Page 41 - High School Program of Studies 20-21

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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 of the following:
● Students 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.
Partners in Music 805 10-12 1 .5
This semester course is highly recommended for students who may want to pursue a degree in education. This dynamic course uses elements of music, movement, and songs to improve the physical, emotional, and social development of both regular education and special education students. These students will work together to create and implement hands-on activities concentrating on the enhancement of life skills, the development of fine motor skills, social interaction, teamwork, and music appreciation. The course offers a window into a better understanding of music and how it makes us feel, how it moves us, and how it can be used as a tool to expand our understanding of human interaction.
Students Should be enrolled in a performance ensemble and/or be proficient in singing or playing an instrument.
Exceptionally Prepared for Success
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