BAND (INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) 9-10-11-12                  1 Year – .5 Cr. Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Audition for placement or Middle school band participation

The instrumental music department offers several bands for students.  All band members are to have been in a band program through eighth grade or have instructors’ permission.  The department offerings include symphony band, marching band, jazz ensemble and pep band.  The symphony band is the primary performing ensemble from which all other ensembles originate.  The marching is an outdoor extension of the symphony band.  The jazz ensemble is offered to those students who wish to experience more demanding music; an audition is required for membership in this group.  The pep band is open to all symphony band members and plays for all pep rallies and several home basketball games.  Membership in the symphony band is a requirement for membership in all other bands.

TREBLE  MUSIC 9-10-11-12                     1 Year – .5 Cr. Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Audition for placement

Treble choir is one class/chorus of a comprehensive program in choral/vocal music involving large group performances for local audiences, large group festival, competition for tour, all-state, solo/ensemble contest, shows and other festivals.  Membership in a chorus class is required for small group/tour/competition experience.  Students divide into treble chorus, bass chorus and chamber choir as schedules, enrollment/balance, abilities, and experience permit.  All seniors are assigned to one advanced section, freshmen to another section, with sophomore and junior placements determined by ability, experience and ensemble balance.

MIXED  MUSIC 9-10-11-12                     1 Year – .5 Cr. Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Audition for placement

Mixed chorus is one class/chorus of a comprehensive program in choral/vocal music involving large group performances for local audiences, large group festival, competition for tour, all-state, solo/ensemble contest, shows and other festivals.  Membership in a chorus class is required for small group/tour/competition experience.  Students divide into treble chorus, bass chorus and chamber choir as schedules, enrollment/balance, abilities, and experience permit.  All seniors are assigned tone advanced section, freshmen to another section, with sophomore and junior placements determined by ability, experience and ensemble balance.

MUSIC APPRECIATION 11-12                            1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  COMPASS/ACT Placement Score                                      CCC – 1 Sem. – 3 Credits

An introductory course including an exploration of the basic music elements; a survey of musical periods and their characteristics from the ancient through the twentieth century; and a discussion of the differences between Western and non-Western musical form and function.  Listening and concert attendance required.

VOCAL PERFORMANCE SKILLS 12                                1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in band or vocal music program

Vocal Performance course enables students to explore music-related topics.  It may serve as an opportunity for students to expand their expertise in a particular form or style, to explore a topic in greater detail, or to develop more advanced skills.

UNDERSTANDING MUSIC 12                                 1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in band or vocal music program

Understanding Music is a course that deals with the elements of music and the exploration of music, past and present.  The course covers music theory, ear training, arranging folk tunes for instruments or voices, and briefly, music history.  This gives an “overview” of the elements of music leading toward advancement to more difficult levels of learning and offers the opportunity for those in music to have a better understanding of the basics that lead to greater appreciation.