Music
One credit in the arts between grades 9-12 is required for graduation. This requirement can be met through either visual arts courses (offered in the Art Department) or performing arts courses (offered in the Music Department). Music courses can be used to fill that requirement, whether it is in band, choir, orchestra, or guitar. Students in music are offered a range of performance and educational opportunities. For courses that require an audition, materials will be supplied in the spring, and auditions will be conducted by the end of the previous school year.
Participation in Music during high school has many benefits, including:
- Increased math and reading standardized test scores (College Entrance Examination Board)
- Increased spatial intelligence used to solve engineering and technical problems (Johns Hopkins University)
- Increased emotional resilience, empathy, attention span, and self-confidence (The Royal Conservatory - Toronto)
Courses Shown Below
Click title to see course description and prerequisites
BandBand 9 A&B (9) |
ChoirConcert Choir A&B (9-12) |
Mixed EnsemblesConcert Choir/Orchestra (10-12)Concert Choir/Concert Band (10-12) Cantorei/Sinf. Orchestra (10-12) Cantorei/Symph. Winds (10-12) Symph. Winds/Sinf. Orch. (10-12) |
OrchestraOrchestra 9 A&B (9) |
GuitarGuitar I (10-12) |
Music TheoryMusic Theory (10-12) |
Band 9A/B Course: 5991/5992 Grade: 9 Students are encouraged to grow musically by expanding both their small and large ensemble repertoire. Performing skills are enhanced by further study of scale studies and chorales. Emphasis is placed on articulation, tone range, blend, balance and intonation. Regularly scheduled concerts outside of the school day are a part of this class. Band is a performance-based course that relies on participation for the entire year. Students should register for both Band A and B.
Orchestra 9A/B Course: 5997/5998
Grade: 9
Membership in Orchestra 9 is open to all orchestra students in grade 9. Orchestra students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Orchestra will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Orchestra students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Orchestra A and B.
Music Theory Course: 5505 Grade: 10-12
Students enrolled in the music theory course will explore notation, symbols and structure of music. Skills will be developed so that students can analyze music both in written form and by listening. By the end of the course, students should be able to start composing and harmonizing their own melodies. Please note that this course does not meet the art requirement for graduation.
AP Music Theory A/B Course: 5513/5514 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Required
Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory is a course of study designed for the highly motivated student who desires the opportunity to gain college credit while completing the study of music theory in high school. AP Music Theory is an accelerated study of music theory, harmony, analysis of music structure, melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight singing. This course of study typically comprises first year, college-level music theory curriculum. All students completing this course may take the College Board sponsored Music Theory Test in the spring. A basic keyboard, music theory, and music class background will be helpful to the student. High school students considering collegiate music study should consider review of the undergraduate music theory entry expectations & recommendations of their prospective post-secondary school(s) of interest. Please note that this course does not meet the art requirement for graduation.
Concert Band A/B Course: 5611/5612 Grade: 9-12
Membership in Concert Band is open to all band students in grades 10 through 12. Concert Band students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics of performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Concert Band will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Concert Band students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Concert Band A and B.
Symphonic Winds A/B Course: 5621/5622 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition Required.
Membership in Symphonic Winds is open to all band students in grades 10 through 12. Traditionally, Symphonic Winds members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this band are selected by audition. Performing wind band literature of the finest quality, Symphonic Winds students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Symphonic Winds are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Symphonic Winds A and B.
Jazz Ensemble A/B (before school) Course: 5641/5642
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: Students are encouraged to also register for a full year of another period 1, 2 or 3 instrumental or choral ensemble to participate in Jazz Ensemble. Audition Required.
Students will perform standard and contemporary jazz repertoire in this class. Students not performing on traditional jazz instruments will need to see the director for use of a school owned instrument. Improvisation will be introduced but is not required. This ensemble meets three days a week before school and is scheduled semesters 1 & 2. The ensemble will perform in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. .25 Credits each course. Do not register for this course at this time. Auditions will be held in September.
Chamber Singers A/B (before school) Course: 5701/5702 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Students are encouraged to also register for a full year of Cantorei to participate in Chamber Singers. Audition Required. Chamber Singer members are those students who have exhibited advanced music skills including superior intonation and independent musicianship. Repertoire will include pieces written for small choral ensembles and will range from sixteenth century madrigals to vocal jazz and a cappella pop arrangements. Traditionally, student musicians in this elite choir are members of Cantorei and are selected by an audition process. Performing advanced choral literature of the finest quality, Chamber Singer students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Chamber Singers are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year, including several performances in the community. Students should register for both Chamber Singers A and B. This ensemble meets three days a week before school and is scheduled semesters 1 & 2. .25 credits each course. Do not register for this course at this time. Auditions will be held in September.
Treble Choir A/B Course: 5711/5712 Grade: 9-12
Membership in Treble Choir is open to all female choir students in grades 9 through 12. Treble Choir students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Treble Choir will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Treble Choir students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Treble Choir A and B.
Concert Choir A/B Course: 5721/5722 Grade: 9-12
Membership in Concert Choir is open to all choir students in grades 9 through 12. Concert Choir students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Concert Choir will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Concert Choir students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Concert Choir A and B.
Cantorei Choir A/B
Course: 5731/5732 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition Required. Membership in Cantorei Choir is open to all choir students in grades 10 through 12. Traditionally, Cantorei Choir members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this choir are selected by audition. Performing choir literature of the finest quality, Cantorei Choir students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Cantorei Choir are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Cantorei Choir A and B.
Concert Orchestra A/B Course: 5801/5802 Grade: 10-12
Membership in String Orchestra is open to all orchestra students in grades 10 through 12. String Orchestra students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the String Orchestra will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. String Orchestra students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both String Orchestra A and B.
Sinfonia Orchestra A/B Course: 5811/5812 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Audition Required. Membership in Sinfonia Orchestra is open to all orchestra students in grades 10 through 12. Traditionally, Sinfonia Orchestra members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this orchestra are selected by audition. Performing orchestra literature of the finest quality, Sinfonia Orchestra students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Sinfonia Orchestra are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Sinfonia Orchestra A and B.
Chamber Strings A/B (before school) Course: 5841/5842 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Students are encouraged to also register for a full year of another period 1, 2 or 3 instrumental or choral ensemble to participate in Chamber Strings. Audition Required.
Chamber Strings members are those students who have exhibited advanced music skills including superior intonation and independent musicianship. Repertoire will include pieces written for small string ensembles and will include a wide variety of styles. Student musicians in this elite ensemble are usually members of Sinfonia and are selected by an audition process. Performing advanced literature of the finest quality, Chamber Strings students participate in various community, school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Chamber Strings are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year, including several performances in the community. Students should register for both Chamber Strings A and B. This ensemble meets three days a week before school and is scheduled semesters 1 & 2. .25 credits each course. Do not register for this course at this time. Auditions will be held in September.
Cantorei Choir/Sinfonia Orchestra A/B Course: 5500/5501 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition Required.
Membership in Cantorei Choir and Sinfonia Orchestra is open to all orchestra students in grades 10 through 12 who would also like to sing in choir. Students who double in two ensembles alternate rehearsal days and are expected to learn all of the repertoire for both ensembles. Traditionally, Cantorei/Sinfonia members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this ensemble are selected by audition. Performing choral and orchestral literature of the finest quality, Cantorei/Sinfonia students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Cantorei/Sinfonia are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Cantorei/Sinfonia A and B.
Cantorei Choir/Symphonic Winds A/B Course: 5502/5503 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition Required.
Membership in Cantorei Choir and Symphonic Winds is open to all band students in grades 10 through 12 who would also like to sing in choir. Students who double in two ensembles alternate rehearsal days and are expected to learn all of the repertoire for both ensembles. Traditionally, Cantorei/Symphonic members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this ensemble are selected by audition. Performing choral and wind band literature of the finest quality, Cantorei/Symphonic students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Cantorei/Symphonic are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Cantorei/Symphonic A and B.
Concert Choir/Concert Band A/B Course: 5504/5506 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval Required.
Membership in Concert Band and Concert Choir is open to all band students in grades 10 through 12 who would also like to sing in choir. Concert Band/Choir students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Concert Band/Choir will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Concert Band/Choir students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Concert Band/Choir A and B.
Symphonic Winds/Sinfonia Orchestra A/B Course: 5507/5508 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition Required.
Membership in Symphonic Winds and Sinfonia Orchestra is open to all band students in grades 10 through 12 who would also like to play in Orchestra. Students who double in two ensembles alternate rehearsal days and are expected to learn all of the repertoire for both ensembles. Traditionally, Symphonic/Sinfonia members are those students who have exhibited the music skills necessary to perform more advanced music literature. Student musicians in this ensemble are selected by audition. Performing instrumental literature of the finest quality, Symphonic/Sinfonia students participate in various school, conference, and Minnesota State High School League functions during the year. Student musicians in Symphonic/Sinfonia are expected to be actively involved in ensemble activities throughout the school year. Students should register for both Symphonic/Sinfonia A and B.
Concert Choir/Concert Orchestra A/B Course: 5509/5510 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval Required.
Membership in Concert Choir and Concert Orchestra is open to all orchestra students in grades 10 through 12 who would also like to sing in choir. Concert Choir/Orchestra students will develop basic performance technique (tone production, music reading, mechanics or performance), learn introductory music theory, create music, and perform a wide variety of concert literature. In addition to concert performances during the year, the Concert Choir/Orchestra will participate in Minnesota State High School League festivals and solo/ensemble contests. Concert Choir/Orchestra students also participate in various school functions throughout the year. Students should register for both Concert Choir/Orchestra A and B.
Guitar I Course: 5955 Grade: 10-12
Classical Guitars are supplied by the school.
Whether a total newbie or have some previous experience with the guitar, this course will offer students the first semester of a two part sequence in guitar. Students will participate in daily group and individual instruction as they learn how to play and read music on the guitar. Lessons will teach chords, strumming patterns, notes and music theory.
Guitar II Course: 5956 Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher permission or successful completion of Guitar I. Classical Guitars are supplied by the school.
In Guitar II, students will build on skills that were introduced and developed in Guitar I.
Continuing instruction will be given to building right and left hand independence through more advanced techniques including upper position playing, barre chords, finger-picking and classical technique. A variety of musical styles will be covered. Concepts in music theory's relationship to guitar performance will be covered and some ensemble performance material will also be taught. Classroom practices will include both individual and group instruction. Note: Only in extremely rare circumstances will a student be granted instructor permission to sign up for this course without first taking Guitar I.