development of the individual and cooperative performance skill, both choral and instrumental.

FACULTY

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MUSIC COURSE OFFERINGS

8000 Yellow Jacket Marching Band 9-12 Fall Semester
8020 Instrumental Music Lab 9-12 Fall Semester
8050 Symphonic Band 9-12 Spring Semester
8060 Piano/Synthesizer for Beginners 9-12 Fall/Spring Semesters
8080 Intermediate Piano/Synthesizer 9-12
8110 Music Theory 9-12 Fall Semester
8125 Concert Choir 9-12
8140 Select Vocal Ensemble 9-12 Spring Semester
816S Jazz Ensemble 9-12 Spring Semester
8220 Beginning Guitar 9-12
8230 History of Rock and Roll 9-12

YELLOWJACKET MARCHING BAND - Fall Semester
Course No. 8000 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: All students enrolled must have the instructor’s consent and attend Band Camp before the start of school
The YellowJacket Marching Band is the premier instrumental ensemble for the fall semester. The Band is a member of the United States Scholastic Band Association. The band performs at all home football games plus the Thanksgiving Day Game. The band competes at several competitions throughout the fall semester. Students are required to attend band camp, all after school rehearsals and performances as well as be enrolled in the period seven class. Open to all students who play a band instrument and any student wishing to join the color guard/flag team. The band is 2001 National Champions, 2002 State, New England and National Champions, 2004 State, New England and National Champions and 2005 State Champions. Students must be enrolled in the marching band class period to participate in the marching band.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LAB-Fall Semester
Course No. 8020 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent
The instrumental music lab is designed for students who play a band instrument. Materials covered include scales and band literature.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

SYMPHONIC BAND-Spring Semester
Course No. 8050 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: All students must have instructor’s consent to enroll.
The Symphonic Band is the premier instrumental ensemble for the spring semester. Curriculum includes standard high school band literature. The course is designed to educate the student, with a scope of where middle school left off to preparing for college. The ensemble performs several times per year including, but not limited to, concerts, festivals and adjudications. Open to any student who plays a band instrument.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

PIANO/SYNTHESIZER FOR BEGINNERS
Course No. 8060 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for students with no previous experience in music. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of playing a keyboard instrument. Basic technique, reading music, playing melodies, chords, and music theory are covered.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

INTERMEDIATE PIANO/SYNTHESIZER
Course No. 8080 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano/Synthesizer for Beginners
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

MUSIC THEORY -Fall Semester
Course No. 8110 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument, read music, and desire to learn
This class is designed for the student who wishes to learn the fundamentals of music theory,
analysis, composition, sight singing and ear training. Various genres of music will be studied.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

CONCERT CHOIR
Course No. 8125 Credit: 1 (FY) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Concert choir is open to all students who enjoy singing in a structured environment. Students develop the skill to sight read, part sing, and utilize healthy vocal techniques while performing a wide variety of choral literature. The choir performs at evening concerts, music festivals, competitions, and community events.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

SELECT VOCAL ENSEMBLE -Fall Semester
Course No. 8140 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Concert Choir and audition -approval of instructor
This course is designed for a small group of serious singers seeking a high challenge. Music will be studied from all styles and time periods with special emphasis on vocal techniques. Participation in all Choir Concert performances is required.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

JAZZ ENSEMBLE- Spring Semester
Course No. 816S Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Student selection by audition and successful completion of Yellow Jacket Marching Band or Instrumental Music Lab. All students must have instructor’s consent to enroll. Class meets in evening sessions.
The Jazz Ensemble is the premier ensemble for students who play band and jazz-style instruments. The group performs at concerts, music festivals, competitions, and civic engagements.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

BEGINNING GUITAR
Course No. 8220 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for students who do not have any experience playing guitar. Instruction is provided in the basic techniques, reading notation, music theory and chord symbols. Students will learn folk music and simple songs. Students who demonstrate any prior guitar experience, will be dropped from the class at the instructor’s discretion.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4

HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
Course No. 8230 Credit: .5 (1/2 YR) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course will expose students to the history of Rock N’ Roll, beginning with the blues and gospel influences through the 1950s’ and up to bands such as The Doors, Aerosmith and Led Zepplin. Students will take an active roll in experiencing the history, biographies, and music of the major influences in Rock N’ Roll.
21st Century Learning Expectations: 4, 5