Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 34

Concert Choir *

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

No experience necessary ! This class counts as an Arts credit needed to graduate .

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 music and learn to sing with proper breathing and vocal technique . Students will have the unique opportunity to perform with an impressive number of students at concerts in the winter and spring . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

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 . Members of this group will apply advanced vocal techniques as they work to perfect the ensemble ’ s balance and blend . Singers in this choir will also perform as part of the Concert Choir . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

Treble Choir *

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only

Treble Choir is an auditioned group of 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 . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

Concert Band *

1 Credit • Grade 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

Prerequisite : Ability to play a band instrument or the desire to learn one .

This ensemble will rehearse and perform contemporary and classic concert band literature . To participate , a student must already know how to play a band instrument , or have the desire and intent to learn one . In this course , musicians will learn the fundamentals of their instrument , and that of playing both as an individual and in an ensemble . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

Jazz Band *

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : By audition only

This band is for the serious jazz enthusiast . The musician must have the technical skills and artistic ability necessary to perform advanced jazz music including improvisation . The musician must be fluent in key signatures up to 4 sharps and 4 flats . Musicians will gain a deeper understanding of jazz and improvisation as a well as the pedagogy and technique of their instrument . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

Wind Ensemble *

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Concert Band and by audition only

This select group will rehearse and perform chamber and concert band music , perform with the Combined Concert Band , and allows a path to play with the Symphony Orchestra . Musicians will take the skills learned in Concert Band and continue to build upon them with more musical challenges , styles , and depth . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

String Orchestra *

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

Prerequisite : Ability to play strings at any level ; placement audition required

String Orchestra is for students experienced in playing string instruments – violin , viola , cello and string bass . It is designed to develop both playing and performance skills for the student musician . Members are encouraged to take private lessons and are expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

Symphony 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 . It is designed to offer an enriched learning and performance atmosphere to test and expand the technical skills for student musicians . Symphony Orchestra will combine with Wind Ensemble in stage performances . Members are encouraged to take private lessons and are expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis . Please note that this is a performance based course and that outside rehearsals / performances are required coursework .

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