Page 49 - Overbrook Course Selection Guide

CONCERT CHOIR
Level: II – College Preparatory Credits: 05
All 9th grade students and any student enrolling in Choir for the first time in High School will be placed in
Concert Choir. This course provides students with the opportunity for vocal development, ear training, and sight
reading through a study of various choral works. Rotating group lessons are offered as part of this course to
advance each member’s growth. All students are REQUIRED to participate in the scheduled concerts throughout
the school year. In the spring, students will have the opportunity to audition for Chamber Singers and Overtones
for the following year.

INTRO TO MUSIC
Level: II – College Prep Credits: 2.5
Introduction to Music is for students with little or no previous musical background. This course is recommended
as an introductory course designed to increase the student’s enjoyment and understanding of music. Students will
learn enhanced listening skills with which to experience both recorded and live (school based) performances; they
will learn to approach music as both an intellectual and an emotional activity; they will learn about music’s
historical, sociological, cultural, and biographical contexts; and they will gain knowledge of the many traditions
of music: art and folk music, Western (European classical) and
Non-Western (World) music, and American (classical, jazz, and popular) music.

JAZZ BAND
Level: IV- Honors Credits: 05
Jazz Band provides ensemble experiences in the popular jazz music field. Various styles of music will be
discussed and performed. Emphasis will be placed on creating and performing popular styles. Students taking this
course should realize that the course requires attendance at all public performances. They must meet the Honors
prerequisite. Pre-requisite: Teacher approval/recommendation based on knowledge of the individual student’s
ability and/or audition. Student must be able to read music and play a “Jazz Band” instrument.

LAB JAZZ BAND
Level: II – College Preparatory Credits: 05
Students will be instructed in the various techniques of playing “big band” jazz in the styles of contemporary
literature. The styles will include, but not be limited to, swing, bop, funk, rock, Latin, etc. Students will learn how
to improvise. The band shall meet daily for a full period and shall serve as a “training ground” for the Jazz Band.
Performances will include the winter concert, spring concert, OHS Jazz Festival and, possibly, a festival or
competition outside of school.

MUSIC THEORY I
Level: II – College Preparatory Credits: 05
This course will begin with a study of the fundamentals of music and progress through a study of harmonic
structure from 1600 to today. An intense analysis of the individual structural elements of rhythm, harmony,
melody and form, along with ear training exercises, will comprise much of the content. Students will be given the
opportunity to create their own original compositions.