Music
Musical organizations - choirs and bands - will strive for excellence in performance. It is hoped that the student who is constantly striving for fine musical performance can develop a keen sense of values, an increased awareness of self, an appreciation for beauty, greater sensitivity to others, and a broader concept of life.
800 General Music 7 .5 credit Grade 7
General Music focuses on teaching an appreciation of many different musical styles, and how powerful music is in student’s lives. Students will learn the universal concepts of musical literacy and will apply them as they learn to perform rhythms using a variety of percussion instruments. Students will also learn beginning piano, and will end the semester by performing in a recital.
810 Music Theory S1 .5 Credit Grades 12
In this course, each student will end the semester a better musician than when he/she started the class. This class does accommodate a variety of musical skill levels from experienced to no skills at all. Students will learn, or further their knowledge of music theory both written and improvised. All students will either further their piano, percussion, singing and guitar skills or acquire the ability to play those instruments. This course will prove a useful background to any of the following occupations: music teacher, elementary teacher, professional musician, music therapy, marketing, advertising, acting, computer software design, recording technician and various mass media positions. Evaluation of this course is traditional worksheets, quizzes, and tests, but also, demonstrate comprehension by playing the piano, percussion and guitar. Other instruments offered, but not required.
Prerequisite: None
812 CITS History of Rock and Roll 3 credits Grades 11, 12
This Rock and Roll course is designed to provide students with a general cultural
background in the importance of the history of the many styles of Rock and Roll. Our focus will begin in the 1940s and will cover the precursors to rock and roll, the British Invasion, Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock, Latino Music, Jazz Rock styles, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, Hip Hop and Rap, and MTV. The techniques of music literacy and music listening will also be developed. Students will be evaluated using homework, exams and specific projects designed to make them more critical listeners, educated consumers and music advocates.
820 Band 7 S1 .5 Credit Grade 7
821 Band 7 S2 .5 Credit Grade 7
The seventh grade band meets three times a week. Students in this band will rehearse music from a variety of styles including marches, pop/rock, classic and contemporary concert music. Participation is expected at three concerts throughout the year. Students will also receive individual lessons throughout the year.
830 Band 8 S1 .5 Credit Grade 8
831 Band 8 S2 .5 Credit Grade 8
The eighth grade band meets three times a week. Students in this band will rehearse music from a variety of styles including marches, pop/rock, classic and contemporary concert music. Participation is expected at three concerts throughout the year. Students will also receive individual lessons throughout the year.
840 Band 9 S1 .5 Credit Grade 9
841 Band 9 S2 .5 Credit Grade 9
The ninth grade band meets every day and rehearses music, which will prepare the student for entry into the Concert Band as a ninth grader. Participation is expected at all programs by members of this band. Individual instruction is provided for all members of this band.
Prerequisite: By audition
850A Concert Band S1 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
850B Concert Band S2 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
The Concert Band meets five times a week and rehearses music of the greatest challenge. Students in this group also participate in the summer marching band and pep band. The band presents at least three formal concerts a year in addition to participating in the MSHSL Large Group contest. Solo and small group performance is also strongly encouraged.
Students must commit to participating in all aspects of the Concert Band program.
Prerequisite: By audition
860 Choir 7 S1 .5 Credit Grade 7
861 Choir 7 S2 .5 Credit Grade 7
Choir 7 is for incoming 7th grade students, and is a non-auditioned choir for students who want to be part of an ensemble and enjoy singing. Solo singing opportunities will be offered. Through active participation, students will learn about music literacy, as well as fundamental singing, listening and performing techniques. The class culminates with a performance at the end of the semester.
870 Choir 8 S1 .5 Credit Grade 8
871 Choir 8 S2 .5 Credit Grade 8
Choir 8 is a continuation of Choir 7, but is also a non-auditioned ensemble for students who enjoy singing. The concepts of musical literacy, listening, healthy vocal production and performance techniques will continue to be developed. This class also culminates with a performance at the end of the semester.
882 Freshman Choir S1 .5 Credit Grade 9
883 Freshman Choir S2 .5 Credit Grade 9
Freshman choir is a non-auditioned choir open to any students in grade 9 who enjoy singing and wish to be part of a performing ensemble. This choir meets two or three days a week for one hour and performs entry-level mixed choral music at the three main concerts each year. Emphasis is placed on developing basic vocal and musical skills demanded in the upper division choirs as well as fostering a love for performing choral music. Students are expected to actively participate and further their vocal abilities.
Prerequisite: By audition and/or successful completion of Eighth Grade Choir.
890A Bel Canto Choir S1 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
890B Bel Canto Choir S2 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
The Bel Canto Choir is the top treble ensemble for voice students in grades 10-12th. This choir meets everyday for one hour and performs all types of treble choral music. Students are expected to actively participate and further their vocal abilities.
Bel Canto choir performs at least five concerts a year and competes at the MSHSL Large group Music Competition each spring. They also take an annual MN mini-tour each year and are eligible to participate in the national/international tour with The Concert Choir every three years! Participation and attendance is expected at all concerts and engagements scheduled throughout the year.
Selection into Bel Canto Choir is by audition only. Treble voice students will be chosen on the basis of vocal ability, sight-reading and music theory knowledge, and willingness to work with the director and their peers on music of the greatest challenge! Students who wish to audition should have already sung in Freshman Choir for one full year, or show superior musicianship and vocal ability.
Lab Fee $25 Full year or 2nd Semester Students
Prerequisite: By audition and/or successful completion of Freshman Choir
895A Concert Choir S1 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
895B Concert Choir S2 .5 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
The Concert Choir is the top mixed ensemble for students in grades 10-12th. This choir meets everyday for one hour and rehearses and performs music of all types. Students are expected to actively participate in class and will be asked to perform alone and with others in front of their peers.
The Concert Choir performs at least 8 performances each year and competes at the MSHSL Large Group Music Ensemble each spring. They also take an annual MN mini-tour each year, and take a national or international tour every three years! Participation and attendance is expected at all concerts and engagements scheduled throughout the year, including the tours.
Selection into Concert Choir is by audition only. Students will be chosen on the basis of vocal ability, sight-reading and music theory knowledge, and willingness to work with the director and their peers on music of the greatest challenge! Students who wish to audition should have already sung in either Varsity Choir, or Bluejacket Choir for one full year, or show superior musicianship and vocal ability.
Student from this choir are chosen for the Northern Lights ensemble.
Lab Fee $25 Full year or 2nd Semester Students
Prerequisite: By audition and/or successful completion of Varsity or Bluejacket Choir.