Chorus I

Course 877

1 credit/semester

 

Chorus I is an introduction to choral singing.  It is designed for freshmen and first year choral students.  Special emphasis will be placed on the development of individual sight reading and aural skills, and vocal technique.  Students will be given the opportunity to study and perform music of all styles and periods from Renaissance to Contemporary including sacred, folk, jazz, and popular music. Chorus I students may elect to participate in music festivals, exchange concerts, small ensembles and musicals as additional activities.  Attendance at all performances is mandatory. No experience is necessary.

 

Chorus II

Course 880

1 credit/semester

 

Chorus II will provide students with the opportunity to continue to develop choral singing and individual sight-reading, aural skills and vocal technique.  Students will study and perform advanced repertoire from a variety of styles and periods from Renaissance to Contemporary including Sacred, Folk, Jazz, and popular music.  Chorus II students are encouraged to participate in music festivals, exchange concerts, small ensembles and musicals as additional activities. Attendance at all performances is mandatory.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Chorus I with a C average or better.

 

Band I

Course 878

1 credit/semester

 

Band I is the introductory band at BFA.  All incoming students are automatically enrolled in Band I unless they have taken a placement exam with their band instructor or Mr. Bushey.  This course will be a performance-based ensemble that will study musical performance, music theory, and music history.  There will be a heavy focus on scales, rudiments, and introductory music theory in this class.  Students will be given specific exercises and assignments that will help them to become better performers and to understand more about how music is created.  All percussionists will learn how to read music in both treble and bass clef and will expected to learn mallet percussion and timpani.  All students in Band I will be assigned a specific weekly lesson time with Mr. Bushey to better facilitate their learning of the material in the class and to get individual help on their instrument in a like-instrument, small group lesson.  Attendance at all music department events is mandatory (concerts, parades, etc.)  All Band I students are encouraged to take this class for all three trimesters in order to automatically be considered for acceptance into Band II.

Prerequisite:  Previous Band experience in school and the ability to read music.  All guitar and electric bass players must read notated music (not Tablature) and contact Mr. Bushey before signing up for Band I.  All Freshmen or new students to instrumental music at BFA are automatically signed up for this band unless they specifically audition for Band II or Band III.

 

Band I/Chorus I

Course 879

1 credit/semester

 

Band I/Chorus I is designed to allow students to participate in both vocal and instrumental music on a weekly basis. All requirements of each class must be met for students who wish to do both. A Band/Chorus student will alternate days between the two performing ensembles.

Prerequisite:  All Band I and Chorus I prerequisites will apply to this class.

Band II

Course 881

1 credit/semester

 

 Band II is the intermediate band at BFA. This group will continue to study all of the aspects of music studied in Band I at a more advanced level. The ensemble will be performance-based and most learning will occur in a rehearsal setting. Students will be expected to master technical exercises, memorize scales and rudiments, and continue to achieve a mastery in intermediate music theory. Attendance at all music department events is mandatory (concerts, parades, etc.) All Band II students are encouraged to take this class for all three trimesters in order to complete the years curriculum and performance opportunities.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Band I with a passing grade, instructors permission, or successful completion of the entrance exam requirements for this band. Any incoming freshmen who wish to audition for Band II  are encouraged to do so and should contact Mr. Bushey at 527-6537 to arrange for an audition time.

 

Band II/Chorus II

Course 882

1 credit/semester

 

Band II/Chorus II is designed to allow students to participate in both vocal and instrumental music on a weekly basis. All requirements of each class must be met for students who wish to do both. A Band/Chorus student will alternate days between the two performing ensembles.

Prerequisite:  All Band II and Chorus II prerequisites will apply to this class.

 

 Band III

Course 885

1 credit/semester

 

Band III is the most advanced band at BFA. This group is comprised mostly of upperclassmen who have met the requirements for admittance to this ensemble. This group is specifically designed for the advanced instrumentalist at BFA. The class will consist of performing and studying many aspects of music including music theory, music history, and musical performance. Students will be expected to perform all scales and rudiments memorized at a mastery level. Students in Band III will also be expected to be working on solo literature for their instrument that demonstrates mastery at an advanced high school level.  Attendance at all music department events is mandatory (concerts, parades, etc.) All Band III students are encouraged to take this class for all three trimesters in order to complete the years curriculum and performance opportunities.

Prerequisite:  Admittance is by instructors permission ONLY. Any incoming freshmen who wish to audition for Band III are encouraged to do so and should contact Mr. Bushey at 527-6537 to arrange for an audition time.

 

Music Technology

Course 883

1 credit/semester

 

 This course will focus on the technical aspects of music production, including but not limited to, digital recording, sample basic sequencing, and application of recording theory.  Students will have access to the new recording studio in the music department for both in school and out of school projects.

Piano Lab I

Course 895,896

1 credit/semester

 

 In Piano Lab, students are first given instruction in keyboard orientation.  The unit is followed by a unit in reading, which contains graded reading materials and a variety of exercises necessary for pianistic development.  Students progress at their own pace; however, minimum requirements are set forth.

 

Piano Lab II

Course 897,898

1 credit/semester

 

Piano Lab II is especially important for a student planning a career in Music Education.  These students must be able to harmonize given melodies with appropriate accompaniments and to attain an ample pianistic reading repertory.  Students will progress at their own pace; however, minimum requirements are set forth.

Prerequisite:  Piano Lab I.

 

Music I/ Music Theory  - Adventures in Listening

Course 899

1 credit/semester

 

This course is primarily for students who would like to delve more deeply into the study of music.  Music history, music literature and music theory are integral parts of this course.  A textbook and workbook are used in this course as well as many recordings.

Prerequisite:  Music study.  All students must be able to proficiently read music to take this course.

Beginning Guitar

Course 887

1 Trimester

1 credit/semester

Beginning guitar class assumes no prior skill on the instrument.  This class will start from the very basics of how to hold the instrument and methodically introduces note reading, chord reading, improvisation (soloing), finger style guitar and many other aspects of playing the guitar. 

Students will learn how to enjoy making music on the guitar both by themselves and with others.  Guitar ensembles, duets and bands of various sorts will be put together with the students in this class.

Students who are already proficient at reading musical notation and chord symbols are welcomes to take this class, but will be encouraged to see Mr. Bushey about becoming part of another performing organization.  Students who are proficient on the guitar but do not have an understanding of the

chords or notes they are playing will be well served by this class.  Open to grades 9-12 – No prior musical experience is necessary.  Limited to 12-15 students.

Jazz Band

 

Ensemble meets after school on Thursdays from 2:40 -4:15.  Please contact Mr. Bushey

for more information.  Phone: 527-6537

Stage Band

 

 Ensemble meets after school on Fridays from 2:40 -4:15.  Please contact Mr. Bushey for more information. Phone: 527-6537

Chamber Singers

 

 Ensemble meets Monday after school from 2:40 to 4:00.  Please contact Mr. Messier for more information. Phone: 527-6538