CHORUS

COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQUISITE

8513    MIXED CHORUS                  9,10,11                          1.0

A chorus especially for beginning music students or students new to the high school which emphasizes the proper use of the singing voice, development of techniques of good choral singing, introduction to musical terms, symbols, rhythm patterns, music reading, etc..  Participation in school concerts is required.  This class is for students to learn the basics of singing but includes tests and written work.  No previous experience is necessary.  There is an emphasis placed on good choral literature.  Possible participation in competition.

8523    ENSEMBLE                           9,10                              1.0                   

A treble choir for 9^th and 10^th grade girls.  Prior participation in Mixed Chorus is helpful but not required.  Basics of music are learned including terminology, symbols, notation, rhythm, music reading, breathing techniques and control and use of the female voice.  Written work is included in this class.  Participation in all school concerts is required.  Must have instructor approval.

8533    CHORALE                             10,11,12                        1.0                    Department Approval

 A mixed choir of more experienced singers.  Previous participation in some organized choir, either in school or church, is required.  Instrumental experience fulfills experience requirement.  A review of the basics of music is included, such as music terminology, notation, symbolism, music reading and continued emphasis on development of the signing voice.  Participation in concerts both in school and away from school is required.  There is an emphasis placed on good choral literature.  Participation in competitions is expected.

8543    MADRIGALS                         10,11,12                        1.0                                         Audition

 An advanced group of singers which performs a wide variety of music, ranging from classical and sacred to pop and contemporary.  Active participation in competition and development of public performing expertise.  Choreography is also a part of this group’s function.  Good attendance is required.  Previous musical experience is necessary.  Must be secure, independent singer.  Open only through audition.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

BAND

Color Guard (Flag Corp) is available to 10^th, 11^th, 12^th grade instrumentalists who are members of the Concert Band or Wind Ensemble only.

COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQ

8623    CONCERT BAND                             9,10,11,12                      1.0        Department Approval

Concert Band is the developmental group of the two “concert-type” groups at the high school.  In the fall it combines with the Wind Ensemble to form the  “Dragon Marching Band” which performs at all home Varsity Boys Football games as well as the Home Coming Parade and various Pep Rallies.  At the completion of  “marching season, “ the two groups split up for “concert season”.  As the developing group, Concert Band concentrates on improving technical skills knowledge, and ensemble playing.  Performances are mandatory unless excused IN ADVANCED by the director.  The band will perform about twelve times a year including participation in District Band Festival.  Entrance into the groups is by audition only.  These will take place twice a year starting with the spring of the previous year and in January prior to the completion of the first semester.

8633    WIND ENSEMBLE                           9,10,11,12                      1.0        Department Approval

Wind Ensemble is the most select of the two “concert-type” bands at the high school.  In the fall it combines with the Concert Band to form the “Dragon Marching Band” which performs at all home Varsity Boys Football games as well as, the Home Coming  Parade and various Pep Rallies.  At the completion of “marching season” the two groups split up for “concert season”.  As the Wind Ensemble, it performs all varieties of music.  Musical skills must be at a high technical level and a positive attitude toward playing well must be demonstrated.  The music studied includes moderately difficult to very difficult works.  Performances are mandatory unless excused IN ADVANCE by the director.  The band will perform about twelve times a year including participation in District Band Festival.  Entrance into the group is by audition only.  These will take place twice a year starting with the spring of the previous year and in January prior to the completion of the first semester.

A STUDENT MAY ELECT TO SATISFY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT BY COMPLETING TWO (2) SEASONS OF MARCHING BAND AT SWARTZ CREEK HIGH SCHOOL.