MUSIC THEORY
This course is designed for beginners in music theory. The materials covered provide a sound basis toward the understanding and application of the fundamentals of music. It is also designed to enhance the music students’ performance skills through the study of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic concepts. This is an excellent preparatory course for first- semester college theory, but not a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.
Semesters: 1 Prerequisite: Credit: 1/2 per semester Level: 10, 11, 12
AP MUSIC THEORY (H)
AP Music Theory is a college-level course for serious music students. The course is equivalent to a first-semester music theory course for music majors, introducing the student to musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills such as dictation, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are an important part of the course. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to the course. By the end of the course, the students will have mastery in the following areas:
Notation Scales Metric Organization Intervals Analysis Chords Form
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Approval of instructor Credit: 1/2 per semester Level: 10, 11, 12
MUSIC APPRECIATION
This course is designed for students who want to learn more about the history of music and musicians. The course starts with the basics of music and continues with medieval music to American popular music and world music. The course will take a look at each period of music, its composers, type of music, and utilize many recorded examples.
Semesters: 1 Prerequisite: Credit: 1/2 per semester Level: 10, 11, 12
MUSIC APPRECIATION (DUAL CREDIT)
This course is designed for students who want to learn more about the history of music and musicians. The course starts with the basics of music and continues with medieval music to American popular music and world music. The course will take a look at each period of music, its composers, type of music, and utilize many recorded examples.
Students that complete a semester of Music Appreciation with a C or better will also earn 3 credits from McHenry County College (MCC) for the course titled MUS 151 Music Appreciation. The course is offered at CHSD 155 schools and taught by CHSD 155 instructors that meet MCC instructor requirements. In some instances, students may be required to purchase an additional textbook, workbook or other related course material at MCC as a result of this partnership. Students in grade 12 will have the opportunity to travel to another school for this course in the event that dual credit is unavailable at his/her home high school. In these instances, students are required to provide their own transportation. Enrollment may be limited and therefore, students in grade 12 will be given priority.
The MCC High School Plus Registration Form available a be completed with the required signatures and submitted to the counselor’s office.
CHSD 155 does not guarantee every post high school institution will accept the MCC credits, so parents and students are encouraged to communicate with the admissions officer at the college or university of interest regarding this matter. The grading scale at MCC is different than CHSD 155. MCC does not award letter grades with plusses or minuses which is different than the grading system in CHSD 155. For instance, a B+ earned in CHSD 155 is a B at MCC. As a result, grades reported on the MCC and CHSD 155 report cards and transcripts may vary.
Semesters: 1 Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson CHSD 155 Credit: 1/2 per semester MCC Credit: 3 per semester
Level: 11, 12
BAND I
This class is designed for those students who have little or no previous instrumental experience yet have demonstrated a desire to learn. Emphasis is placed upon beginning instrumental methods with additional concentration in the understanding of instrumental technique, rhythmic accuracy, tone, intonation and general music terms and concepts. Although no audition is required, the student should consult with the instructor prior to the start of the semester. In some cases a school instrument will be provided for the first year.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: No previous musical experience; approval of instructor Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
BAND II
This class will continue to develop instrumental techniques and methods through the performance of appropriate wind literature. This class furthers understanding and development of ensemble rehearsal techniques and studies. This organization may combine with the Advanced Bands in the fall for the marching band season and will perform at numerous school, community and district functions. This group serves as the preparatory ensemble to the Advanced Bands. Membership and seating is by audition only.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
BAND III
These classes offer music students opportunities to study and perform literature ranging in various difficulty and music styles. Emphasis is placed upon performance and continued understanding of musical skills and concepts. Members of these organizations may combine with the Intermediate Band for the fall marching band season. Membership for these organizations is determined by audition only.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
BAND IV
This is an ensemble for students with advanced skills. Students are placed by audition after demonstrating the highest proficiency on their instrument. Emphasis is placed on the teaching and performing of the most advanced literature with the subtleties and nuances of interpretation as a primary goal. Music history and theory are applied through the use of appropriate forms and styles of music.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
PERCUSSION STUDIES
This course is designed to address the specific needs of the student of the percussion section of the instrumental music program. Topics covered include an intense study of rhythm and rudimental techniques unique to the percussion section. Also covered is the marching drumline, drumset, keyboard mallet techniques, timpani, color and auxiliary percussion. Students will work as both an independent percussion ensemble and as members of the regular concert bands. All ability levels are placed in the class.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience & audition with the Credit: 1/4 credit per semester instructor
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
BEGINNING TREBLE CHOIR
This choir is made up predominantly of freshmen. This group concentrates on sight-reading, three-part harmony (SSA), ear-training, musical terms, etc. The group appears at several performances each school year.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Semester 1: None; Semester 2: Consent of instructor Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11
ADVANCED TREBLE CHOIR
This is a chorus of students ranging from sophomores through seniors who are advanced sight-readers and singers. This group concentrates on sight reading, ear training and score reading. The choir sings predominately SSAA arrangements, and appears at several public performances each school year.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous vocal experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 10, 11, 12
MEN’S CHOIR
This is a chorus of students ranging from freshman through seniors. This group concentrates on sight-reading, ear training, and development of the male voice through a variety of literature (TTBB). This group appears at several performances each year and is available at participating schools.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisites: Level: 9 – Semester 1: None; Semester 2: Instructor consent Credit: 1/4 per semester Prerequisites: Level 10, 11, 12: Consent of instructor
BEGINNING CHORUS
This chorus is made up predominantly of freshmen. This group concentrates on sight-reading, four-part harmony, ear- training, musical terms, etc. The group appears at several public performances each school year.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Semester 1: None; Semester 2: Consent of instructor Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
ADVANCED CHORUS
Mixed voices (SATB) concentrate on repertoire and sight-reading, and is a continuation of skills from beginning chorus. This group also makes public appearances each school year.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous vocal experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
A CAPPELLA SINGERS
This group is composed of students who have demonstrated an understanding and mastery of choral skills introduced in the beginning and advanced choirs. The curriculum includes music theory, vocal pedagogy and technique, and sight-reading. The literature includes a large variety of advanced material. This prestigious group often performs publicly. A tour may be included as part of the class, depending on the instructor.
Semesters: 2 Prerequisite: Previous vocal experience and audition with director Credit: l/4 per semester Level: 10, 11, 12