AHS

The high school band class provides an opportunity for the ongoing development of musical ability on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments and the responsibility of performing on a regular basis as a part of a musical ensemble that represents the school and community. Enrollment includes required Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. Membership dictates responsibility and daily personal practice and required performances and rehearsals outside of the school day and on weekends. Enrollment also entitles students to participate in Color Guard, Jazz Band, and Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

Summer Marching Band Camp and other rehearsals and performances outside of the school day are also an integral part of the process and therefore are required for all high school band students.

Chamber Choir

Prerequisite: Audition

Grade(s): 9-12 Trimesters: 3 Credit: 1 ½

Career core elective for:

Arts and Communication (T,P)

This choir provides the advanced choral student with an in-depth and comprehensive study of choral music and related works. Students will learn a variety of music from different eras and cultures and develop stronger sight-reading skills. The course provides multiple performance opportunities within the school and community. Performance opportunities include Solo and Ensemble Festival, Regional and State Honors choir, winter and spring concerts, and MSVMA Choral Festival. Group performance participation is required.

Treble Choir

Prerequisite: Audition

Grade(s): 9-12 Trimesters: 3 Credit: 1 ½

Career core elective for:

Arts and Communication (T,P)

This ensemble of Treble vocalists develops continued comprehensive musicianship and provides training in choral singing. Students will experience continued study of sight-reading and performance of varied repertoire and vocal literature. The process of ensemble training culminates in a variety of concert performance opportunities. Performance opportunities include Solo and Ensemble Festival, South Western Michigan Vocal Music Festival, Choral Festival, Regional and State Honors Choirs and winter and spring concerts.

Varsity Choir

Prerequisite: None

Grade(s): 9-12 Trimesters: 2 Consecutive Credit: 1

Career core elective for:

Arts and Communication (T,P)

This choir is open to all students, grades 9-12. An ensemble of vocalists which develops general musicianship and provides training in choral singing for those who wish to be part of a vocal music experience. Students will focus study on vocal-choral technique, elements of music, and an introduction to sight-reading. Students will experience a variety of literatures from different genres and be introduced to the basic music theory.

Music Theory

Prerequisite: None

Grade(s): 10-12 Trimesters: 1 Credit: ½

Career core elective for:

Arts and Communications (T,P)

This course is intended for students who are considering pursuing music study at a college level. It will also accommodate students who are interested in music study, but do not wish to be a part of a performance ensemble. This is a course study of music theory, from the basics of music notation to harmonic analysis. Students will systematically study the elements of music theory as outlined in a textbook and workbook. Daily written assignments will be given to practice these elements. In addition to this basic framework, students will spend some time participating in guided listening activities utilizing recordings of great historical music literature. They will also have the opportunity to spend time developing keyboard performance skills. This will be a direct application of their study of harmony as they learn to read and perform chord symbols and progressions. Students will utilize piano keyboards in the process of writing compositions. Time will be set aside for student-initiated topics and discussions. Group activities will be designed to foster collaboration and interaction.