High School Music

Chamber Choir/In Sync/Powerhouse, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Concert Choir, Mixed Choir, Madrigals, and/or audition.

Concurrent enrollment in Show Dance (JBHS only).

This advanced choir studies all genres of music from significant historical eras and in original languages as well as  musical theatre and pop. The choir participates in occasional community performances, classical festivals and home concerts. Students are eligible to audition for solos in major productions like Pop Show. Students may participate in the optional competition/travel show choir.

Madrigal Choir/Impressions/Sound Sensations, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Concert Choir, Mixed Choir, and/or audition.

This advanced choir studies all genres of music from significant historical eras and in original languages as well as musical theatre and pop. The choir participates in occasional community performances, classical festivals and home concerts. Students are eligible to audition for solos in major productions like Pop Show. Students may participate in the optional competition/travel show choir.

Mixed Choir/Out of the Blue/Sound Waves, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Audition

This intermediate choir studies all genres of music from significant historical eras and in original languages as well as musical theatre and pop. The choir participates in occasional community performances, classical festivals and home concerts. Students are eligible to audition for solos in major productions like Pop Show. Students may participate in the optional competition/travel show choir.

Chorus/Treble Choir/Sapphire/Decibelles, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Audition.

This intermediate choir studies all genres of music from significant historical eras and in original languages as well as musical theatre and pop. The choir participates in occasional community performances, classical festivals and home concerts. Students are eligible to audition for solos in major productions like Pop Show. Students may participate in the optional competition/travel show choir.

Concert Band, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Minimum one year instrumental music study.

The concert band typically consists of freshmen and sophomores. Students in the concert band play music appropriate to their level of study. They explore a variety of literature for concert band while developing musical skill and technical facility. Students in the concert band will perform in 3-5 local concerts and festivals annually. Students should be prepared to practice outside of class individually and in sectionals. All students enrolled in the concert band are expected to enroll in marching band. The concert band is supported by BUSD and the IMA.

AP Music Theory,Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Instructor approval from either the Instrumental music program director or the vocal music program director.

AP Music Theory introduces students to musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. The course covers aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and keyboard harmony are part of the course. Students registering for the course should have basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.

Jazz Band, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites: Student must play an appropriate jazz band instrument, i.e., Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums/Percussion, or other instruments as needed. Student must be able to read music and perform on their jazz band instrument and must successfully pass an entrance audition. Student must have the permission of the instructor to participate in jazz band. Student must be concurrently enrolled in the corresponding music performance class during the school day: i.e., String Orchestra for Strings, Concert Band or Wind Ensemble for Winds, Brass, and Percussion. Exceptions may be made at the sole discretion of the instructor for students who play instruments that are not part of the regular school day course offerings.

Jazz Band explores the rich heritage of Jazz music from all time periods through regular rehearsals and performances aspiring to the highest standards. It provides students a unique opportunity to learn about, rehearse and perform repertoire of the greatest musical and historical significant in a full big band setting. It also teaches students about the importance of Jazz as an American art form.

Music Appreciation, Grade 9-12

This course emphasizes the study of musical genres beginning with the early Greeks and continuing on through 21st century contemporary music. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical and listening skills in studying the development of Western music; including music history, theory, structure, form and style. This course will provide the student with the necessary foundation in understanding artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural contexts, aesthetic valuing and connecting past musical genres to present.

Marching Band, Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Minimum 1 year instrumental music study and concurrent enrollment in concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, dance team and color guard.

Members of the marching band perform at some home football games, local parades, and field shows. All students in the marching band will perform in parades; selected students will perform in field shows. This class meets outside of the school day to maximize facilities during the fall semester only. The marching band is supported by BUSD and IMA.

Orchestra (BHS only), Grade 9-12

Prerequisites: Previous experience on violin, cello, or bass, or instructor’s approval.

The Orchestra is comprised of string players who perform at an intermediate or advanced level with one or more years of participation in middle school and/or elementary school, although beginners can participate with teacher approval. This class is designed to provide a high level of participation while promoting a greater understanding of orchestral music. The Orchestra will perform as a String Ensemble and will join with wind and percussion players to form the Symphony Orchestra.

Symphonic Band, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites: Minimum 2 years instrumental music study and director recommendation The Symphonic Band performs at an intermediate level, usually with two or more years of participation at the middle or high school level. Typically, the Symphonic Band consists of sophomores and juniors. Students in the Symphonic Band should be prepared to practice outside of class rehearsal and perform in 4-6 local concerts annually. All students enrolled in the Symphonic Band are expected to enroll in the marching band. Students in the Symphonic Band explore the varied repertoire for wind bands and perform in small ensembles. The Symphonic Band is supported by BUSD and the IMA.

Wind Ensemble, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites: Minimum 4 years instrumental music study and audition

Members of the Wind Ensemble are selected by audition only for extremely limited seating. Wind Ensemble students perform at 6-10 concerts and festivals and tour bi-annually. This course is designed to provide the highest level of performance opportunity available to high school students. As such, students can expect additional practice time outside of class in the form of personal practice and sectionals. All students enrolled in the Wind Ensemble are expected to enroll in the marching band. The Wind Ensemble is supported by BUSD and the IMA.