Music

The goal of the music department is to give students the opportunity to find a richer life by guiding them to a better understanding of music. There are valuable courses offered in several areas of music. All students, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to participate.

Course Offerings

Band

Enrollment in band requires participation in both Concert Band and Marching Band. Concert Band entails the study and experience in repertoire and performance, including preparation and presentation of assemblies and concerts. Marching Band entails experience in marching techniques, including presentation and preparation at all home football games, pep rallies, parades, and field shows. All members will receive instrumental lessons one period per week throughout the school year. Outstanding students will be selected for placement in the following groups on a non–credit, extracurricular basis: Select Band, Stage Band, Ensembles, Participation in Suburban Scholastic Council music functions, and participation in NYSSMA solo competition, Area All–State, and All-State Bands.
Credit: 1
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: None
Students are encouraged to attend summer camps.

Orchestra

Membership in Orchestra includes the study of standard repertoire, techniques of concert performance, and orchestral routines. All members are required to attend instrumental lessons one period per week. Orchestra students participate in winter and spring concerts in addition to the Strawberry Festival and outside community performances. Outstanding students will be able to apply to NYSSMA, Suburban Council, and Area All-State. Students in High School Orchestra also are eligible to compete in a national music competition held in the spring.
Credit: 1
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Final: None

Select Orchestra

This is a non–credit, extra-curricular organization. Select Orchestra is an ensemble for advanced orchestra members. Members are selected through auditions held in the spring semester for the following fall term. Students in Select Orchestra are asked to prepare a solo piece of a NYSSMA level 3 or higher in addition to three major scales in two octaves. Students interested in joining Select Orchestra are encouraged to participate in Select Orchestra Summer Camp held during summer break. Select Orchestra performs for several functions during the school year and also attends a National Music Competition. This is a wonderful experience for students that are looking to get more exposure to chamber orchestra literature and to perform throughout the community.
Credit: None
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Audition
Final: None
Students are encouraged to attend summer camps.

Choir

Choir is a credit-bearing ensemble with membership based on instructor recommendation and/or audition. Members perform a wide variety of vocal repertoire and learn appropriate vocal technique and reading skills. All ensemble members are required to attend one 40 minute vocal lesson per week. Outstanding ensemble members will be encouraged to audition for Select Choir, Suburban Council and All County music festivals and to participate in NYSSMA. The choir performs at school concerts and assemblies, the Strawberry Festival and select competitions.
Credit: 1
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Teacher approval or audition
Final: None

Select Choir

This is a non-credit, extra-curricular organization. It is a highly select group of choir members who are advanced both musically and vocally. Members are selected through auditions. The group performs at civic functions, concerts, and assemblies. Students also participate in Suburban Scholastic Council music functions, NYSSMA solo competitions, Area All–State, and All–State choirs.
Credit: None
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Final: None

Music Theory

Music Theory is the study of written music and how it is structured. The objective of the course is to foster a more sophisticated level of musicianship and to prepare the serious music student for higher education in competitive music programs. The course incorporates theory, sight-reading and solfege, ear training, composition, music history, and music technology.
Credit: 1
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students must demonstrate intermediate-level ability to read music and belong to a school music ensemble. Students not involved in an ensemble must get permission from the instructor.
Final: Exam
*Required for a music sequence.
*College Credit: 3 CHS credits through SCCC

Music and Media Arts Appreciation

Music and Media Arts Appreciation is an introduction to media arts applications and the study of music from a listener’s point of view. The class is a combination of technology, music in our lives, and beginning music skills.
Students will learn how to “make beats,” create and edit movies and photography, and have the opportunity to learn basic guitar and piano. Topics in music appreciation include the history of rock and roll and world music. The class is a prerequisite for Music Production and takes place in the Music Lab at the Center for Advanced Technology.

Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite : None
Final: Exam

Music Production I & II

This course is focused on the creation and production of music for both live events and studio productions. This includes music for albums, streaming audio, podcasts, TV shows/commercials, radio shows/commercials, concerts, plays, and other school events. In addition, students learn basic music theory, guitar, and piano skills. Students in Music Production II will have the opportunity to take part in more advanced music projects and production work, much of it self-directed. Students may study Music Production a third year as an independent study. These students will either complete a project OR complete an internship in a media arts field. Independent study projects may be completed on an individual basis or with a group of media arts students.
Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11,12,
Prerequisite: Music Appreciation or participation in a music ensemble