Fine Arts Department - Music Courses

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All band members will have an opportunity to sign up for Marching Band and Pep Band, perform at Solo & Ensemble events, and audition for OEHS Jazz Bands.

Concert Band - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grade 9
Prerequisite: Previous good standing in band, access to a band instrument and consent of instructor.
Lab Fee: $25.00

Concert Band is an entry level high school band class. Emphasis will be on improving the basic fundamentals of playing: TONE, RHYTHM, TECHNIQUE, SCALES. This band performs at concerts throughout the year. Placement requirements include the performance of all major scales and a selected articulation etude. Students in Concert Band perform repertoire ranging from Grade 2 ½ - 3. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes daily or the equivalent to remain technically proficient on curricular materials.

Chamber Winds – 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grade 9
Prerequisite: By audition, access to a band instrument and consent of instructor.
Lab Fee: $25.00

Chamber Winds is a top-level freshman band. The audition for this group will be all major scales and a selected articulation etude. The intent of this band is to encourage one student on a part to develop independent playing skills. Private study is recommended for this band. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes daily or equivalent to maintain technical proficiency on curricular materials. Chamber Winds will perform Grade 2 ½ - 4 level repertoire and will perform in regularly scheduled concerts throughout the year. One field trip clinic/performance session may be scheduled during the school year.

Symphonic Band -1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: By audition, access to a band instrument, and consent of instructor.
Lab Fee: $25.00

Symphonic Band is the fourth level band for upperclassmen. There is no audition necessary to play in this band. The intent of this band is to continue to provide fundamental training in the skill of playing an instrument. Students will perform repertoire of Grade level 3 – 3½. This band will perform at regularly scheduled concerts throughout the year. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes daily or the equivalent to maintain technical proficiency on curricular materials.

Wind Ensemble - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: By audition, access to a band instrument and consent of instructor.
Lab Fees: $25.00

The Wind Ensemble is a very select group of musicians and is the second level of bands for the upperclassmen that may include a few very advanced freshmen. This is a small performing group with the intent of using one on a part to develop musical independence and create a brilliant sonority. Audition requirements include playing the IMEA Scale Sheet, IMEA Etudes, and sight-reading. Private study is highly recommended. Students in this band will perform repertoire of Grade level 3½ – 5. Students are expected to practice 45 minutes daily or the equivalent to maintain technical proficiency on curricular materials. This band will perform in regularly scheduled concerts and may perform in selected festivals and invitationals. This band may travel on alternate years. Members of this band will be selected for Conference Band and may be asked to perform at OEHS Graduation.

Wind Symphony - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: By audition, access to a band instrument and consent of instructor.
Lab Fee: $25.00

Wind Symphony is the most select of the five concert band classes at OEHS. The audition is the IMEA Scales, IMEA Etudes and sight-reading. Private study is expected, as membership in this ensemble requires the greatest musical commitment and technical proficiency. Students will perform repertoire that is at the collegiate level, Grade level 4 – 6, and they are expected to practice a minimum of 45 minutes daily to attain the necessary technique for refined performance at this level. Members of this band will perform at regularly scheduled concerts and special events at the state, regional, and national levels. Members of this band may audition for IMEA District Festival and be nominated for Fox Valley Music Festival. Students may also have opportunities to participate individually in area honor bands. Members of this band are expected to travel with the band on trips and participate in OEHS graduation. See director for an application and requirements.

Treble Choir - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Lab fee: $20.00

Treble Choir is an introductory course for the FEMALE VOICE. Fundamentals of good vocal technique are introduced and reinforced. Participation in all five scheduled concerts is mandatory, with IMEA and IHSA vocal events optional. Treble choir is periodically asked to go on extended tours.

Concert Choir - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: $20.00

Concert Choir is a continuing introductory course for ALL VOICES. Fundamentals of good vocal technique are reinforced. Participation in all five scheduled concerts is mandatory, with IMEA and IHSA vocal events optional. Concert Choir is periodically asked to go on extended tours with the rest of the choral department.

Bass Ensemble - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)

Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: $20.00

Bass Ensemble is an introductory course for the MALE VOICE only. Fundamentals of good vocal technique are introduced and reinforced. This choir has developed a wide variety of styles but generally leans toward a light, often comedic presence which makes this group a favorite. Students often choose to stay in this group for all four years. Participation in all five scheduled concerts is mandatory, with IMEA and IHSA vocal events optional. Extended tours are a possibility for Bass Ensemble members.

Women’s Choir -1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule to P.E.)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition only, completed late March
Lab Fee: $20.00

Women’s Choir is the advanced treble ensemble. Female students wishing to join this ensemble should plan to audition in March. It is suggested that students in this ensemble take private voice lessons. Generally, it prepares works at a fast pace and emphasizes ear training and critical listening skills. Participation in all five scheduled concerts is mandatory. Women's Choir members will likely participate in IMEA and IHSA contests and festivals. Extended tours are a possibility for Women's Choir members.

A Cappella Choir - 1 credit (4 terms, AB schedule with P.E.)
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition only, completed late March
Lab Fee: $20.00

A Cappella Choir is the advanced mixed ensemble and sings the most challenging literature. Generally, it prepares works at a fast pace and emphasizes ear training and critical listening skills. Participation in all home choir concerts is mandatory. This choir also performs in festivals, and participates in IMEA and IHSA festivals and contests. A Cappella Choir will, at times, perform on tour throughout the state and across the nation. Auditions include a vocal audition, agreement to take private voice lessons, and an interview to be completed before a student becomes a member.

Music Theory 1 - 1/2 credit (1 term)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: $35.00

This course is designed as an entry-level look into what makes music work. The class will cover basic music elements such as scale patterns, rhythmic devices, tonality, and basic part writing. It will also include an introduction into major musical periods, simple keyboard skills and computer music applications.

Music Theory 2 - 1/2 credit (1 term)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 or performance classes (Band, Choir)
Lab Fee: $35.00

Music Theory 2 is a continuation of Music Theory 1. In addition, there will be an emphasis on dictation, chordal analysis, form, music history and literature. Ear-training and higher levels of part-writing will be worked on in conjunction with harmonic progression and counterpoint. Style, expression and the role of music in the world scope will also be covered.

AP Music Theory - 1 credit (2 term)

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Music Theory 2 or consent of instructor
Lab Fee: $70.00

AP Music Theory is a continuation of music theory course work. This is the highest level music theory offering. This class is designed to allow for creativity and composition of large choral and instrumental works. The goal is to have these compositions performed by the school ensembles. The students in this class will also learn further composition techniques, form and analysis of major works from major musical periods and genres. Students will be writing major music scores of their own design. Students are required to be proficient on the software used to write the compositions. Advancement in aural skills and theoretical knowledge is also a requirement. This class is designed to raise composition skills to a level equal to proficiency out of college freshman Music Theory semesters 1 and 2.

Internship (Music) - 1/2 credit (1 term)

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Competencies in music and successful completion of a sequence of classes. Employability skills. Approval
and review process involving the student, faculty, and employer mentor. The application process must be
completed at registration.
Lab Fee: Cost of materials

Seniors who have completed all levels of relevant classes and are at a point in their education where “on the job” exposure is the next level of learning may apply for an internship. The internship is arranged through the school and related to a sequence of courses completed at the high school level. Formal training arrangements and expectations for the internship are developed between the employer and a school representative. Transportation required for the internship is the responsibility of the student.

Directed Study (Music) - 1/2 credit (1 term)

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of competencies in music as determined by the staff. Grade of “B” or better in previous
Music classes. Application process. Consent of supervising teacher. Application must be fully approved at
registration process. Note that there is a maximum credit allowance of 1.0 per content area for Directed
Studies.
Lab Fee: Fee will be assessed

This Directed Studies Program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in music-related occupations who have completed major course work in the field. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to participate in advanced learning experiences on an individualized basis beyond the available course offerings. An educational plan must be developed through a conference between the student and the supervising teacher to address individual student educational goals.

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