5532 Concert Choir
This select mixed choir performs a variety of musical selections in many styles from the standard choral repertoire including NYSSMA ensemble literature and works by contemporary composers. Auditions for this ensemble take place in January but may be arranged by appointment if a student is new to the choral program. Each student is required to take small group lessons and students are encouraged to develop their solo singing and participate in NYSSMA. Students may take choir and band/orchestra and are encouraged to do so. Students participating in Concert Choir also get a chance to sing in Treble Choir/Changed Voices Choir, respectively, as part of the curriculum. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5512 Mixed Choir
This is a mixed voice choir where students develop their skills as independent singers and work on vocal skills in small group lessons, which are required. Students also perform jointly with the Concert Choir. Students may take choir and band/orchestra in the same block. Students participating in Mixed Choir also get a chance to sing in a Treble Choir/ Changed Voices Choir, respectively, as part of the curriculum. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5502 Symphony Orchestra
This performing ensemble plays musical selections from all time periods and styles. The orchestra performs at the Winter and Spring School concerts, the Pops Concert, the District Orchestra Festival, and the Graduation Ceremony on a rotating basis with band and choir. All string players are members of this group and wind and percussion players are selected from the Wind Ensemble by the orchestra conductor. Students are required to take a group lesson once per 6-day rotation within the school day and to participate in all ensemble performances outside the school day. Students may take orchestra and choir in the same block. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5562 Concert Orchestra
Open to all students who have experience on an orchestral string instrument. Emphasis is on continuing technical development, aural and ensemble skills. There are approximately four performances per year, with music chosen from a variety of sources, including classics, folk, modern and original works. Wind and percussion students are chosen from the Concert Band and join the orchestra on a rotating basis. Students are required to take a group lesson once per 6-day rotation within the school day and to participate in all ensemble performances outside the school day. Students may take orchestra and choir in the same block. Students who wish to start a string instrument for the first time will be enrolled in lessons only until they have reached a skill level adequate to participate in this ensemble. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5542 Symphonic Band
This performing ensemble is composed of students with previous experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. The ensemble will rehearse and perform exemplary literature from the Concert Band repertoire as arrangements of popular/commercial music. Emphasis is placed on a continuance of strengthening instrumental technique as well developing individual musicianship skills and performing ensemble concepts. Students are required to take a group lesson once per 6-day rotation within the school day and to participate in all ensemble performances outside the school day. Students may take band and choir in the same block. The suggested practice time for students in this group is 3 hours per week. Students who wish to start a band instrument for the first time will be enrolled in lessons only until they have reached a skill level adequate to participate in this ensemble.This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5552 Wind Ensemble
This performing ensemble is composed of students who are musically proficient and capable of performing at NYSSMA Level V – VI as a soloist. Students’ suggested practice time for this group should be five hours per week. Every effort is made to maintain a well-balanced instrumental ensemble and might be limited to one player per part. Each student auditioning for this group must understand the responsibility they must have when committing to this group. The ensemble will perform exemplary and demanding literature from the repertoire for Wind Ensemble. Students are required to take a group lesson once per 6-day rotation within the school day and to participate in all ensemble performances outside the school day. Students may take Wind Ensemble and choir in the same block. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5602 Music Theory and Composition 1
Music Theory is open to all students of all musical backgrounds, although a prior knowledge of music notation and proficiency on an instrument or voice is recommended. The course covers all aspects of music including ear training, notation, keys, scales, chords, composition and analysis. Emphasis is on a theoretical understanding through aural comprehension. Theory is recommended to any student considering entering the field of music or desiring a deeper understanding of musical concepts. This course can be used to meet the arts requirement for graduation.
5611 (AP) Advanced Placement Music Theory
AP Music Theory is the next step for performing music students (both traditional and non-traditional) with a passion for music looking for depth in their high school musical experience. It is an advanced composition-based curriculum leading to the AP exam in May. (Fee is approximately $96). The course covers more challenging aspects of music, including advanced ear training, dictation, scales/modes, altered chords, composition, analysis and music history. Emphasis is on a theoretical understanding through aural comprehension. AP Music Theory should be taken by any student considering a major or minor in any field of music or music production, but is open to any student looking for a challenging and immersive music experience.
5612 Music Technology 1
This hands-on, project-centered course is designed to give students the opportunity to acquire functional knowledge about music through the use of technology. Students will learn the basics of audio hardware, recording, MIDI sound production, music notation, sequencing and editing with projects demonstrating both the creative process and the possibilities of music technology. This course meets the Art/Music requirement for graduation.
5613 Music in our Lives
Music in our Lives is an elective designed for students to study different aspects of musical arts. Curriculum units include keyboard and guitar instruction, composition and music technology. The course focus is on gaining life-long musical knowledge through hands-on activities while exploring social instruments on a recreational (non-performance) level. The course culminates in an independent project focused on a specific area of student interest. Students in this course receive one credit which satisfies the Fine Arts requirement.
5614 Music Technology 2
Music Technology 2 is designed for students who have completed Music Tech 1 and have acquired a functional knowledge about sound manipulation. Class will focus on advanced aspects of Midi sound production, sequencing, editing and composition/film scoring. This course will be of an interest to students who are pursuing a career path in a music technology related field.
5704 Applied Music (Independent Study)
In this program, students may receive credit for taking private lessons outside of school from qualified teachers. Applied music should not be confused with school private lesson forms. This course does not fulfill the Regents Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Credit requires 5 hours of weekly practice and quarterly reports as well as a year end evaluation.
5620 Beginning Guitar/Ukulele Lab
Would you like to play your favorite tunes or write your own songs? This class provides basic instruction in playing technique, chord charts and tablature, tuning and composition. Students will play both guitar and ukulele.
5622 Piano and Keyboard Lab
This class is designed for students who would like to learn to play the piano and keyboard. The class will include basic instruction in playing technique, aural skills, improvisation and composition.
Please click here to see a visual guide of the above mentioned Music courses.