Music Courses
The study of music encourages a sense of discipline and accomplishment. A universal language, music is a gateway to understanding history and style. All courses meet the Art/Music/Drama graduation requirement.
CHORUS- Full Year
Chorus is a large choral ensemble for students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 which meets every day. Students will learn how to sight-read, different styles of music, and performance etiquette. No audition is required. Attendance at all concert performances is required to receive credit.
Meets Art/Drama/Music requirement. No prerequisite. 1 unit of credit
MUSIC THEORY AND TECHNOLOGY
Have you ever wanted to learn to create your own music? This is a course for students interested in learning how to use music software for recording, improvising, composing and learning basic music theory. This is an introductory course open to everyone interested in music of any style, from re- mixing to composing your own symphony. This course is of definite advantage to those aiming for AP Music Theory.
The course simultaneously meets the requirement for computer literacy.
1⁄2 unit of credit. No Prerequisite
MUSIC THEORY AND TECHNOLOGY II
For students having completed MT & T 1, but not yet ready for AP Music Theory.
1⁄2 unit of credit. Prerequisite: Music Theory and Technology I or instrumental study
AP MUSIC THEORY
This course is for the student interested in advanced music composition and music theory. Knowledge of an instrument, especially piano, is desirable. This course will include the study of four part writing, analysis, and musical style, along with practice in ear training, sight singing, and aural musicianship. The AP test is required for completion of the course.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite: Earlier study in Music Theory, Music Theory and Technology, or passing a survey exam to enter the course.
CONCERT BAND – Full Year
Enrollment in Concert Band is available to all ninth grade woodwind, brass and percussion players and one keyboard player. Students remain in Concert Band for as many terms (usually two) as necessary until he/she qualifies for SYMPHONIC BAND and subject to satisfactory performance. The course is designed for 9th grade band students.
The Concert Band class combines with the Symphonic Band to provide musical entertainment at Home Football games, Open School Night, Overture and Orientation Night. All members of the Concert Band are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Concert Band or Eighth Grade Band previous year.
SYMPHONIC BAND – Full Year
Enrollment in the Symphonic Band is available to all woodwind, brass and percussion players and one keyboard player who have successfully completed Concert Band Class requirements. Students remain in the Symphonic Band subject to satisfactory performance, until graduation. The most challenging works of the symphonic band repertoire (NYSSMA ratings V and VI) are studied and performed in public.
Membership in the Symphonic Band entails mandatory attendance at all scheduled Instrumental performances. All students are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival that can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State Performing Ensembles.
NOTE: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are unable to be programmed daily for SYMPHONIC BAND are required to register for Concert Band to be eligible to participate in All County, All State and/or All Eastern select ensembles.
1 unit of credit Prerequisite – Symphonic Band or Concert Band the previous year. Instrumental Director’s recommendation is required.
CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Full Year
Enrollment in CONCERT ORCHESTRA is available to all ninth grade string players and one keyboard player. Students remain in CONCERT ORCHESTRA for as many terms (usually two) as necessary until he/she qualifies for SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and subject to a satisfactory performance. The course is designed for ninth grade string students as well as for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who need remedial instruction in string techniques.
Students may be invited to rehearse and perform with the SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA after school on Tuesdays and Fridays.
All members of the CONCERT ORCHESTRA class are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Concert Orchestra or 8th grade orchestra previous year or by audition and interview with the Instrumental Director.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Full Year
Enrollment in the Symphony Orchestra is available to all string players, harpists and one keyboard player who have successfully completed the Concert Orchestra Class requirements. Woodwind, brass and percussion players are selected by the Instrumental Director from the Symphonic Band to join the strings in specially scheduled sectionals. Wind and percussion players should not register for Symphony Orchestra. Students remain in the Symphony Orchestra subject to satisfactory performance, until graduation. The most challenging works of the symphony orchestra and string orchestra repertoire (NYSSMA ratings V and VI) are studied and performed in public.
Membership in the Symphony Orchestra entails mandatory attendance at all scheduled instrumental performances. All students are encouraged audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County, LISFA and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Symphony Orchestra or Concert Orchestra previous year or by audition and interview with the Instrumental Director.
NOTE: 10th, 11th and 12th grade string students who are unable to be programmed daily for SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA are required to register for CONCERT ORCHESTRA to be eligible to participate in All County, All State and/or All Eastern select ensembles.
Performance objectives for all groups include: sight-reading skills, musicianship and performance standards at the appropriate level, response to conductor’s cues, tuning, intonation, articulation, balance, bowing, positions, vibrato and phrasing. Every class period begins with a daily warm-up that promotes continual development of technique, ensemble playing and phrasing. Self- and peer- evaluation and critical thinking skills are fostered when the students master the basic fundamentals of musicianship as they approach the music of the Masters.
A four-year sequence is strongly encouraged. The Instrumental Director is always available for the students to discuss their involvement in the program.
Students who play or wish to transfer to instruments such as the oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium or tuba or who are selected for All County may be invited to rehearse and perform with the SYMPHONIC BAND and/or SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Students who wish to be challenged by transferring to those instruments will be instructed with the Yamaha BAND STUDENT methodology during class time.
Chamber Music (A.M.)
Enrollment in Chamber Music is available to all string, woodwind, brass, percussion players, keyboard players and guitarists. The class will meet two days per week (to be determined) from 7:10-8:00 a.m. Continuation in the program is subject to satisfactory performance. The course is designed for student musicians already registered for the usual instrumental classes (Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra or Concert Band) who wish to develop instrumental techniques necessary to perform in a chamber ensemble. The course culminates with the students’ commitment to as many of the appearances of the Chamber Music Society as possible.
1⁄2 unit of credit. Co-requisite - Symphonic Band or Concert Band or Symphony Orchestra or Concert Orchestra.
CHORUS- Full Year
Chorus is a large choral ensemble for students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 which meets every day. Students will learn how to sight-read, different styles of music, and performance etiquette. No audition is required. Attendance at all concert performances is required to receive credit.
Meets Art/Drama/Music requirement. No prerequisite. 1 unit of credit
MUSIC THEORY AND TECHNOLOGY
Have you ever wanted to learn to create your own music? This is a course for students interested in learning how to use music software for recording, improvising, composing and learning basic music theory. This is an introductory course open to everyone interested in music of any style, from re- mixing to composing your own symphony. This course is of definite advantage to those aiming for AP Music Theory.
The course simultaneously meets the requirement for computer literacy.
1⁄2 unit of credit. No Prerequisite
MUSIC THEORY AND TECHNOLOGY II
For students having completed MT & T 1, but not yet ready for AP Music Theory.
1⁄2 unit of credit. Prerequisite: Music Theory and Technology I or instrumental study
AP MUSIC THEORY
This course is for the student interested in advanced music composition and music theory. Knowledge of an instrument, especially piano, is desirable. This course will include the study of four part writing, analysis, and musical style, along with practice in ear training, sight singing, and aural musicianship. The AP test is required for completion of the course.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite: Earlier study in Music Theory, Music Theory and Technology, or passing a survey exam to enter the course.
CONCERT BAND – Full Year
Enrollment in Concert Band is available to all ninth grade woodwind, brass and percussion players and one keyboard player. Students remain in Concert Band for as many terms (usually two) as necessary until he/she qualifies for SYMPHONIC BAND and subject to satisfactory performance. The course is designed for 9th grade band students.
The Concert Band class combines with the Symphonic Band to provide musical entertainment at Home Football games, Open School Night, Overture and Orientation Night. All members of the Concert Band are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Concert Band or Eighth Grade Band previous year.
SYMPHONIC BAND – Full Year
Enrollment in the Symphonic Band is available to all woodwind, brass and percussion players and one keyboard player who have successfully completed Concert Band Class requirements. Students remain in the Symphonic Band subject to satisfactory performance, until graduation. The most challenging works of the symphonic band repertoire (NYSSMA ratings V and VI) are studied and performed in public.
Membership in the Symphonic Band entails mandatory attendance at all scheduled Instrumental performances. All students are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival that can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State Performing Ensembles.
NOTE: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are unable to be programmed daily for SYMPHONIC BAND are required to register for Concert Band to be eligible to participate in All County, All State and/or All Eastern select ensembles.
1 unit of credit Prerequisite – Symphonic Band or Concert Band the previous year. Instrumental Director’s recommendation is required.
CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Full Year
Enrollment in CONCERT ORCHESTRA is available to all ninth grade string players and one keyboard player. Students remain in CONCERT ORCHESTRA for as many terms (usually two) as necessary until he/she qualifies for SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and subject to a satisfactory performance. The course is designed for ninth grade string students as well as for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who need remedial instruction in string techniques.
Students may be invited to rehearse and perform with the SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA after school on Tuesdays and Fridays.
All members of the CONCERT ORCHESTRA class are encouraged to audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Concert Orchestra or 8th grade orchestra previous year or by audition and interview with the Instrumental Director.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Full Year
Enrollment in the Symphony Orchestra is available to all string players, harpists and one keyboard player who have successfully completed the Concert Orchestra Class requirements. Woodwind, brass and percussion players are selected by the Instrumental Director from the Symphonic Band to join the strings in specially scheduled sectionals. Wind and percussion players should not register for Symphony Orchestra. Students remain in the Symphony Orchestra subject to satisfactory performance, until graduation. The most challenging works of the symphony orchestra and string orchestra repertoire (NYSSMA ratings V and VI) are studied and performed in public.
Membership in the Symphony Orchestra entails mandatory attendance at all scheduled instrumental performances. All students are encouraged audition for the North Chamber Music Society, Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Pit Orchestras for productions at North High and North Middle and to prepare solo compositions to participate in the Spring NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival which can lead to being selected for the prestigious All County, LISFA and All State performing ensembles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Symphony Orchestra or Concert Orchestra previous year or by audition and interview with the Instrumental Director.
NOTE: 10th, 11th and 12th grade string students who are unable to be programmed daily for SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA are required to register for CONCERT ORCHESTRA to be eligible to participate in All County, All State and/or All Eastern select ensembles.
Performance objectives for all groups include: sight-reading skills, musicianship and performance standards at the appropriate level, response to conductor’s cues, tuning, intonation, articulation, balance, bowing, positions, vibrato and phrasing. Every class period begins with a daily warm-up that promotes continual development of technique, ensemble playing and phrasing. Self- and peer- evaluation and critical thinking skills are fostered when the students master the basic fundamentals of musicianship as they approach the music of the Masters.
A four-year sequence is strongly encouraged. The Instrumental Director is always available for the students to discuss their involvement in the program.
Students who play or wish to transfer to instruments such as the oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium or tuba or who are selected for All County may be invited to rehearse and perform with the SYMPHONIC BAND and/or SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Students who wish to be challenged by transferring to those instruments will be instructed with the Yamaha BAND STUDENT methodology during class time.
Chamber Music (A.M.)
Enrollment in Chamber Music is available to all string, woodwind, brass, percussion players, keyboard players and guitarists. The class will meet two days per week (to be determined) from 7:10-8:00 a.m. Continuation in the program is subject to satisfactory performance. The course is designed for student musicians already registered for the usual instrumental classes (Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra or Concert Band) who wish to develop instrumental techniques necessary to perform in a chamber ensemble. The course culminates with the students’ commitment to as many of the appearances of the Chamber Music Society as possible.
1⁄2 unit of credit. Co-requisite - Symphonic Band or Concert Band or Symphony Orchestra or Concert Orchestra.
