Band Courses

Prerequisite: At least 2 years of middle school band or private lessons 

Course Description: All incoming freshmen play in Beginning Concert Band. The class is designed to build upon the skills started in middle school orchestra class. Beginning Concert Band will play four concerts and one ISSMA competition a year. Students will also have the opportunity to play at community events as a service to the school.

Prerequisite: Audition/ Placement by director

Course Description: This class is the highest level of band playing. The band plays more complex music. The class will preform 5 concerts a year, three to four community events, and participate in two ISSMA competitions each year.

Prerequisite: Department Head Recommendation

Course Description: Students develop skills in the analysis of music and theoretical concepts. They develop ear training and dictation skills, compose works that illustrate mastered concepts, understand harmonic structures and analysis, understand modes and scales, study a wide variety of musical styles, study traditional and nontraditional music notation and sound sources as tools for musical composition, and receive detailed instruction in other basic elements of music.

Prerequisite: Beginning band or Audition

Course Description: This class will introduce students to more advanced techniques in play their instruments. The music selected for the class is more difficult technically and musically. Intermediate Concert Band will play four concerts, one ISSMA competition, and two community events during the year.

Prerequisite: Must have taken another band class/ Director Recommendation

Course Description: Students taking this course develop musicianship and specific performance skills through group and individual settings for the study and performance of varied styles of instrumental jazz. Instruction includes the study of the history, formative, and stylistic elements of jazz. Students develop their creative skills through improvisation, composition, arranging, performing, listening, and analyzing.

Prerequisite: Music Theory and Composition and Department Head Recommendation

Course Description: Advanced Music theory is a continuation of Music Theory.  The class will encompass a more in-depth study of rhythm, melody, harmony, counterpoint, form, writing, listening skills, and orchestration.