Music

INSTRUCTORS: Sandie Bernt | Kristen Cox | E.J. Gardner | Nancy Shadle

MUSIC 7
Grade 7
One Semester - Meets Every Other Day
Required

An overview of the general concepts of music. Areas of major concentration are basic music theory and vocal production. Two-part vocal arrangements are studied. Students also prepare for and perform songs in one concert each semester.

MUSIC 8
Grade 8
One Semester - Meets Every Other Day
Required

A continuation of the seventh grade program with areas of major concentration in basic music theory and vocal production. Three-part music is studied. Students also prepare for and participate in one concert each semester.

CHORUS
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective

Study of various forms of choral music. Membership in Chorus may include participation in District Music Contest and concert performances. Emphasis on sight singing, harmonization, blend, proper singing production, and other group techniques. Students wishing to add this course to their 2nd semester schedule, may do so with instructor and principal permission.

Although this is a full-year chorus, a student may take this class for one semester (1st or 2nd) and receive 5 credits.

SHAMROCK SINGERS
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Audition

Performance group which provides entertainment for community groups, service groups, and other organizations as requested. These performances often require extra time on evenings and weekends as appointments are set. Membership in Shamrock Singers will include participation in Conference Music Clinic, District Music Contest, and concert performances. Emphasis is placed on sight singing, harmonization, blend, proper singing production, and style. This is a full-year course.

JUNIOR HIGH BAND
Grades 7-8
Full Year
Elective

A continuation of instruction from the elementary grades, centering on refining the instrumental skills of the musician. Students will have a working facility on their instruments of right notes, proper breathing posture, embouchure knowledge, and technique of scales is required. Areas of performance will include concert band, pep band, and fundamentals of marching band. Junior high students who would like to participate in the band program at this time are welcome. A minimum of two concerts per year will be given.

SENIOR HIGH BAND
Grades 9-12
Full Year - Meets Four Times A Week - 8 Credits
Elective

The high school band is a balanced group who will be instructed in performing band music while incorporating critical judgment concerning pitch, tone, dynamics, rhythm, and musicianship. Areas of performance will include concert band, pep band, and marching band. High school students who wish to participate in band are welcome to begin lessons and to work into band at the director's discretion. A minimum of two concerts will be performed each year. Senior high band will focus on learning the control and discipline needed to play in a large ensemble as well as the knowledge and understanding of any music theory that may be necessary.

SENIOR HIGH JAZZ BAND
Grades 9-12
Full Year - Meets One Day A Week - 2 Credits
Elective

Jazz Band is designed to expand interest and knowledge of many styles of music including popular, swing, and contemporary jazz. This group will perform for concerts, community events, and school functions. Jazz Band instrumentation includes:

DRAMA 8
Grade 8
One Quarter
Required

This in an introductory course in informal speaking and drama preparation and presentation wherein the student learns organization, use of voice, character development, improvisation, stage directions, and the presentation of a play. These elements are expanded in high school speech and drama.

SPEECH I
Grade 10
One Semester - 5 Credits
Required

Speech I is the practical study of oral communication. The course includes the study of intrapersonal communication, which is a study of yourself. The class also includes the study of speaking poise, delivery, body language, voice, research, and outlining of the basic speech types. The basic types covered are: speech to inform, presenting gift/award, oral interpretation, interview, description, entertain, persuade, introduce and impromptu speaking.

DRAMA I
Grades 9-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective

This course is designed to heighten interest and knowledge of the theatre. The course briefly covers theatre history from the beginning to the present. This is also explained through written critiques and reviews of movie clips and live performances. Further study of theatrical reading is encouraged through required play reading. The technical aspect of theatre is studied through familiarity with theatrical terms and a working knowledge of basic stage equipment. Much of the course will require the student to perform in front of the class to strengthen acting ability. Acting techniques that are studied are: pantomime, improvisation, observation, concentration, stage movement, stage voice, and characterization.

DRAMA II
Grades 10-12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Drama I or instructor's permission

The basic acting techniques of observation, concentration, movement, vocal development, and characterization are expanded upon through pantomimes and improvisional scene playing. The student is given practical experience in the areas of acting, make-up, stage construction and lighting through required performance in a One-Act Play, which is presented in contest competition on the invite, conference, district, and state levels. The course offers the opportunity for development of the individual's creative ideas through planning, writing, directing, and producing a student written one-act drama of 15-30 minutes in length and performing a children's theatre production.