MUSIC

The objective of the music program is to offer a variety of opportunities for students to become involved with music. One of the best ways to experience music is through participation in a performing group such as Chorus, Band or Orchestra. While excellence in performance is indeed an important goal for these groups, their primary function is the development of MUSICIANSHIP in each student. This includes the various skills needed for successful music making, as well as a basic knowledge of music composition and history.

In addition to the performing groups, the music department offers a number of academic courses in music. These courses will offer the students who do not sing or play an instrument a chance to learn something about the art of music, as well as giving the opportunity for performing musicians to broaden their knowledge and widen their understanding of music.

It should be noted that, according to Massachusetts Music Educators Association bylaws, any student wishing to audition for Honors Ensembles, such as Western Massachusetts District and All-State performing groups must be a member of their school’s respective group for which they are auditioning.

BAND                                                                                                   Credit: 1

Grades 9-12                                                                                        Prerequisite: None

The band offers the student an opportunity to study instrumental music through participation in a performing group. The band performs at a variety of events including concerts, festivals, parades and football halftime shows. Each band member is expected to practice on a regular basis in addition to attending rehearsals, sectionals and performances. Private study is encouraged whenever possible. The goal of the band program is to provide each student with the best possible experience with music through the pursuit of group excellence.

CHORUS                                                                                              Credit: 1

Grades 9-12                                                                                        Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with the opportunity to study vocal music through participation in a performing ensemble. The chorus performs repertoire in a variety of language and styles. Students will work on developing skills for proper vocal technique and sight-reading and will also learn the fundamentals of music theory. Attendance at all scheduled concerts and rehearsals is expected and concert dress is required for all scheduled performances. The goal of the choral program is to provide each student with the best possible musical experience.

ORCHESTRA                                                                                       Credit: 1

Grades 9-12                                                                                        Prerequisite: None

Orchestra provides the student musician the opportunity to study and perform a wide variety of music from the standard orchestral repertoire, as well as arrangements of compositions taken from folk music, jazz, Broadway and popular idioms.  Emphasis will be placed on learning bowing, phrasing and listening skills. More advanced wind and brass players have the opportunity to develop their solo and small ensemble skills by joining with the strings to perform full orchestra compositions.

MUSIC THEORY                I, II                                                                        Credit: 1

Grades 9-12                                                                                        Prerequisite: Department Approval

Music Theory teaches music literacy through the study of pitch, rhythm, intervals, harmony, ear training and composition. Students will also work in the technology lab and will have exposure to the music notation software, Sibelius.