CONCERT BAND 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits
(Prerequisite: Prior experience with a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument)
Concert Band is the core course in instrumental music at the high school level. This course is offered during period zero from 7:20 to 7:56 a.m. daily during first and second semesters. Students enrolled in Concert Band work on large ensemble music from various periods. They develop playing skills and learn about theory, history, and context of the music performed. Students enrolled in Concert Band may participate in other enrichment ensembles: Jammin’ Jays, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Pit Band and chamber groups.
*Students who meet the additional requirements of enrichment ensembles and rehearsal attendance requirements can earn honors credit on their transcript that will count toward class rank.
CHORUS 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Chorus is offered to all students who sing and are interested in vocal performance. This course is offered during period zero from 7:20 to 7:56 a.m. daily during first and second semesters. Students enrolled in this class have the opportunity to perform with the Middlesex High School Chorus, Varsity Singers, and select ensembles, as well as regional and national festivals. The aim of this course is to help singers develop their vocal and musical skills, as well as to inspire an appreciation for a wide range of musical styles including classical, popular, folk, and Broadway.
*Students who meet the additional requirements of enrichment ensembles and rehearsal attendance requirements can earn honors credit on their transcript that will count toward class rank.
CONCERT BAND/CHORUS 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
This course is only offered during period zero from 7:20 to 7:56 a.m. during first and second semesters for students wishing to take both Concert Band and Chorus. Class time will be split between both areas. The opportunity to take both course offerings and to avoid schedule conflicts with academic subjects is afforded by this course selection.
*Students who meet the additional requirements of enrichment ensembles and rehearsal attendance requirements can earn honors credit on their transcript that will count toward class rank.
VOICE LABORATORY 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Voice Lab offers students an introduction to the art of singing. Whether you are a chorus member looking to improve your technique, a singer song write looking to strengthen the vocal part of your performance, an actor looking to break into musicals, or simply have a desire to sing, Voice Lab has much to offer you. The class consists of group and individual instruction, repertoire preparation, performance practice, and skill development that will allow you to pursue your musical interests, whatever style they may be. Voice Lab can also be a gateway to music performances throughout the school year. This course is offered during first and second semester.
DRUM LABORATORY 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Students will learn basic to advanced skills of the various percussion instruments. Skills such as reading music, music theory and composition are the main focus of this course. Students will acquire the analytical, technical and performance ability to pursue a career in music. This class is also a gateway to becoming involved in several concerts throughout the year. This course is offered during first and second semesters.
GUITAR LABORATORY 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Students in this course will learn basics of playing guitar including chords, melodies and rhythms. They will work individually and in small groups. Some instruments are available for student use. Anyone seeking to get started with the guitar or to further develop the skills they already have is encouraged to enroll. Students are introduced to the analytical, technical and performance skills that will prepare them for a career in music. This class is also a gateway to becoming involved in several concerts throughout the school year. This course is offered during first and second semesters.
PIANO LABORATORY 1 & 2 (Grades 9-12) Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
This course is designed for students who have never played piano, for the instrumentalists who need piano as a second instrument, for the vocalists who want to learn to accompany, or for students who wish to improve their keyboard facility. The course consists of individual lessons, keyboard practice, music theory, and computer instruction on a MIDI computer music workstation. This course is offered during first and second semesters.
PERFORMING ARTS(Grades 9-12) Level 4 5 Credits
(Prerequisite: None)
Performing Arts serves to introduce students to the study and practice of dramatic arts. Emphasis will be on acting, terminology, movement, vocal production, and characterization, with a background in the history, tradition and operation of the theatre. Opportunities for beginning experience in acting are included.
ADVANCED PERFORMING ARTS (Grade 10-12) Level 4 5 Credits (Prerequisite: Performing Arts)
Advanced Performing Arts serves to provide additional experiences in the study and practice of the dramatic arts. Emphasis will be placed on acting, terminology, movement, vocal production, characterization, and scene writing, with a background in the history, tradition and operation of the theater. Opportunities for scene study, ensemble acting, costume/makeup production, and character studies are included.
DANCE I(First Semester) Grades 9-12 Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Dance I serves to introduce students to the study and practice of dance. Emphasis will be placed on two or more modern dance techniques with background in basic choreography, dance terminology and dance history. Opportunities for beginning experience in dance are included.
DANCE II (Second Semester) Grades 9-12 Level 4 2.5 Credits (Prerequisite: None)
Dance II serves to extend the study and practice of dance. Emphasis will be placed on additional dance styles, with background in group choreography, dance terminology, and dance history. Opportunities for continued experience in dance are included.
MUSICAL THEATRE: WORKSHOP (Grades 10-12) Level 4 5 Credits (Prerequisite: Performing Arts)
Musical Theater Workshop serves as an introduction to musical theater. The course is a performance course that offers students an opportunity to begin a high school performing arts experience, or add to their existing music portfolio. Students will be challenged to explore acting, singing, and other aspects of musical theater production. The course will also provide an overview of the Broadway musicals and how they relate to our history and culture.
LIGHTS, SOUND AND SCENERY (Grades 9-12) Level 4 5 Credits (Prerequisite: Woods, or concurrently in Woods, or permission of instructor)
Lights, Sound, and Scenery offers students a hands on introduction to the behind the scenes workings of musical theatre. Topics will include scene design and set construction, lighting design and operation, and sound design and operation. Each topic area will include practical application in school productions. Successful completion of this course prepares the student for a leadership role at the high school level and continued technical studies at the collegiate level. COMPREHENSIVE MUSICIANSHIP (Grades 9-12) Level 4 5 Credits (Prerequisite: none)
This course will prepare students with necessary skills in basic music theory, arranging, composition, and ear training. Students will learn the basics of the musical language to guide them in arranging and composing original works using computers and MIDI applications. Concurrently, the course will also teach music appreciation that focuses on history and cultural/ethical music to give students a well-rounded understanding of music’s pertinence throughout human history. These are necessary skills for students who are interested in taking an advanced placement music class or interested in pursuing music in college.
MUSIC THEORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT(Grades 11-12) Level 1 5 Credits (Prerequisite: Comprehensive Musicianship and/or Recommendation of the department)
This course is designed for serious students who are interested in continuing in music at the collegiate level, giving them the opportunity to pursue college-level studies while still in secondary school. Topics include: musical terminology, notational skills, and basic compositional skills, score analysis and aural skills. The course is focused toward the AP exam, which is administered in the spring semester. Students scoring well on this exam may receive college credit or advanced placement.
*NOTE: Students may elect to repeat Concert Band, Chorus, Vocal Lab, Guitar Lab, Piano Lab, Drum Lab, Musical Theater: Lights, Sound and Scenery, Concert Band/Chorus, Dance and Advanced Performing Arts each school year to improve their musical skills. Credit will be granted for each successfully completed semester.