AP Music Theory
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Music Theory or permission from the instructor
This yearlong class is designed for students who have an intense interest in music theory and / or who plan to major in music in college . Students will focus on musical terminology , notation skills , basic compositional skills , score analysis , and aural skills . This course also includes more sophisticated and creative tasks , such as melodic and harmonic dictation , sight-singing , and the realization of figured bass . Students will be well prepared for and required to take the AP Exam .
Concert Choir
1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12
Open to those interested in singing as a means of expression , students will study a wide variety of music as well as develop the ability to read and understand vocal music . Students will have the unique opportunity to perform with an impressive number of students at concerts in the winter and spring . Concerts and afterschool rehearsals are required .
Chamber Singers
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only
Chamber Singers is an auditioned performance group of advanced singers . Students will perform a wide variety of music that ranges from sacred literature to secular , and includes foreign languages and jazz . Outside rehearsal time is needed to perfect the skills for performance-level singing . Members of this choir will also perform as part of the Concert Choir .
Treble Choir
1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only
Treble Choir is an auditioned group of female singers who want a unique experience of learning treble music only , and who are dedicated to learning more about music and the voice . Students will learn to use good breath support and to develop their voices by applying important vocal techniques . Members of this choir will perform as part of the Concert Choir .
Combined Concert Band
Members of the Concert Band , Jazz Band , and Wind Ensemble form the Combined Concert Band ( see descriptions of each course in this section ). The Combined Concert Band performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts as well as the Veterans and Memorial Day parades . Additional rehearsal time after school and individual practice is required . Members area eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals .
Concert Band
1 Credit • Grade 9 Prerequisite : Ability to play a band instrument
This ensemble will practice and perform contemporary and classic concert band literature .
Jazz Band
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only
This band is for the serious jazz enthusiast . The student must have the technical skills and artistic ability necessary to perform advanced jazz music including improvisation . The student must be fluent in key signatures up to 4 sharps and 4 flats . Performances are part of the course grade and include festivals and concerts in the spring semester .
Wind Ensemble
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Concert Band and by audition only
This select group explores traditional chamber and concert band music and performs with both the Combined Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra .
Symphony Orchestra
Members of the Orchestra , String Orchestra , and Wind Ensemble form the Combined Concert Band ( see descriptions of each course in this section ). The Symphony Orchestra will perform a wide variety of literature , from traditional to contemporary , in twice yearly performances . Opportunities for other seasonal and community performances exist , such as the themed concert series scheduled in February . Members are eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District II and statewide festivals . Outside practice is required , as are after-school and evening rehearsals , concerts and special performances .
String Orchestra
1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Ability to play violin , viola , cello , or string bass at any level ; placement audition required
This instrumental performance group is made up of strings and combines with other classes to perform . See Symphony Orchestra for more information .
Orchestra
1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only
This select group of strings will study and perform more advanced orchestral literature , as well as advanced string techniques .
15 www . thorntonacademy . org 15