Music
770 7TH GRADE MUSIC
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Quarter
7th grade Music reviews the basic elements of music-melody, harmony, rhythm, form, tone color, dynamics, and tempo. In this quarter course, students will explore music through practical application using classroom instruments and technology. Students will engage in non-Western music making traditions in our African Drumming unit, learn basics of guitar and piano, study history of Rock through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and create original compositions using GarageBand.
780 8TH GRADE MUSIC
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Quarter
During this quarter course, students will learn about the science of sound and hearing, the progression of contemporary music from 1980 to today, piano keyboarding, film scoring, and the guitar through a succession of class projects and learning experiences.
783 7TH AND 8TH GRADE ORCHESTRA
2 or 4 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The Junior High Orchestra is a mixed string group for students in grades 7-8. Any student who plays or wants to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass may join the orchestra. They will develop and hone technical and musical skills necessary to perform age and level-appropriate music. Orchestra members perform at the Junior High Winter and Spring Concerts, a district-wide progressive concert, every three years, and may perform at other venues in and outside of school. Students are encouraged to audition and participate in the annual Berks Junior County Orchestra.
782 7TH AND 8TH GRADE BAND
2 or 4 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The Junior High Concert Band is open to all seventh and eighth grade students. This course meets four times per cycle during the school day. Students will experience a variety of music through rehearsal. They will develop and hone technical and musical skills necessary to perform age and level-appropriate music in two major performances: the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Other performances may be added. Students are encouraged to audition for the Berks Junior County Band.
784 7TH AND 8TH GRADE CHORUS
2 or 4 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Chorus is offered as an elective to any student in Grades 7 and 8 interested in performing a variety of choral music. The chorus is scheduled four times a cycle during the school day. In addition to the fundamentals of choral tone, diction, rhythm and interpretation, students prepare their music to present two major concerts, Spring and Winter Concerts. Students are prepared and encouraged to audition and participate in the annual Berks Junior County Chorus.
701 BAND
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The senior high concert band is open to all students in grades 9-12 who have an interest in performing on band instruments. The goals of band are to experience many forms and styles of music, to promote individual responsibility, confidence, musicianship, and creativity, as well as cooperation, and to learn proper concert etiquette. They will develop and hone technical and musical skills necessary to perform age and level-appropriate music in two major performances: the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert. Other performances may be added. Students are encouraged to audition for the Berks Junior or Senior County Band, as well as District Band. Students are also eligible to participate in co-curricular ensembles such as Marching Band, Jazz Band, Flute Ensemble, and other groups organized by interested students.
702 ORCHESTRA
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
The orchestra is open to high school students (9-12) who are interested in playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. The goals of orchestra are to experience many forms and styles of orchestral music, to promote individual responsibility, confidence, musicianship, and creativity, as well as cooperation, and to learn proper concert etiquette. Students are encouraged to audition annually for county, district, and regional orchestra. Wind, brass, and percussion students from the senior high band will be utilized periodically to create a full orchestra. Band students involved in the orchestra should have had at least five years of instruction, and be one of the primary chairs of their section. The number of students and instrumentation used from the band will be determined by both the orchestra and band directors. The orchestra will participate in the Senior High Winter and Spring Concerts, and a district-wide progressive concert, every three years. There may also be other opportunities for performances in and outside of school. Opportunities are also available to students with advanced abilities and high interest in orchestra performance to collaborate on more advanced literature through the Small Ensemble.
703 CHORAL MUSIC
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Students sing and perform choral literature from a variety of musical periods, while also developing their individual voices. A variety of public presentations and concerts are scheduled as a result of the classroom work; these presentations can include out-of-state concerts, adjudications, competitions, and exchange programs, local, county, district, regional, and all-state concerts, and school assemblies.
Emphasis is placed on sight reading, rhythm, ear training, choral technique, artistic style, and stage presence. Students are prepared and encouraged to audition annually for county, district, and regional festival choruses. Students possessing exceptional ability and interest are encouraged to study voice privately. Additional ensembles are formed as an opportunity to further the student's musical experiences. These ensembles include Chorale (grades 9-12), and Camerata (for advanced musicians grades 9-12).
710 GUITAR
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Semester
Guitar is open to students in grades 9-12, and intended for students with little or no guitar experience. Students will develop basic playing skills and music literacy. At the end of the course, students will be able to read music and interpret performance instructions for a variety of music styles, including current popular music.
715 MUSIC PRODUCTION & PIANO KEYBOARDING
.5 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/1 Semester
Students will learn basic piano keyboard playing techniques and music literacy skills. Students will also learn basic music production skills to create projects, arrangements and original compositions using music technology software and digital work stations. Programs used include industry-standard software: Logic Pro and Sibelius.
720 AP MUSIC THEORY GRADES 10 - 12
1 Credit
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year
Students will learn to recognize, understand, and describe the basic processes of music. They will develop skills by listening to reading, writing, and performing a wide variety of music. Students will identify features of pitch, interval, scales, keys, chords, meter, rhythm, and other musical concepts in performed and notated music. Students will learn to notate music they hear. They will also develop sight-singing and composition/arranging skills. In order to join this class students must have at least one year of experience in a Senior High School Ensemble (Band, Chorus, Orchestra). Students who have not been in a school ensemble, but have completed a minimum of five years of private instrumental or vocal instruction, may enroll in the course if concurrently enrolled in a School Ensemble.