Page 40 - High School Program of Studies 20-21

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Symphonic Band 810 10-12 2 1
The symphonic band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games, parades, band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are essential elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include participation in summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many styles and types is rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become a member of the symphonic band, a student must demonstrate to the band director a high degree of proficiency on a band instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development, either through private study or instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be recommended for a variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Alle-Kiski Honors Bands, PMEA District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz Band, Small Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team
PREREQUISITE: Student must have all of the following: ● Audition
Honors Band 830 12 2 1
Honors Band is open to Grade 12 students registered for Symphonic Band. 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 work to be used as an audition piece, first semester audition for, and if accepted, participate in PMEA Honors Band and Alle-Kiski Honors Band; Second semester preparation of a second solo or chamber work for recital performance; both semesters research and publication of program notes for concert.
PREREQUISITE:​ Student must have all of the following:
● Teacher Recommendation
● Students must currently be enrolled in Symphonic Band.
Jazz Ensemble I/II 803/804 10-12 2 1
Jazz Ensemble will perform at a variety of school and community functions. All styles of jazz music are explored with an emphasis on jazz improvisation (theory and harmony), jazz history and listening. Students playing instruments that are utilized in a standard big band format may participate (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, bass, guitars, piano, drums, and percussion). Students will also explore jazz combo literature. Jazz students of exceptional ability may audition for PMEA District and All-State Jazz Ensembles.
PREREQUISITE: Student must have all of the following:
● Audition and scheduled membership in concert or symphonic bands.
Note: ​Pianists and guitarists are exempt from the band prerequisite.
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
Exceptionally Prepared for Success
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