MUSIC

BAND PROGRAM COURSES

MARCHING/CONCERT BAND (9-12) 1 credit

Students electing this course must show sufficient proficiency on their chosen instrument to function in the concert band and/or the marching band that plays for football games and parades. This class will be developed and organized according to personnel that would encourage small ensemble performance, sectional preparation, and extensive development of musicianship. Additional practices will be conducted after school.  The four levels of endeavor for this course are: Intermediate (grade 9), Intermediate II (grade 10), Intermediate III (grade 11) and Intermediate IV (grade 12).  An audition is required for membership in this course.

SYMPHONIC BAND (11-12) 1 honors credit

This class is set up as an advanced concert and marching band.  Students will be selected into this course based on their involvement in other honors programs and musical standing. They will also be required to audition. They will meet every day and perform music on a more advanced level. These students will also be required to perform with the marching band in parades, football games and concerts. The honors students will learn basic theory and composition and learn a variety of different instruments. The two levels of endeavor for this course are: Advanced I (grade 11), Advanced II (grade 12). (Students will receive honors weighted grading)

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (9-12) 1 credit

This course will act as an extension of the Marching/Concert Band Program.  This course will only be offered to students who are actively participating in the Marching/Concert Band Program.  Designed to better meet the needs of our overall band program and the percussion students participating in that program, this course will meet all year long in a 40 minute period.  The course itself will consist of: Drum-line work August-November (marching band season), Concert Band and independent ensemble work (November-May), and Spring drum-line (April-June).  Students will be required to participate in the Marching and Concert bands, as per the structure of the other courses (i.e. concert band and jazz band).

 JAZZ ENSEMBLE I (9-10) 1 credit

Students electing this course must be recommended by the director based on their proficiency on their chosen instrument. Students will be recommended from the Marching/Concert Band organization. Although the Jazz Ensemble will meet at a different time, enrolled students must participate in ALL Marching/Concert Band activities. Instruments chosen to participate will be those common to the jazz idiom (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm). They will meet on a daily basis and study this American art form. In addition, theory and composition will be utilized in this course. Concerts and tours will be set up accordingly. Additional practices may be set up after school to enhance the concert schedule. 

JAZZ ENSEMBLE II (10-12) 1 credit

Students electing this course must be recommended by the director based on their proficiency on their chosen instrument. Students will be recommended from the Marching/Concert Band organization. Although the Jazz Ensemble will meet at a different time, enrolled students must participate in ALL Marching/Concert Band activities. Instruments chosen to participate will be those common to the jazz idiom (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm). They will meet on a daily basis and study this American art form. In addition, theory and composition will be utilized in this course. Concerts and tours will be set up accordingly. Additional practices may be set up after school to enhance the concert schedule.

BAND SECTIONALS (9-12) NO CREDIT

Band Sectionals are mandatory for members enrolled in the band program with skill development and musicianship emphasized. Sectionals will be hand scheduled by the instructor at the beginning of and throughout each school year.

MIXED CHORUS (9-12) 1 CREDIT

This is an elective course for students who demonstrate interest, vocal ability and musical awareness. Scheduled performances during the school day and in the evening are part of the requirements of this course. Each quarter students will be evaluated individually or in small groups on the musical literature being studied. This course is available to all students in grades 9 to 12.  The four levels of endeavor for this course are: Intermediate (grade 9), Intermediate II (grade 10), Intermediate III (grade 11) and Intermediate IV (grade 12).

SELECT CHORUS (11-12) 1 HONORS CREDIT

This class represents the highest level that a choral student can attain. Only the very finest of choral literature will be stressed with major emphasis on performance. Each student will perform in a Winter Concert, a Spring Concert, and for the Vespers Service held in conjunction with graduation exercises for the senior class. Students are encouraged to sing music in at least two languages -- in English, and in a foreign language such as but not limited to Spanish, French, Italian, Latin and/or German. Each quarter students will be evaluated individually or in small groups on the musical literature being studied. The two levels of endeavor for this course are: Advanced I (grade 11), Advanced II (grade 12).  This course is open to students in grades 11 and 12 only by audition and permission of the director.

CHORUS SECTIONALS (9-12) NO CREDIT

Chorus Sectionals are mandatory for students enrolled in the choral music program with emphasis on vocal technique, skill development and musicianship training. Students will be hand-scheduled in small groups by the choral director at the beginning of and throughout each school year.

STRING ENSEMBLE (9-12) 1 CREDIT

This class, which is available to students only with permission from the director, will provide the opportunity for students to learn to play a string instrument. String instruments included in the class are limited to the following: Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass. Students will be classified as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. All students taking this course must provide their own instruments. Students wishing to study Cello or String Bass may use a school-owned instrument based on availability. If necessary, the rental of instruments may be arranged with the director. Opportunity for performances will be provided and encouraged.  The four levels of endeavor for this class are: Intermediate I (grade 9), Intermediate II (grade 10), Intermediate III (grade 11) and Intermediate IV (grade 12).

HONORS STRING ENSEMBLE (11-12) 1 HONORS CREDIT

This class is available to those string students in grades 11 and 12 who qualify based on their level of technical and musical knowledge (should have completed the material and literature in the Suzuki String Method Book III or comparable method. Honors credit is granted for this course, but only with the approval of the instructor.  Students must meet all requirements of the STRING ENSEMBLE Class as well as show performance capability at an advanced level in the form of Recitals, Concerts and PMEA Festivals. The levels of endeavor for this class are: Advanced I (grade 11), Advanced II (grade 12).

STRING SECTIONALS (9-12) NO CREDIT

String Sectionals are mandatory for members enrolled in the String Program with skill development and musicianship emphasized. Sectionals will be hand-scheduled by the instructor at the beginning of each school year.

MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION (9-12)              1 Credit

This is a basic course in music theory, history, writing, and analyzing music.  This course involves a hands-on approach to music and exposure to its basic elements.  All students will grasp an understanding of the structure of music, how music has evolved, and will be able to read and write music by the end of this course.  The course will conclude with one major project as determined by the instructor.  This course is open to all students who wish to enhance their knowledge of music.

MUSIC APPRECIATION    10^th Grade      No Credit

This class is scheduled to meet for a fifteen (15) day session for 40-minutes per day and is required of all 10^th grade students as per Pennsylvania State mandate. An overview of the various aspects and areas of the Musical Arts will be reviewed and discussed.  The use of related videotapes and other multimedia will be used to enhance the classroom presentations.  Students will be graded on a “Pass-Fail” basis.

Please report any problems, comments or suggestions to: ryan.zellner@tasd.net