INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC/BAND (WIND, BRASS, and PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS) - Single Block; Two Semesters; Two Credits; 9th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites: Must have participated in middle school and/or high school band. An audition is required & entry into this class is at the discretion of the director. Summer band camp, rehearsals and performances during the school day, before and after the regular school day, as well as on non-school days, may be required.

This is a performance-based class.  The class includes marching band in the fall and concert band in the spring. The group performs at football games, parades, & various concert performances throughout the year.  Through these classes the students will improve instrumental and performance skills as well as develop an understanding of the performance process. Students will attend marching band competitions in the fall and concert band assessments in the spring. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble in the spring. ETSBOA Jazz clinic, ETSBOA Senior Clinic, and All State band members are selected from this group. 

Percussionists in the spring will have the opportunity to participate in the percussion ensemble. This ensemble will focus on developing skills and techniques specific to percussionists. As well as developing the fundamentals of performance, students will also get experience performing a varied style of concert percussion repertoire. Private instruction from a specialist is highly recommended. A list of instructors will be made available. 

Participation fees are assessed. Students are expected to fully participate in both semesters of band.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC/GUARD - Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 9th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/ Requirements: An audition is required for entry into this class.  Entry is at the discretion of the director.  Students are required to participate in summer band camp and all after school rehearsals.  Participation fees are assessed. 

Guard is a performance-based class.  This class enhances the marching band.  This group performs at football games, parades and marching band competitions.

AP MUSIC THEORY - Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 10th - 12th grades; Requirement: Teacher Recommendation.

A major component of any college curriculum in music is a course introducing the first-year student to music theory, a subject that comprises the musical materials and procedures of the Common Practice period. Such a course may bear a variety of titles (Basic Musicianship, Elementary Theory, Harmony and Dictation, Structure of Music, etc.) It may emphasize one aspect of music, such as harmony; more often, however, it integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the theory course. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to such a course. It is also assumed that the student has acquired (or is acquiring) at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument. The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of these goals may best be approached by initially addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course should progress to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figured-bass notation. Students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May to possibly receive college credit.

HISTORY OF ROCK – Single Block; One Semester; One Credit, 9th-12th Grades; Prerequisites:  None.

This course includes exploration into the beginnings of Rock and Roll music up to the present, with discussions ranging from lyrics and important musicians to social and political commentary. Requirements will include classroom discussions, listening to musical examples, and researching important figures of the eras. 

FRESHMEN CHOIR – Single Block; One Semester; One Credit, 9th Grade only; Pre-reqs: Open to all 9th graders.

The course consists of learning correct vocal production, blending and balancing with an ensemble, reading music, solfege, correct enunciation of words and vowels, proper concert etiquette, and preparing for and performing a concert. This choir will perform music of the med-easy to medium level of difficulty; singing 3 part harmony.  Students must be willing to commit to in and out of school performances and attend scheduled weekend and after school rehearsals. 

MIXED CHOIR – Single Block; One Semester; One Credit, 9th-12th Grades; Prerequisites: None.

This course is for all (9th-12th) students who are interested in learning to sing in an ensemble.  Chorus students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing singing sound.  In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills.  Chorus also offers opportunities for students to develop team building and leadership skills. This is a performance-based class.  Participation in dress rehearsals and concert performances outside of regular class hours is required. Students must be willing to commit to in and out of school performances and attend scheduled weekend and after-school rehearsals. STUDENTS MAY TAKE THIS CLASS AS MANY TIMES AS THEY WISH.

ADVANCED VOCAL ENSEMBLE – Single block; Two Semesters; Two Credits; 10th-12th Grades. 

Prerequisites: Freshman Choir or Mixed Choir. 

The main purpose of this choir is performing and perfecting choral works from the renaissance to the 20th century. Students in this ensemble will be given the opportunity to audition for All-East, All-State choir and Governor’s School of the Arts. This course consists of advanced choral techniques that include: Vocal production, performance practice, sight-singing, advanced solfege, and a cappella singing. This choir performs four part music of a higher level of difficulty. The students will be required to learn their music outside of the class and come prepared to rehearse. Students must be committed to in and out of school performances. Students will be required to attend planned weekend and out-of-school rehearsals.

VISUAL ART I – Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 9th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: None.

This course will introduce students to a variety of art movements, techniques, and materials. We will develop an understanding of proper use, care and safety of art materials. We will be looking at the creative process and how to use it to develop original ideas. In Art I the students will begin to understand how and why artists create art.  Fees may be applicable.

STUDIO/GALLERY ASSISTANT –  Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 11th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art I.

Students will be learning the other side of maintaining a studio and gallery. Students will be responsible for assisting in the everyday tasks it takes to keep a studio and gallery running. Students will be in charge of artwork displayed throughout the school and gallery space. Students will learn to matte, frame and hang an art show. 

ADVANCED ART COURSES

Advanced art courses are studio classes designed for serious art students who have completed one term of Art I and who, in the judgment of the instructor, show sufficient level of interest and/or ability that would warrant continued study in Visual Arts. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development of the student’s technical and conceptual skills in addition to continued study of aesthetics, critical analysis, and art history. 

VISUAL ART II - Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 9th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art I or a portfolio (to be reviewed by instructor).

This course builds on the introduction to Art that the students received in Art I. Students will further develop their art by exploring new materials/techniques, researching artists/art movements, and creating original artworks. This is a project based class where students will have to stay on task and be self-motivated. Fees may be applicable.

VISUAL ART III - Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 10th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art II.

This is a studio art class where students will be pushed to really dive into developing a portfolio. This course will be project based where students will work through the creative process to develop original artwork. Students will be working to create a portfolio of high quality artworks using their prior knowledge of mediums and techniques. Students will participate in group and individual critiques, keep a comprehensive journal/sketchbook, and have various inside and outside of class assignments. Fees may be applicable.

VISUAL ART IV - Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 11th - 12th Grades; Prerequisites/Requirements: At least a “B” in Art III.

This is a studio art class where students will be pushed to really dive into developing a portfolio. This course will be project based where students will work through the creative process to develop original artwork. Students will be working to create a portfolio of high quality artworks using their prior knowledge of mediums and techniques. Students will participate in group and individual critiques, keep a comprehensive journal/sketchbook, and have various inside and outside of class assignments. Fees may be applicable.