MUSIC Allegro Strings Elective, 9th-12th Grade, Full Year, 1 credit Allegro Strings meets daily as an academic class, and players are expected to have a minimum of one year of experience on their instruments through either private lessons or Allegro JR. Students in Allegro Strings will learn the essentials of ensemble playing, as well as improve their technique and skills, both inside the classroom and through home practice. There will be opportunities for multiple school-wide performances, field trips, participation in the Worlds of Fun Festival of Music, and mentoring fellow string students. High school Allegro String members are eligible to participate in MSHSAA contests for solos and ensembles. All Allegro Strings may compete as a large group. High school students may also letter and are eligible to audition for All District and All State Orchestra. Students will be assessed through playing tests, written tests and quizzes, class participation, and performance attendance. Students who continue with their string instrument study will have an entire world open for them (including college scholarships) upon graduation from this program. Curriculum: Smart Music
Symphonic Orchestra/High School Band Elective, 9th-12th Grade, Full Year, 1 credit Symphonic Orchestra meets daily as an academic class. Students in Symphonic Orchestra are eligible to participate in MSHSAA contests for solo/ensemble and as a large group. Students also have the opportunity to letter. Symphonic Orchestra students are eligible to audition for All District and All State Band and Orchestra. Students will be assessed through playing tests, written tests and quizzes, class participation, and performance attendance. There will be opportunities for multiple school-wide performances, field trips, participation in the Worlds of Fun Festival of Music, and mentoring younger band students. Curriculum: Smart Music
High School Choir Elective, 9th-12th Grade, Full Year, 1 credit This course provides students the opportunities to develop their musical potential and understanding through singing in a choral ensemble. Course study includes production of beautiful tone, aesthetic awareness, the ability to read music with increasing fluency, and the building of technical skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal habits. Students will also be encouraged to heighten listening skills and increase their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. Sight singing techniques are practiced on a daily basis. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. As authentic performance is a necessary part of choir, there are some required evening/weekend events. Students must coordinate published school dates with their calendars to avoid grade deduction. The following events will be required: ● Grandparents’ Day ● Fall, Christmas, spring, and other concerts ● MSHSAA large group music festival (Optional opportunities to be involved in MSHSAA solos or small ensembles. Conference choir or MCDA District/State Choir will be available to selected students.) Curriculum: Variety of instructor-selected resources used for theory, history, and listening. Choral literature is chosen by the instructor each year for performance. Patti Dewitt Co, The Singing Musician; Music Literacy for Singers
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