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Music Department Mission Statement:
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The goal of the music department is to prepare and inspire students to create and perform music across the various genres, and to instill an appreciation for all styles of music so that they become critical consumers of music throughout the rest of their lives.
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Course #
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Description
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Required or Elective
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Other Information
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854
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Music Appreciation
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Elective
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Prerequisite: 10th - 12th grades
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Semester
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Recommendation: None
This course is designed for students to experience a wide variety of genres of music from past time periods. Students gain knowledge of the basic elements of music and how they were developed and expanded throughout history. Social aspects and the importance of art reflecting society will serve as the foundation throughout this course.
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858
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Honors Music Theory
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Elective
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Honors Credit
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Prerequisite: Entry Level; Open to sophomores through seniors only
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Semester
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Recommendation: None
This course is an accelerated, programmed course to convey conceptual information and provide skills necessary in understanding the elements of melody, harmony and form. Some topics presented include major and minor scales, choral structures, names and inversions, chord analysis and form analysis. Musical notation skills will be developed as well as aural and basic piano skills. Participation in a school music organization and/or piano background is highly recommended.
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859
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AP Music Theory
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Elective
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AP Credit
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Prerequisite: Open to juniors and seniors
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Semester
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Recommendation: A passing grade in Music Theory
This course prepares students for Music Theory 101 in college by teaching students how to recognize, understand and describe written or heard music. Concepts and skills students will develop include: key signatures, major & minor scales, chords, progressions, music analysis, transposing, composing, ear training and sight singing.
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864
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Orchestra
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Elective
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*Audition Required
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Prerequisite: Entry Level; Enrollment is based upon successful audition or
previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass.
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Year
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Recommendation: Prior experience playing a string instrument
Orchestra provides those students who play violin, viola, cello and double bass the opportunity to perform in string ensembles, string orchestra, and full orchestra settings. It also gives those students opportunities to perform small ensemble, as well as full orchestra compositions. Music performed includes representative works from Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary eras. The orchestra performs at various school and community programs throughout the school year. Some out-of-class time will be expected for concert performances. Music will be suitable for each specific occasion and will coincide with the State goals and guidelines for instrumental music. Participation in the I.M.E.A, District IV auditions, concerts, contests, graduation, National Honor Society Induction and Senior Awards Night, as well as performances in the community will be required and will be part of the student grade.
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866
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Jazz Band
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Elective
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*Audition Required
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Prerequisite: Entry Level; Enrollment is based upon successful audition or prior
jazz band experience.
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Year
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Recommendation: Approval of course instructor required
This course is a laboratory-type experience of jazz music, by audition, including the organization of a performing ensemble. This course will include opportunities for solo performance, improvisation, and the understanding of chord structures as they apply to music. Performance at all home basketball games is required. Participation in contests, various concert performances and performances in the community throughout the school year are required and will be part of the student's grade. There is limited enrollment for balanced instrumentation.
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868
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Symphonic/Marching Band
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Elective
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Prerequisite: Entry Level
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Year
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Recommendation: None
Marching Band occurs during the first quarter and includes fundamentals of marching, general marching (parade marching) and advanced precision marching (field show marching).There will be after school, evening practices, and other performances with the marching band and concerts and IHSA contest for the symphonic band which will occur outside of the school day that will be part of the student's grade. Depending on State and School guidelines, students enrolled in marching band may be exempt from first semester P.E. The Symphonic Band, after marching band season, will have the proper instrumentation as described by the American Bandmasters Association and Music Educators National Conference to complete the best possible sound of the modern symphonic band. Music will be suitable for each specific occasion the symphonic band performs (concerts, competitions, contests) and will coincide with the State goals and guidelines for Instrumental Music. Flag members should enroll in first period Marching Band for the first nine weeks. If the student plays a musical instrument, he/she should enroll in band for the entire year. Students are required to participate in the JHS band camp during late July and early August.
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870
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Honors Music Performance Seminar
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Elective
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Honors Credit
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Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Symphonic/Marching Band or Jazz Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, or Madrigals and two years' experience in a high school ensemble
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Year
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Recommendation: None
This course is taken in conjunction with Symphonic/Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, or Madrigals for no extra credit, but as a weighted-grade course. It is designed for students in major performing groups who wish to earn "advanced weighted" credit through music performance and research. Only one class of music performance seminar can be taken per year. Students must audition for District contest.
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872EB
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Madrigals
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Elective
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*Audition Required
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Prerequisite: 9th - 12th grade; enrollment is based upon successful audition
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Year
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Recommendation: Approval of course instructor required
Madrigals is an auditioned-balanced group. This group learns advanced repertory performed at a madrigal dinner each year. Many outside performances are required as well as required attire. This is an early bird course.
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874
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Women's Ensemble
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Elective
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Prerequisite: Entry Level
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Year
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Recommendation: None
Women's Ensemble is a 9-12 grade performing group offered for any females interested in singing and performing. No prior experience is necessary. Women's Ensemble will perform various genres with two- or more-part harmony including music with foreign languages. Students are expected to learn sight reading and note reading while emphasizing basic vocal techniques and music fundamentals. Attendance at performances outside of class time is required and will be part of the student grade.
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876
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Men's Ensemble
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Elective
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Prerequisite: Entry Level
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Year
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Recommendation: None
Men's Ensemble is a 9-12 grade performing group offered for any males interested in singing and performing. No prior experience is necessary. Men's Ensemble will perform various genres with two- or more-part harmony including music with foreign languages. Students are expected to learn sight reading and note reading while emphasizing basic vocal techniques and music fundamentals. Attendance at performances outside of class time is required and will be part of the student grade.
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888
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Concert Choir
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Elective
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*Audition Required
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Prerequisite: Successful completion of 874 or 876; Enrollment is based upon successful audition.
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Year
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Recommendation: A passing grade in 874 or 876 with a "B" or better average
Students must audition upon entrance and must have teacher recommendation every year thereafter. A variety of the best choral literature available is used as the core for developing appreciation and understanding of note reading. Students are expected to learn sight reading and note reading while emphasizing basic vocal techniques and music fundamentals. Students need to be able to read music at a sufficient level. Attendance at all performances ILMEA audition, and Solo/Ensemble is required and will be a part of the student grade.