Music

AP Music Theory - 04690

Grades: 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Description: The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sight-singing, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized. Prospective students should be able to read and write musical rotation and have basic performance skills with voice or an instrument.

Treble Choir – 04720

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 semesters Credits: 1

Description: Treble Choir is a beginning-level choral ensemble for female students only. Students enrolled in Treble Choir will learn choral repertoire at the beginning and intermediate levels. They will develop skills in the following areas: music theory/ear training, vocal technique, and music history. Treble Choir students are required to participate in 2 AHS choral concerts per semester. Participation in ILMEA and IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest is encouraged but not required. This course is non-auditioned.

Chamber Singers (Non-Honors) – 04470

Grades: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the audition process

Description: Chamber Singers is an advanced level choral ensemble open to male and female students with substantial choral experience. Students enrolled in Chamber Singers will learn advanced choral repertoire selected to challenge and engage them. Students will learn refined skills in the following areas: music theory/ear training, vocal technique and music history. Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in 2 AHS choral concerts per semester. Students are encouraged to participate in ILMEA and IHSA Solo & Ensemble contests. Students in this course are strongly encouraged to take private lessons through our vocal conservatory. Students will pay a $25 participation fee per semester. Fee waivers available based upon need. Previous choral experience is recommended

Concert Band – 04370 & 04380

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Marching 100 will waive one semester of required Physical Development.

Description: This course is designed for all freshmen students as well as all beginning band students in grades 10-12. Emphasis is placed on continued development of tone quality, musicianship, and listening skills. The Concert Band performs a minimum of four public concerts each year (one at the end of each quarter). Attendance and participation at these performances are required. All band members will participate in the Redbird Rhythm Pep Band with required performances. This ensemble requires rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Fees will vary for concert attire, audition/contest fees, and basic instrument supplies. There is a $40 fee for students renting a school instrument. Percussionists sign up for Percussion Class. Previous playing experience is recommended as well as a desire to learn an instrument.

Wind Ensemble - 04390 & 04400

Grades: 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band auditions at the beginning of the year.

Marching 100 will waive one semester of required Physical Development.

Description: All students in this course will complete an audition at the start of the school year and will be placed in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band based on their audition performance. High level music performance and study are the focus of these ensembles with attendance and participation required. Students will prepare and perform a wide variety of wind band literature while continuing to develop their understanding of music theory, aural training, and healthy practice habits, and performance. These ensembles perform four concerts each year (one at the end of each quarter). All members of Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will participate in the Redbird Rhythm Pep Band/Percussion Ensemble with required performances. These ensembles require rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Fees will vary for concert attire, audition/contest fees, and basic instrument supplies. There is a $40 fee for students renting a school instrument. Percussionists sign up for Percussion Class. Previous playing experience is recommended.

Percussion - 04581 & 04582

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Participation in Marching 100

Marching 100 will waive one semester of required Physical Development.

Description: Percussion is limited to percussion focused students of all grades. High level percussion music performance and study are the focus of these ensembles with attendance and participation required. Students will prepare and perform a wide variety of percussion literature as well as preparing the percussion parts of wind band literature, corresponding to Band 1, 2, 3, and 4. Students will also continue to develop their understanding of music theory, aural training, healthy practice habits, and performance. These ensembles perform five concerts each year (one at the end of each quarter with Band 1-4) and another percussion ensemble specific concert in the spring semester. All members of Percussion will participate in the Redbird Rhythm Pep Band/Percussion Ensemble with required performances. These ensembles require rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Fees will vary for concert attire, audition/contest fees, and basic instrument supplies. There is a $40 fee for students renting a school instrument. Fee waivers available based on need. Previous playing experience is recommended.

Color Guard- 04450

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits:1/2

Prerequisites: Students who are in the Marching 100 color guard section. Director approval into AHS Guard Program pending auditions held at the end of each school year.

Marching 100 will waive one semester of required Physical Development.

Description: Color guard class is for all those students who are interested in performance through Color Guard. Color guard members perform with the Alton High School Marching 100 during quarter 1. Students perform during all home football games, local parades and 5 weekend competitions. Participation in Marching 100 is required for Color Guard members. Students will study techniques for the color guard activity including how to spin flags, rifles and sabres. Students will engage in dance technique and theory, and will also spend time discussing and demonstrating the expressive qualities found in the activity. Grades are determined by daily participation, daily written and performing assessments, and participation in all performances. Students will work on the AHS Winter Guard show, as well as various other projects such as writing their own choreography, studying and performing dance theory and peer composed color guard routines. No experience is required for this ensemble, but students selected into Color Guard must participate in summer band camp. This ensemble requires rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Fees will vary for performance attire and basic equipment supplies. Students will be required to pay a band camp fee of $50 before band camp starts, and students will be responsible for performance attire as outlined during the summer and at the beginning of the year.

Orchestra 2, Symphonic Orchestra – 04650 & 04660

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 Semesters Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Successful Audition

Description: The Symphonic Orchestra is a full orchestra. An audition is required of all students. Students study and perform challenging literature and are required to know fundamental music theory. There is a high expectation placed on the students' playing ability and work ethic. The Symphonic Orchestra performs at least five concerts a year. Symphonic Orchestra students are encouraged to audition for and participate in the IMEA District 6 Festival and the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Attendance is required at all after school rehearsals and performances. For more information see Mrs. Plummer in B130 or contact her: lplummer@altonschools.org 474-6967. There is a $40.00 fee for students using a school instrument. Fee waivers available based on need.