FINE ARTS MUSIC (2017 2018) VOCAL F57050 Beginning Chorus: Mixed Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 F57070 Intermediate Chorus: Women s Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 F57060 Intermediate Chorus: Men s Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 F57000 Advanced Chorus: Concert Choir 10, 11, 12 F57050 Beginning Chorus: Mixed Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: None This organization is the entry-level choir for both male and female students interested in vocal music performance. It is also an outlet for the student who enjoys singing for his/her own pleasure. The following musical skills for ensemble singing will be stressed: proper breathing, pleasant vocal production, blend and balance, expansion of range, good intonation, ear training, and sight-reading Various styles of choral literature will be explored which will prepare for membership in one of the select choirs by audition. Participation in various performances is a requirement of the class. Out-of-school rehearsals, performances, and activities are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. Private lessons are encouraged for all members. Homework will vary with the individual. F57070 Intermediate Chorus: Women s Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Audition required This ensemble is a select choir for female voices offered by audition only. Membership will be comprised primarily of sophomores and juniors. Other students will be considered according to their music reading skills and vocal maturity. The following vocal/musical skills for ensemble singing will be stressed: proper vocal production, blend and balance, sight-reading proficiency, ear training, expansion of range, technical facility, a cappella singing, dynamic nuances, and 3 & 4 part music. Various languages will be incorporated in the repertoire, designed to challenge and perfect the musicianship of every member. Participation in three formal concerts per year, district and state ISSMA contests, and other public performances is a requirement of this class. Out-ofschool rehearsals, performances, and activities are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. Private lessons are encouraged for all students. Homework (practicing) will vary with the individual. F57060 Intermediate Chorus: Men's Chorus 9, 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Audition required This ensemble is a select choir for male voices offered by audition only. Membership will be comprised primarily of sophomore and juniors. Other students will be considered according to their music reading skills and vocal maturity. The following vocal/musical skills for ensemble singing will be stressed: proper vocal production, blend and balance, sight-reading proficiency, ear training, expansion of range, technical facility, a cappella singing, dynamic nuances, and 3 & 4 part music. 1
Various languages will be incorporated in the repertoire, designed to challenge and perfect the musicianship of every member. Participation in three formal concerts per year, district and state ISSMA contests, and other public performances is a requirement of this class. Out-of-school rehearsals, performances, and activities are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. Private lessons are encouraged for all students. Homework (practicing) will vary with the individual. F57000 Advanced Chorus: Concert Choir 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Audition required This is the premier performing organization of the VHS Choral Department with an emphasis on excellent ensemble singing and individual vocal development. A wide variety of the finest and most difficult choral literature from all style periods will be performed. Only the most dedicated and serious vocalists with advanced music skills and vocal maturity will be considered for membership. Performance tour opportunities will be available for this choir, as well as performances at selected festivals, conventions, and civic organizations at the state, national and international levels. This is a college preparatory course, designed to challenge our most experienced vocalists. Attendance at various public performances and ISSMA contests is a requirement. Out-of-school rehearsals, performances, and activities are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. Private voice lessons are strongly encouraged for all participants. Homework (practicing) will vary with the individual. INSTRUMENTAL F57090 Intermediate Concert Band: Freshman Band 9 F57120 Intermediate Concert Band: Symphonic Band 10, 11, 12 F57040 Advanced Concert Band: Wind Ensemble 10, 11, 12 F57030 Advanced Concert Band: Wind Symphony 10, 11, 12 F57020 Intermediate Orchestra: Concert Orchestra 9, 10, 11, 12 F57010 Advanced Orchestra: Symphony Orchestra 11, 12 F57150 AP Music Theory (Honors) IB HL/SL.10, 11, 12 F57100 Jazz Ensemble 10, 11, 12 F5 - Piano and Electronic Keyboarding I 9, 10, 11, 12 F5 - Piano and Electronic Keyboarding II 9, 10, 11, 12 F57090 Intermediate Concert Band: Freshman Concert Band 9 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Previous experience in middle school band or equivalent experience. This organization is open to freshman wind players and percussionists only. All incoming freshman band students with middle school band experience or its equivalent will start their VHS band experience in this group. The Freshman Concert Band is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Instrumental Music. This course includes a balanced comprehensive study of music that develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Classroom activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines such as sight-reading 2
and correct responses to a conductor s musical insight to the literature being studied and to be performed. Students study a varied repertoire of developmentally appropriate concert band literature, technical studies, and develop the ability and artistry to convey a composer s intent in the performance of music. There is periodic classroom assessment to monitor student progress. Time outside of the school day is scheduled for rehearsals and performances. A number of out-of school rehearsals, public performances at formal concerts, VHS athletic events, community events, and band contests which includes but is not limited to the Indiana State School Music Association State Qualifications and/or State Finals serve as culmination of daily classroom instruction and musical goals and are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. A performance/activities schedule is handed out the first day of the school year and is subject to changes and/or adjustments to accommodate unforeseen events. Private lessons are strongly encouraged but not required. Practicing at home is expected and will vary with the individual. Mastery of assigned repertoire and fulfillment of activities in the calendar is required for successful course completion. F57120 Intermediate Concert Band: Symphonic Band 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Freshman Concert Band or equivalent experience. This organization is open to sophomore, junior and senior wind players and percussionists only. The Symphonic Band is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Instrumental Music. This course includes a balanced comprehensive study of music that develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Classroom activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines such as sight-reading and correct responses to a conductor s musical insight to the literature being studied and to be performed. Students study a varied repertoire of developmentally appropriate concert band literature, technical studies, and develop the ability and artistry to convey a composer s intent in the performance of music. There is periodic classroom assessment to monitor student progress. Time outside of the school day is scheduled for rehearsals and performances. A number of out-of school rehearsals, public performances at formal concerts, VHS athletic events, community events, and band contests which includes but is not limited to the Indiana State School Music Association State Qualifications and/or State Finals serve as culmination of daily classroom instruction and musical goals and are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. A performance/activities schedule is handed out the first day of the school year and is subject to changes and/or adjustments to accommodate unforeseen events. Private lessons are strongly encouraged but not required. Practicing at home is expected and will vary with the individual. Mastery of assigned repertoire and fulfillment of activities in the calendar is required for successful course completion. 3
F57040 Advanced Concert Band: Wind Ensemble 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: By audition and/or Director approval This organization is open to sophomore, junior and senior wind players and percussionists only. The Symphonic Ensemble is an outstanding ensemble consisting of highly talented high school students and is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Instrumental Music. This course includes a balanced comprehensive study of music that develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Classroom activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines such as sight-reading and correct responses to a conductor s musical insight to the literature being studied and to be performed. Students study a varied advanced repertoire of developmentally appropriate concert band literature, technical studies, and develop the ability and artistry to convey a composer s intent in the performance of music. There is periodic classroom assessment to monitor student progress. Time outside of the school day is scheduled for rehearsals and performances. A number of out-of school rehearsals, public performances at formal concerts, VHS athletic events, community events, and band contests which includes but is not limited to the Indiana State School Music Association State Qualifications and/or State Finals serve as culmination of daily classroom instruction and musical goals and are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. A performance/activities schedule is handed out the first day of the school year and is subject to changes and/or adjustments to accommodate unforeseen events. Private lessons are strongly encouraged but not required. Practicing at home is expected and will vary with the individual. Mastery of assigned repertoire and fulfillment of activities in the calendar is required for successful course completion. F57030 Advanced Concert Band: Wind Symphony 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: By audition and/or Director Approval This organization is open to sophomore, junior and senior wind players and percussionists only. The Wind Symphony is the premiere group of the VHS band program. Its roster consists of highly talented high school students and is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Instrumental Music. This course includes a balanced comprehensive study of music that develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Classroom activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines such as sight-reading and correct responses to a conductor s musical insight to the literature being studied and to be performed. Students study a varied advanced repertoire of the highest caliber. The ensemble maintains a rigorous workout of developmentally appropriate concert band literature, technical studies, and has a high ability and artistry to convey a composer s intent in the performance of music. There is periodic classroom assessment to monitor student progress. Time outside of the school day is scheduled for rehearsals and performances. 4
A number of out-of school rehearsals, public performances at formal concerts, VHS athletic events, community events, and band contests which includes but is not limited to the Indiana State School Music Association State Qualifications and/or State Finals serve as culmination of daily classroom instruction and musical goals and are part of the course grade. These activities are integral elements that support and extend learning in the classroom. A performance/activities schedule is handed out the first day of the school year and is subject to changes and/or adjustments to accommodate unforeseen events. Private lessons are strongly encouraged but not required. Practicing at home is expected and will vary with the individual. Mastery of assigned repertoire and fulfillment of activities in the calendar is required for successful course completion. F57020 Intermediate Orchestra: Concert Orchestra 9, 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Basic experience with an orchestral string instrument is required. This ensemble is the entry-level group in the high school string orchestra program. It consists primarily of freshmen and sophomores, but upperclassmen will be admitted. Fundamentals of string playing will be stressed, and the medium to advanced string orchestra music will be performed. Topics covered in this course include technical fluency, bow use and proper tone production, balance and blend, dynamic control, good intonation, stylistic variances, correct response to conducting cues, and sight-reading. Students participate in at least 4 formal concerts per year, solo and ensemble contests, orchestra contest, and out-of-town performances. Out-of-school performances and rehearsals are considered part of this course and are required for all members during the school year. Homework (practicing) will vary with the individual, but mastery of assigned repertoire is required for successful course completion. F57010 Advanced Orchestra: Symphony Orchestra 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisites: By Director approval only. 1-2 years of Concert Orchestra This ensemble is the premier performing ensemble of the VCS orchestra program. It consists primarily of upperclassmen, but sophomores meeting the required standards of musicianship may be admitted. Medium-difficult to advanced literature will be performed, including classic works from the symphony orchestra repertoire. Topics covered in this course include technical fluency, bow use and proper tone production, balance and blend, dynamic control, good intonation, stylistic variances, correct response to conducting cues, and sight-reading. Students will perform in expanding range on their instrument, and private lessons are encouraged (although not required). Students participate in at least 4 formal concerts per year, solo and ensemble contests, orchestra contest, and out-of-town performances. Out-of-school performances and rehearsals are considered part of this course and are required for all members during the school year. Homework (practicing) will vary with the individual, but mastery of assigned repertoire is required for successful course completion. This is a college preparatory course for orchestral strings. 5
F57150 AP Music Theory (Honors) IB HL/SL 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Since a basic core of musical knowledge is necessary to begin the study of music theory, participation in one of the performing organizations at VHS is strongly advised. Ability to read music. This Advanced Placement honors course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of music theory, music analysis and music composition. A wide and diverse battery of home assignments and classroom drill will lead students to an understanding of more specific musical skills such as aural and written musical analysis, inner-hearing, sight-singing, familiarity with cultural and historical perspectives, music composition and critical interpretation and comparison. While music performance is not the direct focus, understanding from the course will make the student a better performing musician by increasing intuitive awareness and critical understanding and interpretation. As the course progresses, topics covered will include harmonic analysis, Schenkarian reduction analytical techniques, serial composition procedures, compositional projects including arranging, theme and variations, and use of computer assisted notational and sequencing programs. This course fulfills the requirement for two Fine Arts credits for Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma. It counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for the General, Core 40, Academic Honors and Technical Honors diplomas. The course is also a preparation for the motivated student in the AP Music Theory test, college music theory placement tests and the IB subsidiary level music test. F57100 Jazz Ensemble 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Since a basic core of musical knowledge is necessary to begin the study of jazz theory, participation in one of the performing organizations at VHS is strongly advised. Ability to read music. Students taking this course develop musicianship and specific performance skills through group and individual settings for the study and performance of the varied styles of instrumental jazz. The instruction includes the study of the history, formative, and stylistic elements of jazz. Students develop their creative skills through (1) improvisation, (2) composition, (3) arranging, (4) performing, (5) listening, and (6) analyzing. Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into their other subject areas. Students are provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day. A limited amount of time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances. In addition, a limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsal and music goals. Students must participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend the learning in the classroom. Student must be able to read music Student must be able to play a wind, percussion, strings, or keyboard instrument 6
F Piano and Electronic Keyboarding I Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Cr., 1 Sem. Prerequisite: none Special Note: This class is open to students with little or no music reading experience. This class is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Music Technology and Instrumental Music. Students enrolled in Piano Class develop musicianship and specific performance skills through daily practice and development and refinement of keyboard skills. All students will, through daily practice and application, improve their piano keyboard skills and achieve the highest level of performance proficiency. This course will cover Beginning level during the semester. Students perform with proper posture, hand position, fingering, rhythm, and articulation; compose and improvise melodic and harmonic material; create and perform simple accompaniments; listen to, analyze, sight-read, and study a variety of keyboard literature; study the elements of music as exemplified in a variety of styles; and make interpretive decisions. Students may be required to participate in an end of semester performance outside of the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level provided that defined proficiencies and content standards are utilized. Count as a Directed Elective or Elective for all diplomas Fulfills a Fine Arts requirement for the Core 40 Academic Honors Diploma Laboratory Course COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include: Composers Technology Harmony Musical style Instrumentation Basic Harmony MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to: 1. Demonstrate an increased proficiency in piano skills. 2. Demonstrate the ability to perform adequate level music by memory. 3. Proper performance etiquette. 4. Demonstrate an appreciation of various musical styles including those previously unfamiliar to the student. 7
F Piano and Electronic Keyboarding II Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Cr., 1 Sem. Prerequisite: Some music background and/or placement by teacher. Special Note: This class is open to students with limited music experience. No need to be enrolled in other music performance classes such as band, choir, and orchestra. This class is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for High School Music Technology and Instrumental Music. Students enrolled in Piano Class develop musicianship and specific performance skills through daily practice and development and refinement of keyboard skills. All students will, through daily practice and application, improve their piano keyboard skills and achieve the highest level of performance proficiency. This course will cover Beginning to Intermediate level during the semester. Students perform with proper posture, hand position, fingering, rhythm, and articulation; compose and improvise melodic and harmonic material; create and perform simple accompaniments; listen to, analyze, sight-read, and study a variety of keyboard literature; study the elements of music as exemplified in a variety of styles; and make interpretive decisions. Students may be required to participate in an end of semester performance outside of the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. The nature of this course allows for successive semesters of instruction at an advanced level provided that defined proficiencies and content standards are utilized. Count as a Directed Elective or Elective for all diplomas Fulfills a Fine Arts requirement for the Core 40 Academic Honors Diploma Laboratory Course COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include: Composers Technology Harmony Musical style Instrumentation Basic Harmony MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to: 1. Demonstrate an increased proficiency in piano skills. 2. Demonstrate the ability to perform adequate level music by memory. 3. Proper performance etiquette. 4. Demonstrate an appreciation of various musical styles including those previously unfamiliar to the student. 8