Elective Classes
Music
Music Courses:
Beginning Choir
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: Students will learn basic music theory, fundamentals of reading music, and vocal production, music listening and
evaluation skills and music history. The course requires at least two night concerts and the purchase of a uniform and some after school rehearsals.
Advanced Choir
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This is an advanced singing group. The course requires at least two night concerts and the purchase of a uniform
and some after school rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and vocal training; Teacher Approval.
Small Vocal Ensemble
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: A Pop A Cappella group that performs for school and civic functions. The course requires participation in extracurricular activities and rehearsals after school hours. Students will be required to purchase a uniform. Additional expenses may be required for trips.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and vocal training; Audition and Teacher Approval
Studio Piano I
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This is an introductory level piano course that is open to students with no previous music experience. Students will
learn music theory, music terminology and piano skills. This course requires the purchase of piano book and headphones. A Metronome is helpful but not required.
Studio Piano II
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is a continuation of Studio Piano I and requires the purchase of a piano book, headphones, and
metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I
Studio Piano III
Grade: 11th, 12th
Description: This course is an advanced piano class, and requires the purchase of various piano books, headphones (possible)
and metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I and II, Teacher Recommendation
Studio Piano IV
Grade: 12th
Description: This course is an advanced piano class, and requires the purchase of various piano books, headphones (possible)
and metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I, II and III, Teacher Recommendation
Beginning Orchestra
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed for the student who wishes to learn the basic skills to play stringed orchestral instruments
(violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Students will learn how to read music and the basics of playing in a small ensemble. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: An interest in learning to play a string instrument.
Intermediate Orchestra
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed as a continuation of previous study of a stringed orchestral instrument (violin, viola, cello,
and string bass). Students will learn intermediate level of skills necessary to perform in a string orchestra. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Beginning Orchestra or a minimum of one year studying a stringed instrument.
Advanced Orchestra
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed for students who have participated in a string orchestra (or private lessons) for a minimum
of two years. Students will master advanced skills such as shifting to higher positions and orchestral bowing techniques. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Minimum of 2 years studying a stringed instrument; Teacher Approval.
Beginning Band
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th
Description: Open to students who are interested in learning how to play a band instrument or who need refinement of skills
before taking Advanced Band. Some school-owned instruments are available.
Advanced Band – Woodwinds/Brass
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on a wind instrument (woodwind or brass). The class will
focus on advanced sound production, rhythms, and overall musicianship. All students in this class are required to participate in the course for the entire school year. Some after school practices/performances may be required. There are also mandatory practices two weeks prior to the start of the school year.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental training; Teacher Approval.
Advanced Band – Percussion
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on a percussion instrument. The class will focus on
advanced sound production, rhythms, and overall musicianship. All students in this class are required to participate in the course for the entire school year. Some after school practices/performances may be required. There are also mandatory practices two weeks prior to the start of the school year.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental training; Teacher Approval
Jazz Ensemble – Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on an instrument utilized in the production of jazz music.
This ensemble performs some of the most challenging music at the school. The rhythm section will consist of piano, bass, drums, and guitar (only one of each). All students in this class are required to participate in some after school rehearsals and group performances.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental/vocal training; Teacher Approval
Guitar
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to all students. Every student in the class MUST have an acoustic guitar, either through
ownership or rental of a school guitar ($50). Students in this class will learn musical notation, basic tablature, tuning methods, chords, chord progressions, etc. Students must have his/her instrument and book in class every day, and regularly practice music outside of the class time.
Music Theory I
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th
Description: Music Theory is an introductory level music course that follows a Pre-AP curriculum. Students will develop an
awareness of the characteristics of musical sound; define organized aspects of musical sound (pitch, rhythm, tempo, etc.); and develop an understanding of symbols and terms in musical notation. Areas of focus will include analysis and interpretation of the elements of music theory, peer to peer dialogue about music, experimentation with music and reflective writing about music.
AP Music Theory I
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is an introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical
materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are considered an important part of the course. Students will develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are also emphasized. Note: Students who take this course are required to take the AP Exam.
Prerequisites: Music Theory I or vocal/instrumental music course; Teacher Approval
Talented Music
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: Members of the Talented Music ensemble will receive resource services weekly for their area of talent. These
students must be enrolled in one or more music course to receive Talented Music services.
Prerequisites: Talented Music exceptionality; Gifted Site Coordinator Approval
Music Faculty:
Debora Falco
Department Head, Music Theory I, AP Music Theory II & Beginning, Intermediate, & Advanced Orchestra
Michael Breaux
Beginning Band, Advanced Band Winds & Percussion, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar I & II
Elective Classes
Music
Music Courses:
Beginning Choir
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: Students will learn basic music theory, fundamentals of reading music, and vocal production, music listening and
evaluation skills and music history. The course requires at least two night concerts and the purchase of a uniform and some after school rehearsals.
Advanced Choir
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This is an advanced singing group. The course requires at least two night concerts and the purchase of a uniform
and some after school rehearsals.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and vocal training; Teacher Approval.
Small Vocal Ensemble
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: A Pop A Cappella group that performs for school and civic functions. The course requires participation in extracurricular activities and rehearsals after school hours. Students will be required to purchase a uniform. Additional expenses may be required for trips.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and vocal training; Audition and Teacher Approval
Studio Piano I
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This is an introductory level piano course that is open to students with no previous music experience. Students will
learn music theory, music terminology and piano skills. This course requires the purchase of piano book and headphones. A Metronome is helpful but not required.
Studio Piano II
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is a continuation of Studio Piano I and requires the purchase of a piano book, headphones, and
metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I
Studio Piano III
Grade: 11th, 12th
Description: This course is an advanced piano class, and requires the purchase of various piano books, headphones (possible)
and metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I and II, Teacher Recommendation
Studio Piano IV
Grade: 12th
Description: This course is an advanced piano class, and requires the purchase of various piano books, headphones (possible)
and metronome.
Prerequisites: Studio Piano I, II and III, Teacher Recommendation
Beginning Orchestra
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed for the student who wishes to learn the basic skills to play stringed orchestral instruments
(violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Students will learn how to read music and the basics of playing in a small ensemble. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: An interest in learning to play a string instrument.
Intermediate Orchestra
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed as a continuation of previous study of a stringed orchestral instrument (violin, viola, cello,
and string bass). Students will learn intermediate level of skills necessary to perform in a string orchestra. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Beginning Orchestra or a minimum of one year studying a stringed instrument.
Advanced Orchestra
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is designed for students who have participated in a string orchestra (or private lessons) for a minimum
of two years. Students will master advanced skills such as shifting to higher positions and orchestral bowing techniques. Participation in concerts throughout the school year is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Minimum of 2 years studying a stringed instrument; Teacher Approval.
Beginning Band
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th
Description: Open to students who are interested in learning how to play a band instrument or who need refinement of skills
before taking Advanced Band. Some school-owned instruments are available.
Advanced Band – Woodwinds/Brass
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on a wind instrument (woodwind or brass). The class will
focus on advanced sound production, rhythms, and overall musicianship. All students in this class are required to participate in the course for the entire school year. Some after school practices/performances may be required. There are also mandatory practices two weeks prior to the start of the school year.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental training; Teacher Approval.
Advanced Band – Percussion
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on a percussion instrument. The class will focus on
advanced sound production, rhythms, and overall musicianship. All students in this class are required to participate in the course for the entire school year. Some after school practices/performances may be required. There are also mandatory practices two weeks prior to the start of the school year.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental training; Teacher Approval
Jazz Ensemble – Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to any student with previous training on an instrument utilized in the production of jazz music.
This ensemble performs some of the most challenging music at the school. The rhythm section will consist of piano, bass, drums, and guitar (only one of each). All students in this class are required to participate in some after school rehearsals and group performances.
Prerequisites: Experience with music study and instrumental/vocal training; Teacher Approval
Guitar
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This class is open to all students. Every student in the class MUST have an acoustic guitar, either through
ownership or rental of a school guitar ($50). Students in this class will learn musical notation, basic tablature, tuning methods, chords, chord progressions, etc. Students must have his/her instrument and book in class every day, and regularly practice music outside of the class time.
Music Theory I
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th
Description: Music Theory is an introductory level music course that follows a Pre-AP curriculum. Students will develop an
awareness of the characteristics of musical sound; define organized aspects of musical sound (pitch, rhythm, tempo, etc.); and develop an understanding of symbols and terms in musical notation. Areas of focus will include analysis and interpretation of the elements of music theory, peer to peer dialogue about music, experimentation with music and reflective writing about music.
AP Music Theory I
Grade: 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course is an introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical
materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are considered an important part of the course. Students will develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are also emphasized. Note: Students who take this course are required to take the AP Exam.
Prerequisites: Music Theory I or vocal/instrumental music course; Teacher Approval
Talented Music
Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Description: Members of the Talented Music ensemble will receive resource services weekly for their area of talent. These
students must be enrolled in one or more music course to receive Talented Music services.
Prerequisites: Talented Music exceptionality; Gifted Site Coordinator Approval
Music Faculty:
Debora Falco
Department Head, Music Theory I, AP Music Theory II & Beginning, Intermediate, & Advanced Orchestra
Michael Breaux
Beginning Band, Advanced Band Winds & Percussion, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar I & II