Fine and Performing Arts
Music - Courses Offered
The aim of the program of music instruction at the high school is to enable students to develop the necessary skills and experience in music to perform effectively as participating members of performing groups like Band, Orchestra and Chorus. Students in music are deeply involved in extra-class activities after school where they perform at concerts and other civic events.
CONCERT BAND 8
Elective: Grade 8
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
The eighth grade band performs music on an intermediate level. This group meets every other day during the school day for a full year. In addition, all band members receive weekly group instruction on the instrument. Students are graded on their performance, test/quizzes, lessons and participation. Each area accounts for twenty-five percent of their quarterly grade. The band performs music in a wide variety of styles ranging from classical to jazz and pop. The group performs at school concerts and community events. Additional opportunities exist for students to perform in jazz band, All-County, NYSSMA, and Summer Music.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
CHORUS 8
Elective: Grade 8
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
Students in the eighth grade chorus will continue to develop the proper techniques of part singing within the context of a variety of musical styles. The chorus will perform in a minimum of two concerts a year. This ensemble meets every other day throughout the school year. In addition, chorus members receive weekly group instruction. Students are graded on their performance, test/quizzes, lessons, and participation. Each area accounts for twenty-five percent of their quarterly grade.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
MUSIC EXPLORATION 8
Elective: Grade 8
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
The students in eighth grade music exploration class will learn basic music fundamentals, participate in singing, and learn about keyboard and instrumental techniques. They will also learn about various composers, different styles, and period music. This will be done by teaching the students about musical notation and basic music terminology. Also, the technical skills involved for learning various instruments will be introduced, as well as the interpretation of music symbols into rhythmic and melodic sounds.
Music appreciation will also be a fundamental aspect of these courses and will be emphasized. Students will develop auditory skills by listening to music, identifying instruments, and the music's components. Careers and leisure time use of music will be addressed by listening to live and recorded music, developing an awareness of musical entertainment, and investigating career opportunities in the field.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
ORCHESTRA 8
Elective: Grade 8
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
The eighth grade orchestra performs music on an intermediate level. The group meets every other day. Students receive small group instruction once a week. In addition, all orchestra members receive weekly group instruction on their instrument. Students are graded on their performance, test/quizzes, lessons, and participation. Each area accounts for twenty-five percent of their quarterly grade.
Our orchestra students have frequent opportunities for performance. In addition to the winter and spring concerts, students participate in String Festival Night, Chamber Ensemble, NYSSMA solo competition, other school and community concerts, and Summer Music. Qualified students can participate in All-County Orchestra and the Long Island String Festival. Membership in the eighth grade orchestra is based upon teacher recommendation.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
CONCERT BANDS 9-10, 11-12
Elective: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
Open to all students in grades 9-12 who pass an audition. Course concentration is on broadening students' knowledge of music through performance; increasing a student's instrumental proficiency, self image, and self discipline; and creating esprit’d corps through excellent performance. Attendance at all band functions is required for successful completion of the course. Concert Band members perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts, and major community events. Concert Band students are eligible to attend the Summer Band Camp to prepare for the competitive Marching Season and all Marching Band activities.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
CONCERT SINGERS
Elective: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: See description below
Credit: 1 credit
The Concert Singers are our combined vocal groups and are open to students in grade 9 through 12. There are two performing vocal ensembles that meet during the day: the Mixed Chorus and the Treble Chorus. The Mixed Chorus is open to any student grade 9-12 who wishes to sing. The Treble Chorus is open to more advanced students with previous choral experience at the high school and a teacher recommendation. Both ensembles concentrate on developing vocal technique as it applies to group singing and performance, reading music, general understanding and interpretation of the music being studied, and excellence in performance. Both groups perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts, the Winthrop Hospital holiday ceremony, Choral Night and other special programs and community events. Attendance at all concerts is required.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
MUSIC THEORY 1
Elective: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite & Co-requisite: Curricular performing ensemble
Credit: 1 credit
Music Theory 1 concentrates on how music is "put together." The primary emphasis of the course is on the fundamentals of music with special attention given to the development of techniques of harmonic writing, aural dictation, ear training, sight singing, and listening. Experience with the keyboard is also included since the piano becomes a major "tool" in developing skill in theory.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments and participation
State Assessments: None
AP MUSIC THEORY
Elective: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Music Theory 1
Credit: 1 credit
Co-requisite: Curricular performing ensemble
Music Theory 2 concentrates on more advanced aspects of the elements of Theory 1 and includes experiences with composition, orchestration, and conducting. Keyboard experiences are emphasized throughout the course. Students
who take this course have often scored very high on collegiate placement tests in music theory.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments and participation
State Assessments: None
National Assessments: AP Music Theory exam in May
ORCHESTRA 9-10, 11-12
Elective: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 credit
The high school Orchestra is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who play stringed instruments. Participation in Orchestra allows students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of music through performance of the orchestral literature. Students are required to perform at all public performances as scheduled (winter concert, string night, and spring concerts). In addition, all members receive weekly small group lessons. It is a requirement that the 9/10 Orchestra performs at Tiles Center for Graduation.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments, performances, lessons and participation
State Assessments: None
MUSICAL THEATER
Elective: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: ½ credit (1 semester)
Musical theater class is open to all students – one need not be involved in the school play or musical to enjoy this class. In fact, many of the students enrolled in Musical Theater have no experience on stage. It runs every day for half the year and feels like two classes in one – half the time is spent learning about the unique history of American musical theater and the other half is spent exploring a variety of stage crafts. Some of these crafts include pantomime, acting, improvisation (ever seen the show Whose Line Is It Anyway?), makeup, lighting and set design. While students are never required to sing in Musical Theater, it is a heavily participation-based class. One of the highlights of the course is going to see a musical live on Broadway. We play theater games, discuss the current and historical events that influence our popular culture (and thus the American stage) and we always have a good time.
Local Assessments: Curriculum driven teacher assignments and participation
State Assessments: None
VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL ROTATIONS
The Music Department requires a laboratory setting called Lesson Rotations where each music student is scheduled for a lesson within a small group that meets one a week. Students are required to participate since lesson activity helps improve individual performance skills necessary for high level musical performance. Students rotate lessons so that other classes are missed only once every 4-6 weeks. Lessons are 25% of student’s grade in band, orchestra, or chorus.