POMPERAUG HIGH SCHOOL

MUSIC COURSE OFFERINGS

2005-2006

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Pomperaug High School music department offers students the opportunity to nurture their musical skills through ensemble and classroom experiences.  Music students are able to participate in multiple ensembles, further enriching their total musical experience at Pomperaug High School.

CHAMBER  ORCHESTRA

1 year, 1/2 credit

Corequisite:  Orchestra.   

Members are auditioned and must be a part of the PHS Orchestra. The group rehearses after school and performs in concerts and events throughout the school year.  Advanced string repertoire is performed from a variety of composers and genres.

CHAMBER SINGERS

1 year, 1/2 credit

Members are auditioned and must be part of the PHS choral program.  The group rehearses after school.  A wide variety of selections are performed, including a capella and show music.

CONCERT BAND

Repertory is selected from standard literature, as well as some “Pop”, and “Show” arrangements with the developing musician in mind.  Emphasis is placed on nurturing each student’s growth in the areas of, tone, balance, intonation, rhythm and musicality.  Concert Band is a prerequisite to Symphonic Band.   All members of the Symphonic and Concert Bands are members of the Marching Band, which performs at football games and parades.  Freshmen can be members of both the Concert Band and Concert Choir.

CONCERT CHOIR

Repertory is selected from standard literature, as well as some, “Pop” and “Show” arrangements with the developing musician in mind.  Emphasis is placed on nurturing each student’s growth in the areas of, balance, diction, and understanding of the text.  Concert Choir is a prerequisite to Chorale.  Freshmen can be members of both the Concert Band and Concert Choir.

CHORALE

Prerequisite:  Concert Choir

Entrance into Chorale is granted by audition.  Literature is selected from some of the most challenging material performed by high school choruses.  Students enrolled are expected to learn their music at an advanced pace.

JAZZ BAND

1 year, 1/2 credit

Members are auditioned and must be part of the PHS band program.  The group rehearses after school and performs in concerts and events throughout the year.  Advanced jazz compositions are performed. 

MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION

1/2 year, 1/2 credit

This course is open to all students regardless of their musical background.  The development of music, and its role in history, art and culture, will be traced from the Middle Ages to the present.  Through listening, reading, discussion, projects and class presentations, students will explore important musical compositions and stylistic periods.

MUSIC THEORY

1/2 year, 1/2 credit

No prior musical training is necessary.  This course focuses on the basics of music notation, intervals, chord, scales and rhythm.  Students interested in developing a better understanding of music are encouraged to take the class.

AP MUSIC THEORY

Prerequisite:  Recommendation by AP Teacher

Prior musical training, including the ability to read traditional notation, is a prerequisite.  The course focuses on the study of melody, harmony and all other elements of musical composition.  As an advanced course, students considering a future in music or an arts related field are strongly encouraged to take this class.

ORCHESTRA 

Repertory is selected from standard literature of the Baroque, Classical and Contemporary era, and may also include “Pop” and “Show” arrangements with the developing musician in mind.  Students have the opportunity to perform music written for string orchestra as well as full orchestra.  Emphasis is placed on nurturing each student’s growth in the areas of tone, balance, intonation, rhythm and musicality.  Students enrolled are expected to practice consistently.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Prerequisite:  Concert Band

Entrance into Symphonic Band is granted by audition.  Literature is selected from some of the most challenging material performed by high school bands.  Students enrolled are expected to practice consistently, and be able to learn their music at an advanced pace.  All members of the Symphonic and Concert Bands are members of the Marching Band, which performs at football games and parades.

ENSEMBLES

As an outgrowth of the Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Orchestra, the opportunity to perform in a smaller group setting may arise.  These groups, such as girls choir, flute choir, etc. are open to all students based on availability.  This is not a scheduled course and no credit is awarded.