MUSIC THEORY

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 1 — 1/2 Unit of credit (Not Offered in 2008-2009) Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This semester course is designed for students who wish to develop their musical writing skills and arranging skills. Students will learn to use various music writing and music sequencing software including Finale and MasterTracks Pro. Students will also apply their basic music theory through the use of the software and MIDI hardware devices. This course may be taken twice.

MUSIC THEORY AP — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This two-semester course assists students who wish to pursue the creative aspects of music other than by performance and will aid the college-bound music major or minor to meet entrance requirements. Students shall be prepared to accept significant assignments and examinations as well as work independently in self-directed projects. In addition to the mechanics of music, musical aesthetics through composition is explored. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of this course.

MUSIC THEORY – 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Prerequisites: None

Music Theory is a two-semester course for the student who is interested in music or music theory, but has very little background with written music theory. The material covered in class is not as extensive as the AP class, and theory is applied more to music performance. The class will focus on beginning to intermediate notation skills, rhythmic skills, and ear training. Concepts will be applied to composition using the software Sibelius.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

CONCERT ORCHESTRA — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Experience playing a string instrument

This two-semester course is designed for the beginning to intermediate string player. Students are exposed to many styles and periods of string instrumental music. Students will also learn basic to intermediate skills on their instruments.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Experience playing a percussion instrument

This two-semester course is open to all percussionists. Fundamental technique and musicianship skills are stressed in the five main areas of percussion: snare drum, mallets, timpani, drum-set, and auxiliary. Students perform with the band, as a mallet ensemble, percussion ensemble, and drumline. This class requires a commitment to practice, sectionals, and performance outside of class.

ADVANCED PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This two-semester course is open to percussionists of advanced technical ability. Students perform with the band, as a mallet ensemble, percussion ensemble, and drumline. This class requires a commitment to practice, sectionals, and performance outside of class.

Students in Advanced Percussion Ensemble will have the option of applying and auditioning for Honors placement in the fall. Students accepted into the honors program will attend the regular classes, but have additional performance requirements as well as do additional writing, music theory and ear-training. This is a high-level class and only musicians of the highest caliber will be selected. Students should expect to dedicate a substantial amount of time to practice and meeting the course requirements.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This two-semester course is designed for the advanced string instrumental player. Students are exposed to many styles and periods of instrumental music. Members of the orchestra also have the opportunity to play literature scored for full symphonic orchestra. This ensemble may be taken by students who are accepted by audition only.

Students in Symphony Orchestra will have the option of applying and auditioning for Honors placement in the fall. Students accepted into the honors program will attend the regular classes, but have additional performance requirements as well as do additional writing, music theory and ear-training. This is a high-level class and only musicians of the highest caliber will be selected. Students should expect to dedicate a substantial amount of time to practice and meeting the course requirements.

SYMPHONIC BAND — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: None

This two-semester course is the intermediate-level ensemble for woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Students will build upon individual musicianship and playing skills through the study and performance of etudes/exercises, chamber music, and quality band literature. This class requires a commitment to practice, sectionals, and performance outside of class.

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA WINDS — (NOT OFFERED IN 2008-2009) 1/2 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Instructional Director recommendation

This semester course meets five days a week for twenty-five minutes a day throughout the year. Band members playing brass, wind, and percussion instruments join with the String Orchestra to perform symphonic orchestra literature taken from the classical and romantic periods. The Symphonic Orchestra Winds will perform four times during the school year.

WIND ENSEMBLE — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This two-semester course is the most advanced ensemble offered for woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Students will build upon individual musicianship and playing skills through the study and performance of etudes/exercises, chamber music, and quality band literature. This class requires a commitment to practice, sectionals, and performance outside of class.

Students in Wind Ensemble will have the option of applying and auditioning for Honors placement in the fall. Students accepted into the honors program will attend the regular classes, but have additional performance requirements as well as do additional writing, music theory and ear-training. This is a high-level class and only musicians of the highest caliber will be selected. Students should expect to dedicate a substantial amount of time to practice and meeting the course requirements.

VOCAL MUSIC

BALLADIERS — 1 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This two-semester treble chorus performs choral literature of the highest quality, stressing performances of all types and styles of music. Advanced skills in sight singing, musical reading, vocal production and choral performances are stressed throughout the year. Balladier Singers perform several times a year. Members are eligible to join the Bel Canto Singers, Madrigal Singers and the LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL Glee Club.

Students in Balladiers will have the option of applying and auditioning for Honors placement in the fall. Students accepted into the honors program will attend the regular classes, but have additional performance requirements as well as do additional writing, music theory and ear-training. This is a high-level class and only musicians of the highest caliber will be selected. Students should expect to dedicate a substantial amount of time to practice and meeting the course requirements.

CONCERT CHOIR — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This two-semester mixed chorus is dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature. Advanced skills in sight singing, vocal fundamentals and music reading are stressed. The group performs several times a year. Members are encouraged to participate in vocal workshops and contests, festivals and ensembles. Members are eligible to join the Bel Canto Singers, the Madrigal Singers and the Lake Forest High School Glee Club.

FORESTER SINGERS — 1 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This mixed chorus is dedicated to singing the highest quality choral literature. The Forester Singers perform several concerts a year. Members are encouraged to participate in vocal contests, choral festivals and music tours. Members of the Forester Singers are eligible for the following extra-curricular ensembles: Madrigal Singers and the LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL Glee Club.

Students in Forester Singers will have the option of applying and auditioning for Honors placement in the fall. Students accepted into the honors program will attend the regular classes, but have additional performance requirements as well as do additional writing, music theory and ear-training. This is a high-level class and only musicians of the highest caliber will be selected. Students should expect to dedicate a substantial amount of time to practice and meeting the course requirements.

MIXED CHORUS —1/2 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: None

This full-year course meets two or three days a week for full rehearsals and vocal sectionals (treble and basses). Musical note reading, vocal production, conducting and choral music performances are stressed throughout the year. Mixed Chorus performs five times during the year. Members are also eligible to join the LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL Glee Club, Bel Canto Singers and the Select Singers. No audition is required for Mixed Chorus.

SELECT SINGERS — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Audition

This is a two-semester course. Students audition for this more advanced choral ensemble if they are enrolled in the Mixed Chorus. This class meets five days a week during the same period as Mixed Chorus. Students are provided the opportunity to sing more advanced choral literature.