Music

Full Year, 1 credit
Open to all students who wish to be members of a vocal performing group. No audition required. Introduces the basic elements of vocal technique and music reading. A wide variety of musical styles and genres is performed. Vocal lessons (sectionals) and performances both during and outside of the school day are required as a regular part of Chorale, including a performance at Radio City Music Hall in December. A special performance trip is planned for the spring for the students to highlight their skills and to perform in a unique and exciting concert setting. Counts towards fulfillment of Regents Music/Art requirement. Class participation = 70% of student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: By audition only
For advanced singers who are musically and vocally ready to perform a broad range of choral literature from classical to Broadway repertoire. Vocal lessons (sectionals) and performances both during and outside of the school day are required as a regular part of Concert Choir, including a performance at Radio City Music Hall in December. A special performance trip is planned for the spring for the students to highlight their skills and to perform in a unique and exciting concert setting. Fulfills the Regents Music/Art requirement. Class participation = 70% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
(This course may be taken multiple years as students seek to advance their proficiency on their instrument of study or may choose a different instrument to study after their initial year enrolled in the course)
Open to all students who may or may not have had previous musical experience. A fundamental course in music, covering concepts of melody, rhythm, scales, chords, key signatures and diatonic harmony through the exploration of piano, guitar, handbells, and music technology. Students will have the opportunity to study piano or guitar and the latest music software to develop their musical knowledge and understanding. Listening and sight-reading skills are emphasized. This course lays the foundation for all further work in music. Credit in Interactive Music plus 2 credits in performing music constitutes a 3-year Regents sequence in Music. Class participation = 70% of the student’s grade. Students will participate in a field trip to the Metropolitan Opera and will perform outside of class as part of the course requirements.

Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 or permission of instructor
A college-level course, covering advanced concepts in music theory and ear training. Prepares students for the AP Music Theory Exam. Further work in original composition. Completion of AP Theory is recommended for all students who contemplate serious study of music in college. This course and Theory 1, plus 3 credits in performing music, constitutes a 5-year Regents sequence in Music. Class participation = 20% of student’s grade. Students are expected to take the AP examination in May.

Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: A year of Interactive Music, Chorus, and permission of instructor
Meets concurrently with Concert Choir. A beginning course in conducting techniques, including beat patterns, cues, cut-offs, etc. The student will serve as an Assistant Conductor for the vocal ensemble, and will be expected to conduct one to two pieces at the school concerts. Conducting lessons are a required part of this course. Class participation = 70% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, cycled, 1/2 credit
(This is a four-year cycled course where students may take the course multiple years with a different focus each year)
Through an exploration of musical theatre repertoire and acting games, students will develop their individual acting and singing skills. Students will learn how to assess their acting “type,” compile a practical audition book for the major types of musicals and will have the opportunity to learn and perform solos and ensembles in class to refine their performances skills. Students will be afforded multiple masterclass settings to speak and learn from professionals with experience in the various jobs available in musical theatre and will have the opportunity to attend a Broadway musical. Class participation and preparation of multiple monologues, musical theatre solos and scenes will constitute 90% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
This course is open to all students who play band instruments. The Concert Band performs a varied assortment of symphonic and popular band literature throughout the school year. Instrumental lessons are required as a regular part of the Concert Band. Fulfills the Regents Music/Art requirements. Performances and class participation = 75% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: By audition only
Open to advanced instrumentalists in grades 9 through 12. This ensemble will explore complex musical concepts and techniques through the rehearsal and performance of NYSSMA level five and level six music pieces for wind ensemble and band. Music from all different time periods and genres, including new works for band will be studied. It will be expected that each member of this group will also prepare and participate in the NYSSMA solo ensemble festival. Performances and class participation = 75% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: By audition only
Open to advanced instrumentalists (strings, woodwinds/brass, and percussion in grades 9 through 12. This ensemble will explore advanced musical concepts and techniques based on NYSSMA level 5 and 6 repertoire. Music from all different time periods and genres will be studied in depth. It will be expected that each member of this group will also prepare and participate in the NYSSMA solo ensemble festival. Fulfills the Regents music/art requirement. Performance and class participation = 70% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
A symphony orchestra open to all students who play string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Openings for winds, brass, and percussion are limited, and will be decided by audition if necessary. A wide variety of music from show tunes to symphonies is performed throughout the year. Instrumental lessons are required as a regular part of the Concert Orchestra. This fulfills the Regents Music/Art requirement. Performance and class participation = 70% of the student’s grade.

Full Year, 1 credit
Students taking private music lessons may qualify to earn credit under the New York State Applied Music Program. Students who wish to enroll in this program must see Mr. Rossi in early September. The enrollment process must be completed by October 1 in order to receive credit. The Applied Music Program is not open to students in their first year of private lessons.