Music

  • Don Devany, Department Chairperson – MVHS
  • Jonathan Lauff, Department Chairperson – NVHS
  • Mark Duker, Department Chairperson – WVHS

The Music Department encourages each student to explore his or her own capabilities in the area of Fine Arts. Music study helps students develop skills in creative problem solving, working as a team, logical reasoning, making value judgments, and communicating.  It promotes cultural awareness and provides unique opportunities for self-expression and creativity.  Through the courses listed below, students are offered the opportunity to perform, develop aesthetic awareness and appreciation, and acquaint themselves with various aspects of music theory and history.

Music Course Listings

VOCAL COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
MUSC1004 Cecillian Singers Yr. 9 None
MUSC1005 *Bass Chorus Yr. 9-12 None
MUSC2003 Treble Choir Yr. 10-12 Audition
MUSC2004 *Concert Choir Yr. 10-12 None
MUSC2005 *Varsity Singers Yr. 10-12 Audition
MUSC2002 *Varsity Chamber Singers Yr. 10-12 Audition
MUSC4001H *Honors Varsity Yr.12 Audition, Previous HS Choral Experience and Instructor approval

ORCHESTRAL COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
MUSC1012 *Concert Orchestra Yr. 9 Previous Orchestra Experience and/or Instructor approval
MUSC1008 *Concert Strings Yr. 9 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC2008 *Symphonic Orchestra Yr. 10-12 Previous Orchestra Experience and/or Instructor approval
MUSC2006 *Symphonic Strings Yr. 10-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC1003 *Chamber Orchestra Yr. 9-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC1007 *Chamber Strings Yr. 9-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC4002H *Honors Chamber Yr.12 Audition, Previous HS Orchestra Strings Experience, and Instructor approval

BAND COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
MUSC1011 *Concert Band Yr. 9 Previous Band Experience and/or Instructor approval
MUSC1006 *Concert Winds Yr. 9 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC2009 *Symphonic Band Yr. 10-12 Previous Band Experience and/or Instructor approval
MUSC2007 *Symphonic Winds Yr. 10-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC1010 *Wind Symphony Yr. 9-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC1009 *Wind Ensemble Yr. 9-12 Audition and Instructor approval
MUSC4003H *Honors Wind Yr.12 Audition, Previous HS Band Experience Ensemble & Instructor approval

THEORY COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
MUSC2000 Music Theory Sem. 10-12 None
MUSC2001A AP Music Theory Yr. 10-12 Music Theory, Online Music Theory, Summer Online Music Theory and/or proficiency exam
MUSC2000C Online Music Theory Sem. 10-12 None

* This is a two period class (paired with lunch).

MUSC1003 Chamber Orchestra

Grade 9-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

An auditioned string ensemble which utilizes wind and percussion students from the Wind Symphony. Emphasis is placed on literature specific to the string ensemble. Students are assigned to chamber ensembles for technique class. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1004 Cecillian Singers

Grade 9.

This is the initial choral experience for grade 9 female voices. Emphases are on fundamentals of vocal technique and music literacy (understanding music notation). Music is selected from all historical and stylistic periods. Cecillian Singers performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1005 Bass Chorus

Grade 9-12.

Bass Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble for grade 9-12 male voices. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of vocal technique as it applies to the changing voice, as well as music literacy. Through the study of a varied selection of music literature, students enhance their understanding of music notation and other elements of music. Bass Chorus performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1006 Concert Winds

Grade 9. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

This is an auditioned ensemble for students with advanced skills. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1007 Chamber Strings

Grade 9-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

Chamber Strings offers the most advanced orchestral experience through the study and performance of college level works for string and full orchestra. This select string ensemble utilizes the most advanced wind and percussion students from the Wind Ensemble. Students are assigned to chamber ensembles for technique class. Due to the nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performances. Private study on principal instrument is strongly recommended. Members are expected to participate in the 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival. Members will have the opportunity to audition for ILMEA district festivals. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1008 Concert Strings

Grade 9. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

An auditioned group for students with advanced skills. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1009 Wind Ensemble

Grade 9-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

Wind Ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college-level works for winds and percussion. Due to the soloist nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performance. Private study on principal instrument is strongly recommended. Members are expected to participate in the 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival. Members will have the opportunity to audition for the ILMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition and consent of the instructor. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1010 Wind Symphony

Grade 9-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

This ensemble provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of masterworks for winds and percussion. Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of weekly techniques classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Members may have the opportunity to audition for ILMEA district festivals. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1011 Concert Band

Grade 9.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

This is a non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school band experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC1012 Concert Orchestra

Grade 9.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

A non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school orchestra experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2000 Music Theory

Grade 10-12. One semester.

This music class is an introductory course to the basic building blocks of music. The content includes the following areas of concentration: scales, intervals, chord structure and progressions, beginning harmony, and elementary ear training. This course is especially useful for all serious music students who plan to continue in music beyond high school. Students will have the opportunity to complete assignments using MIDI keyboards and computers.

MUSC2000C Online Music Theory

Grade 10-12 One Semester

This music class is an introductory course to the basic building blocks of music in an online format. The content includes the following areas of concentration: notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, chord structures, and elementary ear training. Students will be steered through a schedule of online learning modules.  Students will have regular contact with the instructor and their peers throughout the course.  While available to any student, the online Music Theory course is especially tailored for students who are eventually looking to enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory.

MUSC2001A AP (Advanced Placement) Music Theory

Grade 10-12. Weighted grade. Prerequisite is Music Theory, Online Music Theory, Summer Online Music theory, and/or proficiency exam.

AP Music Theory is a continuation of MUSC2000. Students will study four-part writing, harmonic progression, texture, form, non-harmonic tones, and secondary dominants. Ear training and sight singing will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to complete assignments using MIDI keyboards and computers. Students who successfully complete the course and AP Music Theory examination may receive college credit and/or a higher placement in college.

MUSC2003 Treble Choir

Grade 10-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

Entry-level expectations for this female voice choir include the ability to read musical notation and sight-sing accurately. Literature is selected with the more proficient singer in focus. Treble Choir performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2004 Concert Choir

Grade 10-12.

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble for grade 10-12 voices. The ensemble meets daily as a treble ensemble and combines in rehearsal with the Bass Chorus to perform SATB literature. Emphasis is placed on beginning and intermediate vocal/choral techniques and notational abilities. Literature is selected from all historical and stylistic periods. Concert Choir performs at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2005 Varsity Singers MUSC2002 Varsity Chamber Singers

Grade 10-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

The Varsity Choirs are the most advanced, mixed choral ensembles. Music-reading abilities and the demonstration of advanced vocal proficiencies are a prerequisite for these ensembles. Students in these courses are expected to be self-motivated and leadership oriented. Varsity Choirs will meet in two different sections: Varsity Singers and Varsity Chamber (most advanced). Members are expected to participate in the 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival. Members will have the opportunity to audition for ILMEA district festivals.  These sections will rehearse and perform both separately and together at various concerts as determined by the directors. Combined rehearsal will take place during lunch period. Varsity and Varsity Chamber Singers perform at all choral concerts. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2006 Symphonic Strings

Grade 10-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

An auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Students will be expected to advance their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2007 Symphonic Winds

Grade 10-12. Audition and instructor approval required.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

This is an auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Members are expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2008 Symphonic Orchestra

Grade 10-12.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

A non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship of Concert Orchestra. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC2009 Symphonic Band

Grade 10-12.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

This is a non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Band. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in the 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participation in concert performances is required.

MUSC4001H Honors Varsity Chamber Singers

Grade 12. Audition and instructor approval required. Weighted grade.

SENIORS enrolled in MUSC4001H may be eligible to take this course for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include four small ensemble performances with a comprehensive written critique: two evaluations of concert programs and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance.

MUSC4002H Honors Chamber Strings

Grade 12. Audition and instructor approval required. Weighted grade.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

SENIORS enrolled in MUSC4002H may be eligible to take this course for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include four small ensemble performances with a comprehensive written critique: two evaluations of concert programs and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance.

MUSC4003H HONORS WIND ENSEMBLE

Grade 12. Audition and instructor approval required. Weighted grade.

A fee will be charged for all instrumental courses.

Seniors enrolled in MUSC4003H may be eligible to take this course for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include four small ensemble performances with a comprehensive written critique: two evaluations of concert programs and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance