Performing music students may take Health in the other half of their music block.
5532 Concert Choir
Grade: 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Exam: Proficiency
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: Audition
Reading Level: N/A
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 in the same block 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 meets the Art/Music requirement for graduation.
5512 Mixed Choir
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Prerequisites:None
Exam: Proficiency
Offering: Full Year
Reading Level: N/A
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 meets the Arts requirement for graduation.
5502 Symphony Orchestra
Grade: 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Exam: Proficiency
Offering: Full year
Prereq: Audition
Reading Level: NYSSMA level IV-VI
This organization 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. Each student is required to take lessons either in school. Students may take orchestra and choir in the same block. This course meets the Art/Music requirement for graduation.
5562 Concert Orchestra
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Exam: Proficiency or equivalent
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: Previous string experience or conductor’s permission
Open to all students who have experience on an orchestral string instrument. 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. 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. All orchestra students must be enrolled in the lesson program. Students may take orchestra and choir in the same block. This course meets the Arts requirement for graduation.
5542 Symphonic Band
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Exam: Proficiency
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: Previous Band Experience
This ensemble is composed of students who have previous band experience. 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. Students’ suggested practice time for this group should be 3 hours per week. This group will perform selections chosen from the Pop, Jazz, Classical, Folk and 20th Century repertoire. Emphasis is placed on a continuance of technical development, aural and ensemble skills. Students are required to take a weekly group lesson within the school day. Students may take band and choir in the same block. This course can be used to meet the Arts requirement for graduation.
5552 Wind Ensemble
Grade: 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / 1/2 block
Exam: Proficiency
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: Audition
Reading Level: NYSSMA level V or VI
This organization 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. Students’ attendance at all performances are strongly encouraged to ensure a balanced and successful performance. The ensemble will perform exemplary and demanding literature from the repertoire for Wind Ensemble. Students are required to take a weekly group lesson within the school day. Students may take Wind Ensemble and choir in the same block. This course can be used to meet the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.
5602 Music Theory and Composition 1
Grade: 10, 11, 12
40 weeks (1 credit)
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: In-school music programs or one year of private music instruction
Music Theory is open to all students of all musical backgrounds, although 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.
5611 (AP) Advanced Placement Music Theory
Grade: 11, 12
40 weeks (1 credit)
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: Advanced Aural Skills training/ or MAP test
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 $94). 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 I
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks (1 credit)
Prerequisites: None
Offering: Full year
This hands-on, project-centered course is designed to give students who are interested in music-related careers the opportunity to acquire functional knowledge about music technology. Students will learn the basics of audio hardware, recording, MIDI sound production, 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
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Offering: Full year
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
Grade: 11, 12
40 weeks (1 credit)
Prerequisites: Music Technology 1 or teacher permission
Offering: Full year
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 interest to students who are pursuing a career path in a music technology-related field.
5704 Applied Music (Independent Study)
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
40 weeks / once a week (1 credit)
Exam: Summary
Offering: Full year
Prerequisites: One year of private music lessons
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
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Offering: One semester
Prerequisites: None
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
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Offering: One semester
Prereq: None
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.