Page 40 - High School Program of Studies 19-20

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Concert Orchestra
801
9-12
2
1
Concert orchestra prepares and presents music for school events and public concerts. This course is open to all students who play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Students are expected to possess the drive to perform and improve their playing ability through individual and ensemble work. The Concert Orchestra will perform concerts with the Symphonic Orchestra, and attendance at these evening and/or after school events is a requirement of this course. In addition to exploring all periods and styles of string orchestra repertoire, Concert Orchestra will be a training orchestra for string students to sharpen the musical, technical, and ensemble skills necessary to qualify for Symphonic Orchestra. Students with exceptional ability may audition to participate in PMEA Honors and District Orchestras.
Symphonic Orchestra
812
10-12
2
1
Symphonic Orchestra prepares and presents music for school events and public concerts. This class is designed for the advanced string player who wishes to rehearse and perform music at a high level, and therefore is open to grade 10-12 students who play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) by audition only. Students are expected to possess a willingness to perform and expand their playing ability through individual and ensemble work. Symphonic Orchestra will explore all periods and styles of string and full orchestra repertoire, in addition to performing as the Pit Orchestra for the school musical. Participation in after school and/or evening rehearsals, as well as all concerts and performances, is a requirement of this course. Symphonic Orchestra students are expected to demonstrate and maintain the highest standards of musicianship and conduct at all rehearsals, performances, and any other orchestra functions. Students with exceptional ability may audition and be recommended to participate in interscholastic festival ensembles such as PMEA District I Honors String Orchestra and PMEA District, Regional and All-State Orchestras. PREREQUISITE: Student must have all of the following:
● Recommendation of orchestra director and audition/re-audition required every year.
Honors Orchestra
831
12
2
1
Honors Orchestra is open to Grade 12 students registered for Symphonic Orchestra. Students will be scheduled in the same period as they are currently, but have rigorous additional class requirements that justify the honors designation and credit. Additional course requirements include: Summer preparation of one major solo excerpt to be used as an audition piece for PMEA Honors Strings, preparation and performance of select small ensembles, serving as section leaders and peer mentors in orchestra, research and publication of program notes for a performance. PREREQUISITE:​ Student must have all following:
● Student must have teacher recommendation.
● Students must currently be enrolled in Symphonic Orchestra.
Music Appreciation
817
10-12
2
1
Music Appreciation is a year-long course designed to explore the elements of music and music processes in addition to music from all genres over a span of at least four hundred years. Course content will also include music history, critical listening, and comparison of stylistic elements across all musical periods.
PREREQUISITE: Student must have all of the following:
● Participation in a scheduled ensemble or Class Piano. RECOMMENDATION: C or better in Class Piano.
Class Piano/Music Theory
816
10-12
2
1
The Class Piano curriculum will give students the opportunity to learn basic piano skills, technique, and a functional use of the piano. The class will explore different styles of piano literature, basic chord progressions, scales and composition. Beginning lab students will start together and branch off into individual levels including reading formula notation and improvisation. The Music Theory curriculum provides students the opportunity to examine the formal elements of music. Course content will include notation of melody and rhythm, intervals, scales and modes, triads, harmony and harmonic progressions, musical dictation, analysis, and ear training. A background in music is desired but not required.
Exceptionally Prepared for Success ​ 39