MUSIC COURSES *

All students are required to take one unit of music and/or art. Any course listed below will fulfill that requirement. An Advanced Regents Diploma can be obtained by meeting course requirements in Music to replace the three-year language sequence. Students may obtain a three-year sequence in music in the following way:

3 Year Music Sequence

** If Theory is not offered, "Music In Our Lives" will be offered for a full year. This action will provide the student with the opportunity to complete the three-year sequence.

MUSIC IN OUR LIVES - (1/2 Unit - Fall)
This curriculum has been designed to satisfy the requirements set forth by the New York State Regents Action Plan, which stipulates that all high school students must include in their course of study one credit of music and/or art. The focus of the curriculum centers on listening experiences in the classroom. These music examples are patterned in a sequence from brief, basic examples to more involved, complex ones. This process will allow the students to develop aural skills which will enable them to comprehend music and make qualitative judgments based upon their listening experiences. It is hoped that these listening experiences will awaken the students' interest in an appreciation of all styles of music.
Another primary goal is to impart to the students an understanding, from an historical perspective, of our musical heritage. Above all, the purpose of this curriculum is to develop knowledgeable listeners and prepare them to fully appreciate future musical experiences.

MUSIC THEORY - (1/2 Unit - Spring)
Pre-requisite: Participation in Band and/or Chorus, or the successful completion of one semester of "Music In Our Lives" (Music Appreciation). This curriculum is designed to give the students a basic foundation in the theoretical principles of music. Topics will include note reading in the treble and bass clefs, scales, intervals, key signatures, and an introduction to triads. Students will also learn basic concepts of music composition. The school music synthesizer will be used for demonstration purposes; students will be given the opportunity to compose music for the synthesizer.

* Credit in music can be earned by participating in an advanced out of school music activity which has school approval.

HIGH SCHOOL BAND - (1/2 Unit)
Concert band performs at the Winter, "Pops," and Spring concerts and High School Graduation. In addition, the band presents programs in our elementary and middle school, performs at schools in other neighboring school districts, and performs for community and civic functions. Students also have the opportunity to participate in County and State festivals.
Students will be exposed to a broad range of band literature covering all musical styles. The ensemble will strive to achieve the highest degree of individual and group proficiency. Attendance at all band performances is mandatory.

HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS - (1/2 Unit)
High School Chorus performs at the Winter, "Pops," and Spring concerts and High School Graduation. In addition, the chorus presents programs in our elementary and middle school, performs at schools in other neighboring school districts, and performs for community and civic functions. Students also have the opportunity to participate in County and State festivals. Chorus meets three periods each six days with a sectional rehearsal scheduled during activity period one day out of six.
Students will perform a wide variety of choral literature ranging from the 16th century through the 20th century, including contemporary, pop, and jazz music. The ensemble will strive to achieve the highest degree of individual and group proficiency. Attendance at all choral performances is mandatory.

JAZZ IMPROVISATION LAB – (1/2 Unit)
This course will explore the art of instrumental improvisation. Students will learn scales, rhythmic concepts, transcriptions, and listening skills designed to improve their playing in the jazz and rock idiom. Listening to classic jazz recordings will also be a point of emphasis. The goal of the class is to appreciate and develop skills designed to improve individual musicianship. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the band program and permission from the band instructor.