Grade(s): 10 - 12

Prerequisite:  Instructor Approval

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Advanced Placement music Theory is a course designed to cover all material within the scope of work that would be equivalent to first year college courses in Music Theory and Ear Training. More specifically, it aims to prepare students to score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Music Theory Test prepared by the AP College Board. Curriculum is aligned directly with the guidelines laid out in the AP College Board Course Description for AP Music Theory. The foundation of knowledge presented in this year-long course will provide students with the opportunity to develop, practice, and master music theory skills essential to success in post-secondary music theory course work.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  none

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Music Technology is designed to offer opportunities for students to develop a general understanding of music theory, composition, and music software within a computer lab environment. Students will practice creatively expressing musical thoughts and ideas through technology and will work on creating electronic scores and recording original melodies. Music keyboards are interfaced with computers and students learn to enter music using both notation and audio production software.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  Music Tech 1

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

The course will explore in-depth principles of recording including microphone specifications, acoustics, multi-track recording on digital workstations and computer software, expanded mixing ideas, and applying polishing effects in the mastering stage of recording.  Students will be required to complete individual and group recording projects, along with accumulating recording time on locations.  Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, group work, and projects.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  None

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

The Chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing. No previous singing experience is required. The class enables you to improve your singing skills with emphasis on understanding and enjoyment of music. Various concerts are presented throughout the year. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Uniform attire is required.

Grade(s): 09 - 10

Prerequisite:  Audition and recommendation of previous director

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

The Chamber Choir is a select performing ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the improvement of vocal production, music reading skills, and general musicianship through the study of advanced choral literature and techniques. Choir members perform in several concerts and have the opportunity to participate in the St. Louis Suburban Choir and Festival for solos and ensembles. If enrollment warrants, the choir may be divided into separate sections. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Uniform attire is required.

Grade(s): 11 - 12

Prerequisite:  Audition and concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Jazz Choir is a small select ensemble, which specializes in the performance of popular styles of vocal music. For the audition, considerations will include vocal style, movement, and stage presence. Many performances are given off-campus, which require time, in addition to normal class work. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Uniform attire required.

Grade(s): 11 - 12

Prerequisite:  Audition

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

The Concert Choir is a major performing ensemble chosen by individual audition. Emphasis is placed on the improvement of vocal production, music reading skills, and general musicianship through the study of advanced choral literature and techniques. Choir members perform in several concerts with other ensembles, participate in competitions and festivals and present off-campus concerts. Students who sing in this choir are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir, the Missouri Honors Choir and the St. Louis Suburban Choir. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Uniform attire is required. An Honors grade may be earned.

Grade(s): 11 - 12

Prerequisite:  Audition

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

The Concert Choir is a major performing ensemble chosen by individual audition. Emphasis is placed on the improvement of vocal production, music reading skills, and general musicianship through the study of advanced choral literature and techniques. Choir members perform in several concerts with other ensembles, participate in competitions and festivals and present off-campus concerts. Students who sing in this choir are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir, the Missouri Honors Choir and the St. Louis Suburban Choir. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Uniform attire is required. An Honors grade may be earned.

Grade(s): 09

Prerequisite:  Previous instrumental experience and audition for the instructor.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Concert Orchestra gives the student an opportunity to develop individual and ensemble musical expression. Skills taught include advanced bowing technique, left-hand technique, including high-position patterns, ensemble playing, and improved sight-reading. Students learn how to musically interpret a variety of styles as they are introduced to standard orchestral literature from classical to popular music. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  Concert Orchestra 1, 2, or permission of instructor

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Chamber Orchestra provides an opportunity for the student to gain increased exposure to more advanced orchestral literature than Concert Orchestras 1 and 2. Music of many styles and periods will be studied and performed. Students will acquire more advanced skills and accuracy in bowing, and fingering techniques, sight-reading capabilities, and musical interpretation necessary for advancement to Symphonic Orchestra. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:   Previous instrumental experience and audition for the instructor.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Symphonic Orchestra is the most advanced school orchestra and one of the major performing ensembles representing the school. Membership is based on a high level of string instrument playing ability, prior orchestral experience, sight reading skills, and overall ensemble skills. Students will be selected by audition only. Members will be added to maintain a balanced orchestral instrumentation. Brass, woodwind, and percussion students enrolled in Symphonic Band are selected for full orchestra experiences. The ensemble will study and perform repertoire chosen from a wide variety of all historical periods stressing tone quality, musicianship, and interpretation of various styles. This group offers the student many performance opportunities at school, off-campus, and at festivals. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. An Honors grade may be earned.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:   Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.  No audition required.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Concert Band consists of students who have had previous instrumental experience. Basic fundamentals of music, interpretation of performance styles and musicianship are emphasized. Several concerts are presented each year. Members of the group are eligible to audition and participate with various other musical ensembles. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. Members of the concert band may also join the marching band.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  Member of concert unit and/ or consent of instructor.  Audition may be required.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Jazz Band is designed to give students an opportunity to develop group jazz and jazz related performance skills within a select instrumental ensemble. Individual improvisation, ensemble performance and jazz theory are emphasized. Instrumentation is flexible, but appropriate size and balance will be maintained in order to perform repertoire authentically and artistically. Bass, piano, and guitar players are encouraged to contact the instructor to determine if they qualify prior to enrollment.  Attendance is required at all performances and special rehearsals.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:   Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.  Audition is required.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

Symphonic Band is designed for brass and woodwind students who have achieved a high level of proficiency as performers through their previous musical experiences (and through audition). Through many performance opportunities students will be introduced to a wide variety of quality band literature representing many styles and historical periods. Musicianship, listening, interpretive and reading skills will be refined and individual responsibility within the ensemble emphasized. Members of the Symphonic Band may join the Marching Band.  Attendance is required at all performances and special rehearsals.  An Honors grade may be earned.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 

Prerequisite:   Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Symphonic Band-Percussion is designed for percussionists who have achieved a high level of proficiency as performers through their previous musical experiences. Through many performance opportunities students will be introduced to a wide variety of quality band literature representing many styles and historical periods. Musicianship, listening, interpretive and reading skills will be refined and individual responsibility within the ensemble emphasized. Members of the Percussion class may join the Marching Band. Also, members of the group are eligible to audition and participate with various other musical ensembles. Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. An Honors grade may be earned. 

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  None

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

This course is designed for beginning piano students. Students will become familiar with the digital keyboard and will learn to read notes and chord symbols. Personal headphones with an adaptor are required.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  PIANO

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

This course is designed for students who have had some previous piano experience. Simple scales and chords will be presented along with the study of piano literature from every period of music history. Personal headphones with an adapter are required.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  none

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

In this Guitar course, introductory skills are taught for the acoustic (non-electric) guitar. Basic fundamentals of reading music notation, rhythm, and chords are incorporated. Students will learn several styles of playing including folk, country, blues, and rock. Both finger picking and chording will be taught. Students may use their own acoustic guitar or make arrangements with the instructor for a school guitar.

Grade(s): 09 - 12

Prerequisite:  Guitar or satisfactory completion of a proficiency exam before enrollment.  See instructor.

1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester

In the Guitar 2 course, students will continue to study the basic styles of playing on the acoustic guitar, including classical, country, rock, and blues. Students will improve their playing technique, become more skilled at note reading, learn special chords and effects, and will understand how to use rhythmic and melodic patterns in improvisation. Students may use their own acoustic guitar or make arrangements with the instructor for a school guitar.