Mixed Chorus

The mixed chorus meets every other day, 2-3 periods per week.  This course allows students in grades 9-12 to participate in a varied program of study in vocal music.  The Students will learn vocalization with emphasis on breathing, tone, projection, diction, balance, and sight-reading.  Students will examine and perform a variety of styles, both sacred and secular, throughout the year. Mixed chorus students will be required to perform in the winter, pops, and spring concerts.  Additional performance opportunities may arise which will also be required. Students are also required to attend a weekly voice lesson, develop proficiency on sight singing and make adequate progress. While NYSSMA solo festival is not required it is strongly encouraged and will be a deciding factor in Honors Chorus recommendation. Specific grade criteria distributed at the start of the semester.

• Grade: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: MS Chorus or permission of choral director.
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits ½

Honors Chorus

Honors Chorus meets daily. Honors chorus students are also part of the Mixed Chorus. This group will perform music that is more challenging. Students will be expected to learn basic music theory relevant to the choral singer; these are, but not limited to key signatures, reading melodies, pitch, rhythm and form. All performances are mandatory!  Requirements will also include attending a vocal lesson each week, performing at the NYSSA solo evaluation and completing any assignments given.  Students selected for Honors Chorus are expected to meet or exceed expectations in their musicianship,  musical literacy and performance skills.

• Grade: 10 – 12
• Prerequisites: 1 year of HS Mixed Chorus AND recommendation of teacher.
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits 1

Symphonic Band

This performance-oriented class consists of all students in the LCHS bands.  It is the core of the band program.  This group studies, reads, and performs a wealth of literature for large wind and percussion groups. Students will participate in three required concerts and 1 parade per year. Performances at other venues will be considered based upon the readiness of the group. Periodic quizzes,  performance evaluations, and a required weekly lessons and are the basis for the grade in this course. Basic playing components are stressed and practice techniques are enforced regularly.

• Grade: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: MS Band or Teacher recommendation.
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits: ½

Honors Band (Wind Ensemble)

This class provides a vehicle for  students with advanced performance skills.  While all Wind Ensemble members are required to participate in the Symphonic Band, on the alternate days we will explore more advanced wind ensemble literature based on a difficulty rating of NYSSMA Level 5 or 6. Works of more of a soloist nature are studied and each member must play independently.  Selection to this group is based on the students’ technical ability, their ability to work cooperatively and listen. A positive attitude, dependability and concert attendance are also part of the decision process.  Proper balancing of sections within an ensemble is important, and as such, this is a factor in the selection process.

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation only
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits: 1

Orchestra

Orchestra gives a large ensemble experience to all string students in grades 9-12.  Students will explore many different styles of music and will perform them throughout the school year.  This class stresses and enforces basic playing components and practice techniques on a regular basis.  This ensemble meets every other day.

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: MS Orchestra or teacher recommendation.
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits: ½

Honors Orchestra

Honors Orchestra challenges students with more advanced repertoire, usually of NYSSMA level 4, 5, or 6, as well as develops an emergent understanding of the music theory and analysis from a string player’s perspective, such as scales and chords as they relate to intonation and musical phrase structure. Selection for this group is based on an Outstanding rating on a Level 4 NYSSMA solo or a rating of 90 or above on a Level 5 or Level 6 NYSSMA solo and the instrumental needs of the group.  Prior approval and permission of the director are required before becoming part of this ensemble.  Other components for selection include ability to follow directions, working well with others, a positive attitude, work ethic, and past performance history.  The director has the final choice of a student’s eligibility for selection to this ensemble!  This ensemble meets every other day.

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation only
• Length: 40 weeks
• Credits: 1

Jazz Ensemble

Many people consider Jazz to be America’s first art form.  Students who have proficiency on a Jazz Ensemble instrument (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drum set) and can read music, may choose this elective.  This course will introduce students to a wide variety of contemporary sounds including swing, jazz-rock, Latin and ballads.  Class meets every “A” day.  Public performances are a required part of this course.

• Grade:  9 – 12
• Prerequisites: Achievement of an intermediate level of performance on instruments listed above and enrollment in at least one other music class; approval of the Director is also required.
• Length:  40 weeks
• Credits:  ½

Music Appreciation

This course provides students with the insight into music from the earliest of times to the present. Through Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding and Connecting, students will explore various genres of music from the middle ages to the contemporary period.  Students will begin to understand the important impact music has had. This  course will emphasize the musical elements, for those are the foundation in which all music is composed. As  consumers of music, various styles will be explored. The historical and cultural significance of music past and present. Specific course requirements and syllabus will be provided at the start of the year.

• Grade: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites:
• Length: 40 weeks
• Final Evaluation: Cumulative Test/Project
• Credit: 1

Music Theory 1

Music Theory is a more in depth course about the language of music. Many elements, such as musical notation, scales, key signatures, chords, rhythm, and harmony will be explored. Listening and analyzing will be two areas of focus as well.  This is a course for any musician who wants to improve. This course is an absolute must for those pursuing a career in music performance or education.

• Grades: 10 – 12
• Prerequisites: Participation in a musical ensemble or successful completion of Music Appreciation or permission of teacher.
• Length: 20 weeks (half year semester) or 40 weeks (full year, alternating days)
• Final Evaluation: Cumulative Test/Project
• Credits: ½

Music Theory 2

This course is open to all students in grades 10-12 and meets five times a week for a half year.  It will continue the foundation laid down by Music Theory 1 with more complexity and application of more advanced techniques.  The elements covered will include more advanced notation, aural skills, sight singing, listening, analyzing songs, part writing, keyboard harmony, an introduction to musical dictation, and some aspects of music history.

• Grades: 10 – 12
• Prerequisites: successful completion of Music Theory I or exemption by exam
• Length: 20 weeks (half year semester) or 40 weeks (full year, alternating days)
• Final Evaluation: Cumulative Test/Project
• Credits: ½

Piano Lab

This course will introduce basic piano skills including chords, scales and playing melodies.  Students will develop a greater understanding of musical notation and more fully understand and become aware of aural and visual elements of music (rhythm, melody, and harmony).  Daily practice is essential and expected for this class. This class is designed for those who have never played piano or have very limited knowledge of the instrument. Specific course requirements outlined at the start of the semester.

• Grades: 10 – 12
• Prerequisites: Successful completion of Music Appreciation or Ensemble or  permission of the instructor
• Length: 20 weeks
• Final Evaluation: Cumulative Test/Project
• Credits: 1/2

Theater Production

Theater is a beginning course in theater that focuses on basic foundations and techniques in acting, improvisation, character analysis, and movement. This focuses the students on becoming familiar with basic acting techniques, theater history, dance, theatrical design, and theater production. Students are required to participate in some aspect of the after school drama productions (musical and play) by means of volunteering the night of the performances or auditioning to be in the productions.

• Grades: 9 – 12
• Prerequisites: None
• Length: 40 weeks
• Final Evaluation: Cumulative Test/Project
• Credits: 1