Course Offerings in
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
- MUSIC -

The courses in the Performing Arts program are designed to prepare students who are interested in pursuing a career in either vocal or instrumental music and also to provide enrichment and encouragement of creative expression in students who are interested in music for their own personal fulfillment.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC                                                                                 Credit: 0.5
This class will provide a solid framework in listening to, playing, and composing music.   A wide variety of musical styles will be studied;  from Gregorian Chant to Punk Rock.  This course is for the student who has little or no music training but wants to know more about music.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY                                                    Credit: 1.0
This course is for the student who has been singing or playing an instrument for several years, reads music, knows key signatures, major and minor scales, and other basics of performing and composing music.  The full music technology lab, with music notation software, enables students to compose and expand their knowledge of theory, aural skills and music history in preparation for the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam.  Prerequisites:  Placement Test

PIANO                                                                                                                           Credit: 0.5
Beginners will develop their skill at the piano, learning to play songs and read music through sequential practice. The music technology lab, complete with synthesizers and music notation software, provides students with the equipment to support the exploration and realization of their creative talents in the composition and performance of original music.

GUITAR                                                                                                                        Credit: 0.5
Beginners will learn the basics of guitar.  Note reading and chord progressions are stressed. Tab is not used.

CONCERT CHOIR                                                                                                      Credit: 1.0
just singing with the radio!  Vocal technique and music reading will be taught through a repertoire that refelcts a wide variety of genres.  Membership is a pre-requisite for PMEA District, Regional, and All-State Chorus.  This is a performance class, as well as an academic course.   Participation in concerts is required.

CONCERT BAND                                                                                                       Credit: 1.0
This course is the core of the instrumental music program. It is available to students who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments for the performance of concert band music.  Performances include concerts and various community functions.  Students must have had previous instruction on a band instrument or have prior approval from the director.  Membership is a prerequisite for MONTCO Band and PMEA District, Regional and All-State Band.  Participation in Concert Band also provides students the opportunity to participate in any performance tours with the music department. Participation in concerts is required.

STRING ORCHESTRA                                                                                              Credit: 1.0
This course is available to all string players in grades 9 through 12 for the performance of string music.  Students must have had previous instruction on a string instrument or have prior approval from the director.  Membership is a pre-requisite for PMEA District, Regional, and All-State Orchestra.    Participation in concerts is required