MUSIC DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS
- Symphonic Band
- Honors Symphonic Band
- Concert Choir
- Advanced Choir
- Honors Concert Choir
- Men's Choir
- Chamber Singers
- Jazz Band
- Music Theory
- Piano
- School of Rock
MUSIC DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
JAZZ ENSEMBLE 11 1.5 Credits/Semester
Course #859
The jazz ensemble is an important part of the music program at Natick
High School. In addition, the group may take part in major jazz events
such as the Northeast District Jazz and the University of New Hampshire
festivals and also appear at other school and community functions. A
wide range of jazz and jazz rock music will be performed. Much emphasis
is placed on improvisation and the skills of jazz harmony and rhythm.
Training received by members has helped players attain membership in the
prestigious Northeast District and All-State Jazz Ensembles.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of audition. Sectionals after
school, Thursday night rehearsals, commitment to concerts and
competitions, and student must be a member of the Symphonic Band.
Private weekly lessons are highly recommended.
SYMPHONIC BAND 12 2.5 Credits/Semester
Course #860
Students have the opportunity to continue to develop their musical
skills while participating in a quality large-ensemble experience.
While preparing for a performance, the rehearsals include an emphasis on
musical skills, overall musicianship, teamwork, and complete student
cooperation. In addition to school rehearsals and performances,
complete commitment by students is necessary to develop musical skills
to their fullest potential. Attendance at all performances is
mandatory.
Prerequisite: Students should have prior performance experience, a
working knowledge of their instrument and a desire to further their
ability.
CONCERT CHOIR 12 2.5 Credits/Semester
Course # 863
The choir welcomes any high school student who has a genuine love for
singing with others, regardless of previous musical background. Its
membership is comprised of male and female students in grades 9-12 and
meets six of the eight-day schedule rotation. As such, students should
elect this as their first-choice choral elective. It is from this
ensemble that auditioned choral groups are chosen. Musical, choral and
critical thinking skills are continually integrated into the rehearsal
process throughout the year. A wide range of periods, styles and culture
of music will be studied. There are four scheduled evening concerts
each year, with further opportunity to sing for other school and
community events.
Prerequisite: None
CONCERT CHOIR 14 2.5 Credits/Semester
Course #865
This class meets once in the schedule rotation in order to have times
during each semester when the entire ensemble can rehearse together.
This is very important in preparing for performances where blend,
balance and intonation problems need to be worked out with the entire
choir well in advance of the final choral presentations.
Course pre-requisite: Concurrent enrollment of 6 classes in Concert Choir 14.
CHAMBER SINGERS 11 1.5 Credits/Semester
Course #867
This is an ensemble of auditioned singers within the Music Department.
Its members study and perform a wider range of choral music at a more
advanced level than the Concert Choir within a very limited time frame.
Members are generally in grades ten through twelve, but freshmen are
sometimes admitted in the fall if there is a need within voice parts.
The enrollment of this ensemble varies in both size and gender (mixed or
women voices) from year to year, depending upon the abilities and
interest. Opportunities for singing are similar to those of Concert
Choir. Chamber Singers is a class for credit and meets on Monday
evening's from7:00 - 9:15PM. A full year's participation is expected
from each member. All members re-audition for membership at the end of
each school year and must maintain a B average each for re-admission.
Prerequisite: By audition only and all members MUST be fully enrolled in
either the Concert Choir or the Symphonic Band to participate in this
ensemble.
MEN'S VOCAL ENSEMBLE 12 1.0 Credits/Semester
Course #877
Sometimes called Men of Style, Style & the Freaknasties, or just
plain Style, this is one FUN group! This ensemble is open to any high
school male student in grades nine through twelve who enjoys singing
from men's vocal literature. Varied musical styles and repertoire of
accompanied and a cappella music is offered for the growth and enjoyment
of the male voice. Style sings for Music Department evening concerts as
well as for school and community events throughout the year. This
ensemble meets most Mondays and Thursdays after school for the entire
year.
Prerequisite: The ability to carry a tune and a desire to work with other male students who have some fun singing together.
HONORS MUSIC COURSES
The following music courses are offered to students who wish to pursue
more individualized music study beyond the classroom. Choral and
symphonic band students may elect one honors level course during the
course of any semester. All music honors students will fully participate
in the concerts and activities of their respective ensembles.
Additionally, they must fulfill all attendance/credit criteria with
their ensemble director. A minimum semester average of a B must be
maintained in the music honors program in order to be recommended for
continuance.
HONORS CONCERT CHOIR 2.5 Credits/Semester
Course # 874
Concert Choir students must be enrolled a minimum of 5 times per 8 day
cycle. No student may elect this honors level course without the
permission of the choral director.
Students at the choral honors level should participate in private voice
instruction with a qualified private voice teacher. Students may be
assigned periodic research that relates to vocal study. All students
must participate in a public student group recital, at the end of each
semester they are enrolled in the honors course.
HONORS SYMPHONIC BAND
Course # 870 2.5 Credits/Semester
Honors Symphonic Band students are required to perform at four out of
five home football game pep band performances and participate in a
public student group recital at the end of each semester. Students
considering the honors band program should be enrolled in private music
instructions with a teacher that specializes in their instrument.
MUSIC THEORY 12 2.5 Credits/Semester
Course #881
This semester course will introduce and review the components of basic
music theory. The course is for all students' grades 9-12 that want to
explore the basic concepts of music making and music reading. The class
meets 6 days of the rotation schedule for full semester credit during
first semester. To enable students to be more hands-on and creative,
they will be introduced to the fundamentals of the piano keyboard as
they move through basics theory. Sight-reading and rhythmic/melodic
aural training are included in this course as well as an introduction to
music composition. Students in any music department ensemble are highly
encouraged to take this course.
Prerequisite: NONE