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Music

Warwick Valley High School

Please note that for all ensemble music courses, an additional period will be scheduled for mandatory lessons. 

MUSIC IN OUR LIVES (2910)

1/2 Credit, Prerequisite: None
This is a 20 week, 1/2 credit course which may be combined with 1/2 year art class to satisfy the 1 credit Art/Music requirement for high school graduation. The course is designed for students with no musical background as well as those with musical background. The course includes beginning music theory, including notation, rhythm, and other elements and music history including the history of American music and the many subgenres of the topic.  This course also includes learning basic guitar skills and performance. 


MUSIC PRODUCTION (29101)

1/2 Credit, Prerequisite: Students must have an understanding of music fundamentals in order to take this class.
This is a 20 week, ½ credit, second-level general music course which may be combined with a ½ year MIOL class to satisfy the 1 credit Art/Music requirement for high school graduation. Due to limited computers, the class enrollment is capped at 18 students. This semester-long course will introduce students to music production using software and hardware tools for producing music (including desktop Mac, Logic Pro, multi-track recording software, synthesizer keyboard, signal processing plugins, computer music notation software, and microphone technique). Students will learn how to write original songs, produce lyrics and understand the basics of the music business.  The class will stress application and creative content, using a series of creative activities and projects which provides students exposure to performing with electronic instruments, multi-track recording (both MIDI sequencing and live instruments), music arranging, generating performance materials for others (typesetting music), and equipment configuration. This class has been created for students who have a desire to express themselves creatively through electronic music and music production.


MUSIC THEORY (2930)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: Students must be able to sight read music.
The course is an in depth study of traditional music theory skills. Basics to include key signatures, meter signatures, rhythmic patterns. All scales will be covered. Students will work at keyboards using major chord patterns; accompanying simple folk songs. Students will study sight-singing, solfege and dictation techniques to build Aural Skills.  Composition in the first year should focus on melody writing and harmonization of two or more voices. 


ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) MUSIC THEORY (2940)

1 Credit, Prerequisite:  Completion of Music Theory and/or Teacher Approval
Music Theory is an in-depth look at the components that make up the language of music.  It is also a study of the manner in which those components interact in musical compositions.  The study of theory includes many aspects of reading and performing music.  These include harmony, rhythm, and listening skills (often called aural skills).  Theoretical concepts are also applied to the keyboard, a subject that is sometimes included in the music theory curriculum as keyboard harmony.  These elements of musical training work together to teach students the mechanics of music, combining abstract and intellectual thought processes with the practical realities of musical performance. The course terminates with the required Advanced Placement Exam in Music Theory.  There is a fee to the students for the AP Exam. Some colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 3,4 or 5 on the exam.


MIXED CHORUS (2911)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to allow high school students to participate in a formal vocal group consisting of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. Objectives of the course include: development of the voice and accompanying skills, ability to read and perform vocal score, development of self expression and exposure to a variety of vocal literature in varying styles. Chorus members are required to perform twice yearly in school concerts.  Active participation in chorus will fulfill the Regents Action requirement for Music/Art.


MEISTERSINGERS (2921)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: Audition, Participation in Chorus, and Teacher Recommendation
Strong singers are invited to participate in the Meistersingers ensemble. An audition and recommendation from the Choral Director are required for admittance to this select vocal ensemble for new and continuing students. Sight singing is a necessary skill for the audition process as well as for the ensemble setting. As a select group of the most talented students in the vocal music program, students will find this course to be musically challenging. This ensemble will perform college and professional NYSSMA Levels V and VI repertoire from a variety of music periods. This course will be presented using a more rigorous approach to learning music and aligns with 21st Century Learning Skills. Students will work on developing mastery of their voice both musically and technically. Proper vocal health will be emphasized. Students will work to be able to sing in up to 8 parts and should be able to sing a cappella. A weekly group lesson is required. Attendance at all performances throughout the school year is required and additional performances are to be expected including the NYSSMA Majors evaluation. In addition, students will be expected to audition for and participate in All-County Chorus, Area All-State, and All-State if selected. On an individual level, students will be expected to prepare and participate in the NYSSMA Solo Festival each spring. Weekly journals will be written by students to reflect upon rehearsal practices.


TREBLE CHOIR (2922)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: Prior school chorus participation and audition. The ability to match pitches.
This course is designed to allow high school females to participate in a formal vocal group consisting of alto and soprano voices. Objectives of the course include: development of the voice and accompanying skills, ability to read and perform a vocal score, development of self-expression, and exposure to a variety of vocal literature. Students are required to perform in school concerts with the possibility of other school and/or community performances. Mandatory lessons will be scheduled. Participation in Treble Choir may be used toward completion of the Music/Art graduation requirement.


CONCERT BAND (2915)

1 Credit     Prerequisite: Students must be proficient on traditional band instruments and able to read music.
Concert Band is a performing group that studies a variety of styles of band literature. Emphasis will be placed on mastering basic skills of instrumental proficiency. Attendance at all performances throughout the school year is required including concerts and parades. Concert band members must purchase a uniform for marching band, as well as appropriate concert dress. During the school year extra rehearsals and performances outside of the regular school day are required when necessary. Students are strongly encouraged to audition and participate in All-County , Area All-State, All State, NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals.


WIND ENSEMBLE (2916)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: Audition and Teacher Recommendation
The wind ensemble is a performing group designed for more advanced study of traditional, classical and contemporary wind band literature. Emphasis will be placed on developing musical maturity appropriate to college and professional music literature (Attendance to all performances throughout the school year is required including concerts, parades and NYSSMA Majors. Wind ensemble members must purchase a uniform for marching band, as well as a concert dress for concerts. During the school year, extra rehearsals and performances outside of the regular school day are required when necessary. Students are expected to audition and participate in All-County, Area All -State, All-State, NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals.


CHAMBER STRINGS (2917)

1 Credit, Prerequisite:  Audition and Teacher Recommendation
Students who play the violin, viola, cello and string bass are invited to participate in the Chamber Strings ensemble. An audition and recommendation from the Orchestra Director are required for admittance to this select orchestra for new and continuing students. Seating auditions will be held. This ensemble will perform college and professional NYSSMA Levels V and VI repertoire from a variety of music periods in a chamber setting. This course gives a more rigorous approach to learning music and aligns with 21st Century Learning Skills. Students will work on developing mastery of their instrument both musically and technically and a sense of musical maturity in an ensemble setting. Attendance at all performances throughout the school year is required and additional performances to include outside of school performances are to be expected including the NYSSMA Majors evaluation. In addition, students will be expected to audition for All-County Orchestra, participate in Area All-State and All-State if selected or prepare a NYSSMA Solo Festival each spring.


SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (2918)

1 Credit, Prerequisite: Before enrolling in this class, students must be proficient on one of the string instruments listed below and be able to sight read music.
Students who play the violin, viola, cello and string bass are invited to participate in the Symphony Orchestra ensemble. This performing group is for any student interested in performing in a full/symphony orchestra setting. No audition is required for admittance. Students who are wind or percussion players must be enrolled and in good standing in one of the band performing groups. Students will receive a weekly homogeneous group lesson and a daily ensemble rehearsal. Students will perform in at least three school concerts with the possibility of other school and/or community performances. A variety of repertoire will be studied from different music periods. Students are highly encouraged to participate in All-County Orchestra, and if selected, Area All-State and All-State. On an individual level, students are encouraged to prepare and participate in the NYSSMA Solo Festival held each spring.