Students work on proper vocal technique including tone production, breath support, posture, space, intonation, part independence, choral blend and diction. Students study note and rhythm reading, rhythm and pitch discrimination, expression and music literacy. Students explore choral repertoire of many styles, time periods, countries, regions and languages as well as develop their understanding of performance practice and proper rehearsal and concert etiquette. There are 3-4 concerts per year, on and off campus.

Fifth Grade String Orchestra is an introductory music course designed to expose students to the fundamental elements of string instruments and provide them with the basis to further explore their creativity and potential. Students will examine all elements of music as well as learn skills and fundamentals particular to string instruments. Fifth grade string students explore the origins and evolution of all genres of music as well as the classical roots from which they were derived. There are two formal performances required for the class.

Sixth Grade String Orchestra is a continuation of the fifth grade strings course. Students will delve deeper in to the fundamental elements of music and take them to the next level. They will expand upon beginner techniques in more complex pieces and learn leadership skills. We continue to build on skills that teach students how to observe, critique and analyze string performances. There are two formal performances required for the class.

The Seventh Grade String Orchestra class continues to expand on the skills students learned in the fifth and sixth grade programs. The curriculum will allow students to increase their understanding, creativity, and performance skills. In addition, students will delve more deeply into the various genres of music. Seventh grade musicians’ benefit from extensive technique conditioning and technical progressions designed to improve their performance quality. The students work on conducting, music analysis, solos, and fundamental skills. Students also have the opportunity to explore their own creativity through improvisation and musical interpretation. Students learn about ways to connect with our world through music and tell a story through sound. Previous string instrument experience is required and the students will perform regularly.

The Eighth Grade String Orchestra class expands on the skills students learned in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grade programs preparing them for high school. The curriculum will allow students to increase their understanding, creativity, and performance skills. In addition, students will delve more deeply into the various genres of music. Eighth grade musicians benefit from extensive technique conditioning and technical progressions designed to improve their performance quality. The students work on conducting, music analysis, solos, and leadership skills that expand upon what they learned in seventh grade. Students also have the opportunity to explore their own creativity through improvisation and musical interpretation. Students learn about ways to connect with our world through music and tell a story through sound. Previous string instrument experience is required and the students will perform regularly.

This ensemble will explore modern jazz in the small combo format. We will do numerous performances throughout the year. Daily classes will focus heavily on jazz theory and improvisation. Participation in this class is granted by audition only. Students wishing to participate in this class must have had at least one year of Jazz 1 prior to registration. This course may be repeated.

Students sing a wide variety of literature that has been composed for mixed choirs. Students learn techniques related to healthful and appropriate vocal production, body position, breathing, vowel shape and modification, and singing within an ensemble. While daily activities focus on preparation for performances, the class also explores aspects of music theory, music history, listening to music, ear training, part recognition and part singing. Members are expected to perform in several concerts each year as they constitute a large portion of each singer's grade. This course may be repeated.

In this course, students will learn the language and mechanics of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, form) through composition utilizing some of the latest in music technology. In collaborative work with their fellow classmates, the students will learn to compose original music as well as arrange existing tunes. They will learn about many of the instruments commonly used in contemporary recording as well as the basics of multi-track recording. Interwoven will be excursions in the fundamentals of music theory and the foundation we stand on through examination of contemporary music history. The course is designed for the music novice. Prior experience in music is a benefit, but is in no way a prerequisite.

Students who wish to advance beyond Music Technology may enroll in subsequent years in Music Technology II, the content of which will be determined by the Music Technology teacher.

This course accommodates the experienced instrumentalist who wants to explore performing classical music in a smaller setting. The class includes various quartets/quintets of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students practice and perform within these smaller groups, but also work collectively as a Chamber Orchestra to explore music for larger groups. Performance opportunities for the different chamber ensembles will be required throughout the school year. This course may be repeated.

Advanced String Methods is a fast-paced honors music course for students with previous string orchestra experience. In this class, students will play traditional orchestral repertoire while being exposed to a wide variety of musical genres. The expectation will be for students to spend time outside of class preparing music and performing in small and large groups. While during class students will investigate music history, music theory, and advanced string instrument techniques.

This class builds on the foundation established in middle school band. Students will perform in ensemble settings ranging from Concert Band, to Big Band, to small classical Chamber Ensembles. Regular individual practice, as well as the ability to self-govern and extensively collaborate in rehearsals are essential ingredients for success in this course. Students who have not had at least two years of middle school band experience will need to audition for the directors prior to registration.