Music Courses
Guitar I/II- Classical Guitar
No prerequisite
The emphasis in beginning guitar is learning the guitar and not simply learning songs. We will stress techniques that can be applied to any style of music. You will learn to read chord diagrams and tablature in our early meetings, but most importantly you will learn to read music and to use fingers, not a pick.
Guitar II/Concert Band- Modern Guitar
Modern guitar class is designed to help students of all skill levels learn basic music skills such as standard notation reading, TAB reading, and learn about the various styles of modern guitar playing. Students will explore different styles such as blues, classic rock, rock n roll, and metal to understand the different techniques needed to become a better overall musician.
Guitar Ensemble/Concert Band- Small Guitar Ensemble
Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or teacher’s signature Levels 2-4 (can be taken multiple years)
Guitar Ensemble, listed as "Concert Band", performs works for an ensemble of 4-5 parts, similar to string quartets and string orchestras. Works from all histroical concert styles from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. The majority of our repertory consists of transcriptions of major orchestral and chamber works, including pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky, and many others. In addition, the leaders of each of the sections comprise an Honors Quartet. Students also can elect to perform solos, duets, and trios on our concerts and in competitions on the regional and state level.
Music Appreciation
Music appreciation is designed for any student who simply wants to learn more about the wide world of music we live in! Students will explore the history and influence of Western musical culture as well as basic music theory concepts, different instrument families and how they interact with one another, the evolution of Western music, and how different world music styles differ from our own. This course involves listening to several pieces of music each class period and being able to critique and write about the different pieces.
Music Theory 1
Recommended prerequisite: Elements of Music
This course prepares students for the study in Music Theory and musicianship. Course includes writing in basic piano styles.
Music Theory 2- full year
Prerequisite: Theory 1 or teacher’s signature
This course focuses on free counterpoint and the harmonic resources of the late Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and early Modern eras. Course includes: emphasis on instrumental writing for piano and string quartet, study works by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven and others and uses as models for written projects.
Beginning Piano
No prerequisite
This course is meant to develop well-rounded musicians who are able to read music well and to sight-read adequately. Course includes: preparation for second year of piano, in-class and at-home assignments may include: listening exercises, technique exercises, sight-reading, ensemble practice, solo practice, and public performances.
Intermediate Piano
Prerequisite: Beginning Piano or teacher signature
This class will build on basic piano fundamentals and practicing techniques. Students will be exposed to more challenging piano proficiency exercise, solo and ensemble music, and will be coached in proper learning, preparation, and polishing techniques. They will be introduced to collaborative piano, and will be given opportunities to participate in school-wide artistic partnerships that will involve other areas of SPA, including dance, voice, and theater. Students will be expected to participate in, and prepare appropriately for, all piano proficiency exercises, solo and ensemble practice, assigned collaborations, and public performances.
Advanced Piano
Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano or teacher signature
This class will develop well-rounded musicians who are able to complete a college-level piano proficiency exam, select, analyze, and practice advanced piano works, and collaborate as young professionals. Students will explore and experiment with proper musical and interpretative decisions, and will have an understanding of general classical piano literature. Students will be trained to prepare and perform classical repertoire with maturity and finesse. Students will also be expected to participate in school-wide collaborative efforts, prepare appropriately for collaborative performances, as well as in-class proficiency exercises, solo and ensemble practice, and public performances.
Music Composition and Technology
Prerequisite: teacher signature
This course focuses on music writing. Course includes: projects in composition that will be tied to computer notation M101, and basic mixing and editing software.
Jazz Band
Jazz band is designed to introduce students to a variety of Jazz charts including styles of Swing, Latin, Rock, and Funk. Students will learn how these styles differ and will explore style interpretation, improvisation skills, and Jazz theoretical concepts. Students will participate in listening activities as well as rehearsal time each day in order to first hear the techniques desired and then be able to put those techniques into practice.
String Ensemble
String ensemble is designed to introduce students to a variety of small ensemble orchestral works in styles such as Classical, Modern, and Rock/Heavy Metal. Students will learn how these styles differ and will explore style interpretation, develop proper orchestral technique, and music theory concepts. Students will participate in listening activities as well as rehearsal time each day in order to first hear the techniques desired and then be able to put those techniques into practice.
Voice I
No prerequisite
Voice I addresses basic vocal technique for both solo and ensemble settings. Students will learn basic music literacy and basic ear training focusing primarily how to sing harmony in ensemble settings. No audition is required.
Voice II
Prerequisite: Student must complete Voice I prior to auditioning for Voice II.
In this class, students will learn intermediate vocal technique including balanced tone quality, expanding range, steadying vibrato, and expressive performance techniques. Theory and ear training skills will also be address and expanded. Vocal technique will focus primarily on classically technique, and will also touch on safely transitioning jazz and Broadway techniques.
Voice III
Prerequisite: Voice I and Voice II
This class focuses on increasing tone production, musical shaping and phrasing, consistent vowel resonance, and mastery of personal interpretation during performances. Students will gain an advanced knowledge of vocal anatomy, music theory, and ear training. This class is meant for students who wish study classical voice intensely as well as participate in the school opera.
Bella Voice
Prerequisite: Audition
This ensemble is auditioned for women only. Student must have completed Voice I to audition. Students in Bella Voce will work on improving vocal technique, music reading, and ear training through an ensemble setting.
Voz
Prerequisite: Voice I and Audition
Voz is a vocal contemporary methods class and ensemble. Students must have completed Voice I to audition. The class is broken up into 4 contemporary units: show choir, a capella contemporary, jazz, and multicultural contemporary. Students will learn contemporary vocal techniques for solo and ensemble settings. Students will also learn basics of vocal anatomy, ear training, and music theory.
Madrigals
Prerequisite: Voice I and Audition
Madrigals is an advanced performing vocal ensemble. Student must have completed Voice I to audition. Students auditioning must demonstrate vocal freedom, harmonic accuracy, and music reading literacy. Students in madrigals will focus on advanced choral techniques as well as music theory and ear training.
Guitar I/II- Classical Guitar
No prerequisite
The emphasis in beginning guitar is learning the guitar and not simply learning songs. We will stress techniques that can be applied to any style of music. You will learn to read chord diagrams and tablature in our early meetings, but most importantly you will learn to read music and to use fingers, not a pick.
Guitar II/Concert Band- Modern Guitar
Modern guitar class is designed to help students of all skill levels learn basic music skills such as standard notation reading, TAB reading, and learn about the various styles of modern guitar playing. Students will explore different styles such as blues, classic rock, rock n roll, and metal to understand the different techniques needed to become a better overall musician.
Guitar Ensemble/Concert Band- Small Guitar Ensemble
Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or teacher’s signature Levels 2-4 (can be taken multiple years)
Guitar Ensemble, listed as "Concert Band", performs works for an ensemble of 4-5 parts, similar to string quartets and string orchestras. Works from all histroical concert styles from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. The majority of our repertory consists of transcriptions of major orchestral and chamber works, including pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky, and many others. In addition, the leaders of each of the sections comprise an Honors Quartet. Students also can elect to perform solos, duets, and trios on our concerts and in competitions on the regional and state level.
Music Appreciation
Music appreciation is designed for any student who simply wants to learn more about the wide world of music we live in! Students will explore the history and influence of Western musical culture as well as basic music theory concepts, different instrument families and how they interact with one another, the evolution of Western music, and how different world music styles differ from our own. This course involves listening to several pieces of music each class period and being able to critique and write about the different pieces.
Music Theory 1
Recommended prerequisite: Elements of Music
This course prepares students for the study in Music Theory and musicianship. Course includes writing in basic piano styles.
Music Theory 2- full year
Prerequisite: Theory 1 or teacher’s signature
This course focuses on free counterpoint and the harmonic resources of the late Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and early Modern eras. Course includes: emphasis on instrumental writing for piano and string quartet, study works by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven and others and uses as models for written projects.
Beginning Piano
No prerequisite
This course is meant to develop well-rounded musicians who are able to read music well and to sight-read adequately. Course includes: preparation for second year of piano, in-class and at-home assignments may include: listening exercises, technique exercises, sight-reading, ensemble practice, solo practice, and public performances.
Intermediate Piano
Prerequisite: Beginning Piano or teacher signature
This class will build on basic piano fundamentals and practicing techniques. Students will be exposed to more challenging piano proficiency exercise, solo and ensemble music, and will be coached in proper learning, preparation, and polishing techniques. They will be introduced to collaborative piano, and will be given opportunities to participate in school-wide artistic partnerships that will involve other areas of SPA, including dance, voice, and theater. Students will be expected to participate in, and prepare appropriately for, all piano proficiency exercises, solo and ensemble practice, assigned collaborations, and public performances.
Advanced Piano
Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano or teacher signature
This class will develop well-rounded musicians who are able to complete a college-level piano proficiency exam, select, analyze, and practice advanced piano works, and collaborate as young professionals. Students will explore and experiment with proper musical and interpretative decisions, and will have an understanding of general classical piano literature. Students will be trained to prepare and perform classical repertoire with maturity and finesse. Students will also be expected to participate in school-wide collaborative efforts, prepare appropriately for collaborative performances, as well as in-class proficiency exercises, solo and ensemble practice, and public performances.
Music Composition and Technology
Prerequisite: teacher signature
This course focuses on music writing. Course includes: projects in composition that will be tied to computer notation M101, and basic mixing and editing software.
Jazz Band
Jazz band is designed to introduce students to a variety of Jazz charts including styles of Swing, Latin, Rock, and Funk. Students will learn how these styles differ and will explore style interpretation, improvisation skills, and Jazz theoretical concepts. Students will participate in listening activities as well as rehearsal time each day in order to first hear the techniques desired and then be able to put those techniques into practice.
String Ensemble
String ensemble is designed to introduce students to a variety of small ensemble orchestral works in styles such as Classical, Modern, and Rock/Heavy Metal. Students will learn how these styles differ and will explore style interpretation, develop proper orchestral technique, and music theory concepts. Students will participate in listening activities as well as rehearsal time each day in order to first hear the techniques desired and then be able to put those techniques into practice.
Voice I
No prerequisite
Voice I addresses basic vocal technique for both solo and ensemble settings. Students will learn basic music literacy and basic ear training focusing primarily how to sing harmony in ensemble settings. No audition is required.
Voice II
Prerequisite: Student must complete Voice I prior to auditioning for Voice II.
In this class, students will learn intermediate vocal technique including balanced tone quality, expanding range, steadying vibrato, and expressive performance techniques. Theory and ear training skills will also be address and expanded. Vocal technique will focus primarily on classically technique, and will also touch on safely transitioning jazz and Broadway techniques.
Voice III
Prerequisite: Voice I and Voice II
This class focuses on increasing tone production, musical shaping and phrasing, consistent vowel resonance, and mastery of personal interpretation during performances. Students will gain an advanced knowledge of vocal anatomy, music theory, and ear training. This class is meant for students who wish study classical voice intensely as well as participate in the school opera.
Bella Voice
Prerequisite: Audition
This ensemble is auditioned for women only. Student must have completed Voice I to audition. Students in Bella Voce will work on improving vocal technique, music reading, and ear training through an ensemble setting.
Voz
Prerequisite: Voice I and Audition
Voz is a vocal contemporary methods class and ensemble. Students must have completed Voice I to audition. The class is broken up into 4 contemporary units: show choir, a capella contemporary, jazz, and multicultural contemporary. Students will learn contemporary vocal techniques for solo and ensemble settings. Students will also learn basics of vocal anatomy, ear training, and music theory.
Madrigals
Prerequisite: Voice I and Audition
Madrigals is an advanced performing vocal ensemble. Student must have completed Voice I to audition. Students auditioning must demonstrate vocal freedom, harmonic accuracy, and music reading literacy. Students in madrigals will focus on advanced choral techniques as well as music theory and ear training.