Music

Symphonic Band    1 Credit                                                                        Course No. 706
Trimesters: 3 (40 minute periods)
Prerequisite: Concert Band (Course 707).  Any student who has not taken Concert Band or students new to Daniel Hand High School must audition with the band director and demonstrate an appropriate level of performance.

This course is open to any student in grades 11 – 12 who shows a proficiency in playing a band instrument.  Band meets daily throughout the school year.  Two major concerts are performed yearly.  Students will be evaluated on both an individual and group performance basis.  Attendance at all performances is required.  Through the rehearsal and performance of culturally diverse music from different time periods, students will refine the skills of ensemble playing, which include phrasing, balance, and interpretation of music.  Students attend a mandatory one-week band camp at the high school in August to prepare for marching season.  Marching at football games, parades, and one major activity such as an exchange concert, band day at West Point, or Disney World are some of the exciting activities of the band.

Chorus    1 Credit                                                                    Course No. 712
Trimesters: 3 (40 minute periods)

The Chorus is made up of those students with good music reading ability, proper use of voice as an instrument, and an ability to hold to their assigned part against other parts or accompaniment.  The course is made up of students who will develop skills in sight-reading, independent part-singing, and proper vocal technique.  All freshmen and sophomores will be placed in this course.
 

Concert Choir    1 Credit                                                                                                              Course No. 715
Trimesters: 3 (40 minute periods)

Students in Concert Choir must be able to demonstrate an advanced level of musicianship.  Students must be able to demonstrate proper vocal technique, music reading ability, and an ability to hold to their assigned part against other parts or accompaniment.  
 

String Orchestra     1 Credit                                                                                                       Course No. 721
Trimesters: 3 (40 minute periods)
Prerequisite:   Recommendation from the middle school orchestra director for incoming freshmen.  Students new to Daniel Hand High School must demonstrate an appropriate level of performance.
    
String players with two or more years of experience will comprise the string or¬chestra.  A variety of music literature will be studied and performed, with the emphasis on each student's own improvement and active participa¬tion in concerts, exchange programs, festivals, and other musical activi¬ties.  Attendance at all musical performances is required.  Through the varied repertoire, students will enhance their ability and understanding of instrument and bow technique, interpretation of music, and balance reaching toward a higher level of musicianship.  Students will be assessed as a group as well as individually.

Sinfonietta   1 Credit                                                                                                             Course No. 725
Trimesters: 3 (40 minute periods)
Prerequisite:  Students new to Daniel Hand High School must demonstrate an appropriate level of performance.
    
String players with four or more years of experience will comprise the string or¬chestra.  A variety of music literature will be studied and performed, with the emphasis on each student's own improvement and active participa¬tion in concerts, exchange programs, festivals, and other musical activi¬ties. Attendance at all musical performances is required. Through the varied repertoire, students will enhance their ability and understanding of instrument and bow technique, interpretation of music, and balance reaching toward a higher level of musicianship.  Students will be assessed as a group as well as individually.

Piano 1    0.5 Credit                                                                                                     Course No. 743
Trimesters: 1

This approach to class piano instruction provides an introduction to the keyboard designed to promote music reading, performance skills, and self–expression. Repertoire will range from classical to popular musical styles. Students will also learn the basics of music theory as they relate to playing the piano.  
This course is designed for the beginning student with little or no experience on the piano. 

Piano 2    0.5 Credit                                                                                                    Course No. 744
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Piano 1 or recommendation from the middle/high school music teacher.  Students new to Daniel Hand High School or who have not taken this course must demonstrate an appropriate level of achievement on piano.

This class is an extension of the Piano 1 course and includes the review and further development of music reading, performance skills, and self-expression. Repertoire will range from classical to popular musical styles. Students will also further their knowledge of music theory as well as prepare more advanced piano literature. A main component of this course will focus on the individual preparation of several pieces of music as a culminating activity.  
 

Music Theory 1    0.5 Credit                                                                                          Course No. 741
Trimesters: 1

Music provides a way for students to express themselves artistically, but music also enhances intelligence and creativity. Music Theory 1 is designed to develop students’ visual and aural understanding of the structure of music. Students will study the language and symbols of music. Not only will students learn to read various musical elements, such as scales, chords, pitch notations, and time signatures, they will also learn to construct these elements themselves. The course also teaches students to understand basic forms in music compositions, including the skill of notation. As students learn these various aspects of music theory, they will undergo ear training to teach them to recognize these elements aurally as well. 

Music Theory 2    0.5 Credit                                                                                  Course No. 742
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Music Theory 1 or recommendation from the middle/high school music teacher. Students new to Daniel Hand High School must demonstrate an appropriate level of achievement.

Music Theory 2 is designed to further develop students’ visual and aural understanding of the structure of music. Concepts and studies introduced in Music Theory 1 will be revisited and further elaborated upon. Students will continue to use knowledge gained over the two courses to compose and/or arrange music. Ear training will be an integral part of this course. 
 

Jazz Band     1 Credit                                                                       Course No. 703
Trimesters: 3   (51 minute periods)

This ensemble is open to any student who shows proficiency in playing alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, drum set, piano, guitar, or bass guitar. Enrollment is determined by audition, which will be held during the first two weeks of school. All styles of jazz band music will be played, including swing, rock, Latin, and more. Two major concerts will be performed yearly. The group will also have opportunities to perform at outside functions throughout the year.  
Note:  Class will meet from 2:04 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday.  Athletic coaches and activity advisors have been informed about the need for students enrolled in this class to miss 25 minutes of practice/activity.

Chamber Orchestra      1 Credit                                                                        Course No. 722
Trimesters: 3 (51 minute periods)

Chamber Orchestra will be made up of students who have shown outstanding musical ability on their string instrument through an audition process.  The group will study and rehearse advanced orchestral repertoire, chamber music, and chamber ensemble techniques.  The performances will include the bi-yearly concerts as well as outside functions.  Membership in this ensemble is determined by audition, which will be held during the spring of the previous year.
Note:  Class will meet from 2:04 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday.  Athletic coaches and activity advisors have been informed about the need for students enrolled in this class to miss 25 minutes of practice/activity.
 

Show Choir    0.7 Credit                                                                                                             Course No. 719
Trimesters: 2 (51 minute periods)

The Show Choir is made up of those students with outstanding music reading ability and the confidence to combine singing and dancing in a small group setting.  The choir will perform at various occasions, which require a smaller performing group.  Membership is determined by audition, which will be held during the spring of the previous year.
Note:  Class will meet from 2:04 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday.   Athletic coaches and activity advisors have been informed about the need for students enrolled in this class to miss 25 minutes of practice/activity.

Show Choir Band    0.4 Credit                                                                                                  Course No. 726
Trimesters: 2 (51 minute periods)

This ensemble is open to students who have demonstrated a high level of musicianship and proficiency in their instrument.  Enrollment is determined by audition, which will be held during the spring of the previous year.  Instrumentation and song selection will vary each year depending on the theme of the show.  Students are required to perform with the Show Choir outside of the school day in concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Note: Class will meet from 2:04 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.  Athletic coaches and activity advisors have been informed about the need for students enrolled in this class to miss 25 minutes of practice/activity.

Waes Haeil Madrigals    0.3 Credit                                                        Course No. 717
Trimesters: 1 (51 minute periods)

Waes Haeil Madrigals will be made up of students who have shown outstand¬ing vocal ability through an audition process.  The group will study and rehearse madrigal style music from the 16th century to the present.  The style will be primarily "a capella," and performances will take place on various occasions and for many outside functions. Membership is determined by audition, which will be held during the spring of the previous year.
Note: Class will meet from 2:04 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday.  Athletic coaches and activity advisors have been informed about the need for students enrolled in this class to miss 25 minutes of practice/activity.
 

Flag Squad      No Credit                                                                   Course No. 709
Trimesters: 3 (See schedule below)

The flag squad is selected by tryouts during the spring of the previous year.  Students do not need prior experience and will be taught a flag routine by our current flag squad members.  A squad of twenty will be selected.  Performing at all home football games and parades with the Tiger Marching Band is the main activity of this group. 
Note:  Class will meet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday nights.