Music
- One unit of music may be used to meet the one unit requirement by the New York State Education Department for graduation.
- A 5 credit sequence in Fine Arts may take the place of a Foreign Language sequence with:
- Music Theory (.5 credit) & Music History (.5 credit)
- Intro to Studio Art (1 credit)
- 3 combined credits of Band or Chorus
8th Grade General Music: This is an every other day course consisting of the general knowledge and study of time periods of music. Focus will be given to the music of American composers. This includes the study of multiple instruments including guitar, drums, and ukulele. Attention is given to terminology of these time periods and the composers involved. Several tests and projects, including instrument performances, constitute the grade given at the end of the course.
Jr. High Boys Choir & Jr. High Girls Choir: Any student in Grades 7 and 8 is eligible to join choir. The group meets weekly and performs at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. All members are required to attend the rehearsal, scheduled during school hours, on a rotating basis so they miss a different class each week. Students are encouraged to perform in ensembles and to take part in state and county festivals.
Jr. High Concert Band: The Junior High Band is comprised of instrumental music students from grades 7 and 8. The band consists of a well-rounded program and contains all the basic elements for students to advance successfully into the High School Band program. Emphasis is based on rehearsal skills, sight-reading, intonation, balance, tempo, style, and interpretation. The Junior High Concert Band rehearses twice each week during the school day. Students from the Junior High Band may take part in the Marching Band during the spring of their 7th grade year.
Instrumental Music Lessons - Grades 7-12: Students receive individual or small group lessons on the instrument of their choice. Lesson instruction is weekly and on a rotating schedule which allows for a student to miss only one class period per week. Lessons emphasize individual performance of scales, lessons books, and band repertoire. Students are encouraged to perform in ensembles and to take part in state and county festivals.
Concert Band - Grades 9-12: Instrumental music students are provided the opportunity for large ensemble performance experience. The combination of their instrumental music lesson and the four rehearsals represents completion of the requirements. The rehearsals emphasize various aspects of music performance, i.e. tone, intonation, balance, style, and interpretation. The band performs three concerts per year: December (Holiday), Memorial Day, and May (spring). The band also performs at graduation. The Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Musical Orchestra recruit from the Concert Band. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Sr. High Mixed Chorus - Grades 9-12: All members of the chorus are expected to attend rehearsals that are scheduled during school hours and to participate in the Holiday and Spring Concerts and any other required performance. Students are encouraged to perform in ensembles and take part in state and All County festivals. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Choral and Instrumental Conducting I: This course is for any student who is interested in learning the art of both choral and instrumental conducting. In this course you investigate and experience the different styles of conducting and apply these new skills into performance practice. This course is open to both band and chorus students. However, you must have experience in one or both of these classes as a prerequisite for this course. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Choral and Instrumental Conducting II: This course is for any student who is interested in learning the art of both choral and instrumental conducting. In this course you investigate and experience the different styles of conducting and apply these new skills into performance practice. This course is open to both band and chorus students. However, you must have experience in one or both of these classes as a prerequisite for this course. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Prerequisite: Conducting I
Theatre 1: This course seeks to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the uniquely American musical theatre art form called the MUSICAL. Students will acquire knowledge of basic vocabulary, awareness of historical periods and styles, and study the individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of this art form. Through a summary of the cultural, political, and social events of the day, students will survey musical theatre history. Students will prepare songs from each of the stylistic periods studied. Scene study, stage blocking, and technical elements will also be a part of this course. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Theatre 2: This class seeks to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the uniquely American musical theatre art form called the MUSICAL. Students will acquire a knowledge of basic vocabulary, awareness of historical periods and styles, and study the individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of this art form. Students will lead discussions and presentations where they will teach new material to the Musical Theatre 1 students. Students will prepare songs from each of the stylistic periods studied. Scene study, stage blocking, and technical elements will also be a part of this course. (Full year, .5 credit, A/C or B/D day course)
Prerequisite: Theatre 1