Welcome to our Music Program!

Our music program thrives because of the dedication from the
students and the support of the parents.  Without parent involvement we would not have the elite music program that we do perennially.

Current Course Offerings for the 2011-2012 School Year:

• Concert Choir
• Women’s Chorus
• Chorale
• Central Singers
• Concert Orchestra
• Symphony Orchestra
• Symphonic Band
• Jazz Ensemble
• Wind Ensemble

VPAA – Meets the Visual, Performing & Applied Arts Requirement based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

CHOIR

CONCERT CHOIR (VPAA) – J210 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

This course is open to any student interested in singing and is a prerequisite for all other vocal ensembles. Students focus on learning correct choral techniques, i.e., tone production, ear training, music sight-reading, etc. Music history and theory are studied through a wide variety of music, including sacred, classical, and jazz. Choir students will perform at school concerts and additional outside performances; attendance is required.

WOMEN’S CHORUS – J220 CHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Choir and audition.

Students are taught the fundamentals of breathing and producing tone, sight-reading music, music theory, and how to blend in a group of similar vocal ranges. A wide variety of literature is studied and performed, from the Renaissance through the twentieth century, including jazz, sacred, and secular music from the great choral traditions. Emphasis is placed on the unique challenges inherent in treble vocal music. Students will perform at school concerts and additional outside performances; attendance is required.

MEN’S CHORUS – J225 CHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition.

Open to all male students in grades 10-12 with instructor approval. Men’s Chorus will focus on the fundamentals of singing – using the breath, developing tone, working on energetic diction – all in the context of the unique sound of an all male ensemble. This chorus will study and perform music from a wide variety of styles including classical, jazz, pop, and world music. Prior singing experience is not necessary. Freshmen men may join this chorus if they are also enrolled in Concert Choir. You must get instructor approval to sign up for this course.

CHORALE – J230 CHS, EHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition.

This is a mixed choir of advanced musicians who study music history, theory, and more difficult music from the great choral tradition, as well as spirituals and vocal jazz. In addition to the spring, fall, and winter concerts, the Chorale performs for festivals, and commencement; attendance is required.

CENTRAL, EASTERN, OR NORTHERN SINGERS – J240 CHS, EHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition and concurrent membership in another vocal ensemble.

This small choral ensemble is open to only the most advanced vocal students. Members are expected to be proficient sight-readers, mature, motivated, and able to carry their own part. This ensemble will explore the tradition of vocal jazz in depth. A’capella and accompanied music will be studied and performed, with an emphasis on musical excellence and professionalism. In addition, jazz forms will be studied and students will be exposed in detail to great jazz performers of the past and present.

Students will perform at school concerts and additional outside performances; attendance is required.

ORCHESTRA

CONCERT ORCHESTRA (VPAA) – J310 CHS, EHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of eighth grade orchestra or by audition for new students.

Primarily a string orchestra with some full orchestra experience, this course is intended to enhance individualized instruction. Emphasize will include musicianship, listening and performance skills, theory, the study of two octave major and minor scales, and performing music which contains shifting, advanced bowing techniques, and vibrato.

Attendance is required at concert performances, which include school programs and orchestra festivals.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (VPAA) – J320 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition.

This course is for advanced string players who are ready for more difficult literature, both string and full orchestra. In addition to playing a wide variety of difficult literature from differing periods, music history and theory are studied. Attendance is required at performances, which include school concerts and festivals. This group is also invited to perform for many organizations throughout the year both during and outside the school day.

BAND

CONCERT BAND (VPAA) – J110 CHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of eighth grade band or by audition for new students.

This course focuses on developing individual performance proficiency and strengthening overall musicianship skills including knowledge of music theory and it’s application to playing; performance of literature suited to the ability of the group; and listening and creative thinking activities, including musical composition. Included in Concert Band is membership in the high-energy Marching Band during the varsity football season. Attendance is required at performances, which include school concerts, athletic events, and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in chamber music ensembles to solidify musicianship skills during the appropriate season.
JAZZ LAB/JAZZ ENSEMBLE – J112 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition and concurrent membership in another instrumental ensemble.

This course emphasizes aesthetic education through improvisation and performance of suitable literature; harmonic, rhythmic and structural complexities of jazz, jazz history, and solo transcriptions. Attendance is required at all curricular and extra-curricular events including several jazz festivals from January to March of each year.

SYMPHONIC BAND (VPAA) – J120 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition.

This is a performance-based group for the advanced instrumentalist with emphasis on aesthetic education through strengthening of individual musicianship and performance skills; knowledge of music theory and its application to playing; performing a wide variety of literature including marches, popular music, orchestral transcriptions and works conceived for wind band; and listening and creative thinking activities. Students are encouraged to participate in chamber music ensembles to solidify musicianship skills during the appropriate season. Included in Symphonic Band is membership in the high-energy Marching Band during the varsity football season.

Attendance is required for performances at concerts, athletic events, District Festival, and various other school functions.

ENSEMBLE

JAZZ ENSEMBLE II – J122 CHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Jazz Lab, audition and concurrent membership in another instrumental ensemble.

This course is for intermediate instrumentalists interested in the study and performance of the jazz idiom. Major emphasis will be on proper tone, technique, improvisation, interpretation, and listening skills needed for excellent jazz performance.

Attendance is required for performances at fall, holiday, and spring concerts, school assemblies, jazz festivals, and occasional sporting events.

WIND ENSEMBLE – J130 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition.

This performance-based ensemble will focus on studies of various forms of music literature, including marches, popular music, orchestral transcriptions, works conceived for wind band and music theory, history, and music listening. Included in Wind Ensemble is membership in the high-energy Marching Band during the varsity football season. Through audition and director placement, players may elect participation in Symphonic Orchestra. Participation in chamber music ensembles and solo performance occurs during the appropriate season.

ADVANCED JAZZ ENSEMBLE – J132 CHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Jazz Ensemble II, audition and concurrent membership in another instrumental ensemble. This is a performance-based group for the advanced jazz instrumentalist. Emphasis is on aesthetic education through improvisation and performance of suitable literature; harmonic, rhythmic and structural complexities of jazz, jazz history, and solo transcriptions. This ensemble will participate in several jazz festivals from January to Ma rch of each year.

Attendance is required at all curricular and extra-curricular events.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE/STEEL BAND (VPAA) – J410 CHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition and concurrent membership in another instrumental ensemble.

This course focuses on developing individual performance proficiency and overall musicianship and is open to all students with a serious interest in becoming well versed in percussion. Emphasis is aesthetic education through strengthening of individual musicianship and performance skills, knowledge of music theory and its application to playing, performance of literature suited to the ability of the group, and listening and creative thinking activities including musical composition. Included in Percussion Ensemble is membership in the high-energy Marching Band during the varsity football season.

This ensemble has several curricular and extra-curricular performances throughout the year where attendance is required.

ADDITIONAL MUSIC COURSE

AP LITERATURE AND STRUCTURE OF MUSIC – J600 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Music background strongly recommended.

This course is a non-performance, academic music course aimed at giving students greater understanding and appreciation of music theory and history. All the major historical periods will be studied in detail, focusing on composers and major works. Western European music theory, history, and culture will be studied through representative literature. In addition, the class will explore the richness of music from other cultures. Students enrolling in this course should have a strong interest and some background in music history and theory and are encouraged to take the AP Music Theory Examination in May.  This course may be taught at the Fine Arts Center in the evening, day(s) of the week to be determined.