Music Department Course Offerings and Descriptions

NON-PERFORMANCE CLASSES

807 AP Music Theory

2 semesters; 2 credits
The "AP" notation included in this course title indicates "Advanced Placement." This course is designed for students considering a major or minor in music at the college level. Course content includes the study of music theory, harmony, composition, the evolution of Western "art" music, and music literature. Students will learn the skills necessary to pass typical entrance exams given by college music programs. Course activities include listening to music, analyzing scores, composing and performing music, and practicing music dictation. The Advanced Placement Theory exam will be offered as an option for possible college credit. Students must be able to read music.

8101 Songwriting/Guitar I

Prerequisite: None; Students provide their own acoustic guitars
Semester 1 only; 1 credit
Students will learn techniques that successful writers use to craft vivid, memorable songs.  Whether the student is a relative beginner or an experienced songwriter, students will learn how to brainstorm ideas, overcome writer’s block, and express themselves more effectively in words and music. Combining technical principles with pure creative expression, this hands-on course will help students find their voice, sharpen their craft, and create songs listeners will appreciate and remember.  In addition to songwriting, students will work on guitar skills, as well as music business approaches to release their music to the world.

8112 Songwriting/Guitar II

Prerequisite: Songwriting/Guitar I or audition; students provide their own acoutic guitar; electric guitars are supplied.
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
See course description for Songwriting/Guitar I.  Units for this course will include: Song Structure, Chords, Melody, Lyrics, Elements, Genre and Music Release (Business).

Back to top

PERFORMANCE CLASSES

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Note: Students may enroll in instrumental performance ensembles all four (4) years. Specific course placement is determined by annual audition and/or consent of instructor.

812 Concert Band

Open to incoming freshman wind & percussion instrumentalists
Prerequisite: One year of private lessons and/or one year of prior experiences in an organized ensemble, either private or public
2 semesters; 2 credits
Study and performance of repertoire from various styles and periods of history. Emphasis on fundamental skills of instrumental performance. Four performances are scheduled during the year.

814 Symphonic Band

Open to wind and percussion instrumentalists
2 semesters; 2 credits
Study and performance of repertoire from various styles and periods of history. Emphasis is on fundamental performance skills. Four formal evening concerts are scheduled during the year.

815 Wind Symphony

Open to wind and percussion instrumentalists
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
Study and performance of repertoire from various styles and periods of history. Emphasis is placed on refining performance skills beyond fundamental level. Four formal evening concerts are scheduled during the year.

816 Concert Orchestra

Open to string instrumentalists
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
Study and performance of repertoire from various styles and periods of history; study of performance skills and orchestra repertoire at the appropriate level. Four evening concerts scheduled during the year. Wind and percussion players are selected from Wind Symphony.

817 String Orchestra

Open to string instrumentalists
Prerequisite: None; however, students should have beginning level experience; students must provide their own instruments
2 semesters; 2 credits
This course is designed for string players who need to perfect the basic skills of musicianship and technique as appropriate to their instrument. Concepts/skills covered in the course include tuning, shifting, vibrato, ear training, scales, arpeggios, and basic production of a clear tone. Concerts are scheduled throughout the year.

820 Wind Ensemble

Open to sophomore, junior, and senior wind and percussion instrumentalists
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
The most advanced group of wind and percussion musicians. This ensemble studies and performs advanced level music. Four formal in-school concerts are scheduled during the year in addition to performances at other special events.

842 Symphony Orchestra

Open to sophomore, junior, and senior string instrumentalists
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
This is the advanced orchestra. Extensive work is undertaken to improve performance of advanced repertoire for orchestra. Four formal concerts are scheduled each year. Wind and percussion players are selected from the Wind Ensemble.

844 Jazz Ensemble

Open to sophomore, junior, and senior wind and percussion instrumentalists
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
Performance of repertoire from various periods of jazz history; fundamentals in jazz style, articulation and improvisation. Performances are scheduled throughout the year.

Back to top

PERFORMANCE CLASSES

CHORAL MUSIC

Note: Students may enroll in vocal performance ensembles all four (4) years. Specific course placement is determined by annual audition and/or consent of instructor.

826 Treble Choir

Open to beginning and intermediate sopranos and altos
2 semesters; 2 credits.
This course is for beginning and intermediate singers interested in exploring choral music. Activities include the study of vocal technique, work on “solfege” studies, musical terminology, and diverse repertoire representing various cultures,   styles, and historical periods. Three evening performances are scheduled during the year.

836 Chorale

Open to all tenors and basses and to sophomore, junior, and senior sopranos and altos
Prerequisite: Tenors and Basses: none; Sopranos and Altos: audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
This course is for beginning and intermediate singers interested in exploring choral music. Repertoire is selected for mixed voices (SATB). Activities include the study of vocal technique, work on “solfege” studies, musical terminology, and diverse repertoire representing various cultures, styles, and historical periods. Three evening performances are scheduled during the year.

840 A Cappella Choir

Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
This is the advanced mixed choir. Members are expected to meet the performance schedule, which includes major historic and contemporary repertoire. They are also expected to explore and develop a knowledge and understanding of historical performance practices and a diverse range of musical styles in many languages and to study the cultural aspects of choral music. A Cappella will perform at four to six public concerts each year. The choir periodically accepts invitations to perform outside of the Oak Park and River Forest communities.

827/827GP  Bass Chorus

Open to first-year tenor and bass singers
2 semesters; 2 credits
This course is for beginning and intermediate singers in the bass range. Activities include the study of vocal technique, work on “solfege” studies, musical terminology, and diverse repertoire representing various cultures, styles, and historical periods. Three evening performances are scheduled during the year.

841/841GP  Chamber Singers

Open to sophomores, juniors and singers 
Prerequisite: Audition with instructor
2 semesters; 2 credits
Chamber Singers is a capstone course designed for students interested in a career in vocal performance and/or music education. Membership in Chamber Singers is for male and female singers and is by audition only. Course work is focused on collegiate level choral literature and advanced music theory concepts. Emphasis is placed on independent study. Vocal balance and blend will have a high priority in the composition of this ensemble. Chamber Singers at a minimum will perform five public concerts each year as well as compete in the IHSA State Organizational Contest and various school and community events.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Students enrolled in a regularly scheduled music performance class are eligible to audition for extra-curricular ensembles. With the exception of our large and quite active Marching Huskies, these are relatively small groups that meet from one to three days weekly, either before or after school. Juniors and seniors enrolled in Marching Huskies may request a P.E. exemption  for the first quarter of the fall semester. Small ensemble work provides students an opportunity to develop instrumental or vocal skills within the confines of an atmosphere more intimate than the regular classroom. Small ensembles may have performance opportunities in recital and in the school and community. Members are grouped by ability and instrumentation/vocal range requirements. Students are encouraged to obtain information from music faculty members regarding participation in an extracurricular activity.

WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Marching Huskies
Jazz Band II
Brass Ensembles
Woodwind Ensembles
Mixed Wind Ensembles
Percussion Ensembles
Mixed Instrument Ensembles
Jazz Band III
Pep Band
Show Choir Band
Orchestra Pit

STRINGS
Duets, Trios, Quartest of Mixed Ensembles
Chamber Orchestra
Woodwind Ensembles

VOCALS
Singers
Reveille
Take Five
No Strings Attached
Six Chicks
Madrigals
Vocal Jazz
Gospel Choir
Show Choir