HS Musical Skills Development Courses

This ensemble will be for those who have a baritone or bass voice including Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1 and Bass 2 (grades 9-12). An issue that has existed for some time is that the numbers of treble voices in the Mixed Choir overwhelms the number of baritone voices. Because young baritone voices do not develop as quickly more in-depth technique and time are required to develop and explore their changing voices. The Baritone choir will develop the necessary skills to perform TTBB choral literature including emphasis on the fundamentals of music including basics of music theory, vocal production, tone and musical sightreading. Optional participation in NYSSMA solos where students will be coached to perform for adjudication at the NYSSMA festival will also be offered. Mandatory performances will include the Winter and Spring Concerts.

This is a “non-audition” instrumental ensemble designed to help students attain High School level proficiency. Students who have been in the instrumental music program, at the elementary and middle school level, can switch to a new instrument or refine their skills on the instrument they are currently playing. Students who have never been in the instrumental music program can start a new instrument. Special attention is given to reading music. All aspects of rhythmic reading and counting, pitch identification, and instrument specific techniques will be covered. Requirements include (as allowed by New York State Education Department rules and regulations): the participation in one evening concert.

This is an auditioned group of highly select and serious student musicians interested in performing extremely challenging classical literature. Students must maintain high academic and discipline standards and demonstrate the attitude of professional musicians. Requirements include the participation in several evening concerts as well as other school-sponsored performance opportunities and/or trips (including NYSSMA Majors). Vocal lessons, NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Majors Festival and All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and will be taught during a small-group lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3- & 5-Unit Sequence in Music Education.

This is an auditioned group of highly select students. Students will learn to improve their individual vocal skills and techniques as well as learn the skills required for ensemble singing and performing. Pitch awareness, rhythmic ability, voice tone quality, proper articulation, music reading skills and vocal style are reinforced during the daily choir. Requirements include participation in several evening and day concerts throughout the year as well as other school sponsored performance opportunities and/or performance tour trips. NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Majors, All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and will be taught during a small group-lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3- & 5-Unit Sequence in Music Education.

This is an auditioned group of highly select and serious student musicians of the appropriate vocal range interested in four-part harmony, barbershop- style singing. Requirements include the participation in two evening concerts as well as other school-sponsored performance opportunities and/or trips (including NYSSMA Majors). Vocal lessons, NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Majors Festival and All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and will be taught during a small-group lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3- & 5-Unit Sequence in Music Education.

Enrollment in the Symphonic Band is accompanied by an obligatory enrollment in the Marching Band. Requirements include (as allowed by New York State Education Department rules and regulations): Marching Band Summer Clinic and Rehearsals, performances at all home football games and school-sponsored parades, the participation in two evening concerts as well as other school-sponsored performance opportunities (including NYSSMA Majors). Instrumental lessons, NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Majors Festival and All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and will be taught during a small-group lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Written alternative assessments will be available for legitimate waivers. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3- & 5-Unit Sequence in Music Education.

This is a non-auditioned entry-level choral ensemble for students in grades 9-12 with the appropriate vocal ranges. Students will perform a wide variety of three or four part accompanied and unaccompanied music. Vocal lessons, NYSSMA Solo Festival and All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and may be taught during a small group-lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3- & 5-Unit Sequence in Music Education.

This is an auditioned group of highly select and serious student musicians interested in performing extremely challenging classical literature. Students must maintain high academic and discipline standards and demonstrate the attitude of professional musicians. Enrollment in the Wind Ensemble is accompanied by an obligatory enrollment in the Marching Band. Requirements include (as allowed by New York State Education Department rules and regulations): Marching Band Summer Clinic and rehearsals, performances at all home football games and school-sponsored parades, participation in two evening concerts, as well as other school-sponsored performance opportunities (including NYSSMA Majors). Instrumental Lessons, NYSSMA Solo Festival, NYSSMA Majors Festival and All-County Festivals are extensions of this course and a part of the Music Curriculum Program and will be taught during a small-group lesson period. Participation in an ensemble includes required afterschool and evening attendance at rehearsals and performances that count toward the student’s grade. Students are encouraged to have a full understanding of the after-hours rehearsal/performance schedules prior to enrollment. Acceptable for Regents Diploma Graduation Requirement and Required for the 3 & 5 Unit Sequence in Music Education.