Grade 7 | Credits: 2.5

Developing speaking skills, personal presentation skills, self-confidence and strategies for memorization are the results of such a course. Emphasis will be placed on development and increased understanding of performance skill. Students will utilize acting techniques and terminology, solo and group performances, improvisational exercises, monologue study and critique to enhance personal performance.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5

Whether you are on your way to Broadway or the board room of a corporation, everyone needs practice in communicating who they are and what they want in a way that is inspiring and engaging. This class will help students improve in the art of public speaking, dealing with "on your feet" problem solving, thinking creatively, and getting rid of stage fright, giving students the collaborative life skills needed in today's workforce. Class activities include, but are not limited to writing scenes and performing them, designing sets and costumes, and practicing improvisation and other practical theatrical skills.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5

This course offers a more advanced theater experience that builds upon the skills learned in Theater Arts and Communication. We live in a digital age and students today are in tune with popular videos on YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, etc. They are already thinking like filmmakers. This semester course will give students further hands-on experience working with professional video equipment and creating films utilizing some of the same processes as Hollywood filmmakers. Students will practice storyboarding, directing, acting, lighting, screenwriting and cinematography. Each student will work in a film team to design and create a public service announcement, a silent film, a thriller and a comedy movie.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5

This course is open to musically trained students and beginners alike. Students explore basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, form, style, etc. through the use of the school’s MIDI. (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Lab.  A wide variety of musical styles are examined including classical, jazz, popular, folk, and musical theater.  Course expectations include participation in music performance, composition, and arranging.  Assignments of music listening and critique are also components of this course.

Grade 7 | Credits: 2.5

This course introduces the fundamentals of playing any keyboard instrument.  A music technology lab equipped with MIDI keyboards, computers and headsets will be used to learn to read and play music in the treble and bass clef using two hands.  It is recommended that students have access to an instrument at home or outside of school. This course is intended for students that have no prior piano experience.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5

This course introduces the fundamentals of playing any keyboard instrument.  A music technology lab equipped with MIDI keyboards, computers and headsets will be used to learn to read and play music in the treble and bass clef using two hands.  It is recommended that students have access to an instrument at home or outside of school. This course is intended for students that have no prior piano experience.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Audition or Beginning Piano @ CJHS or EBHS "OR" Piano Lab @ CJHS

This course will provide an opportunity for students who have completed Beginning Piano to continue their development as keyboard musicians. In addition, by allowing course admission by audition, this course can provide an appropriate placement for students who have acquired some level of piano proficiency through private lessons. It is recommended that students have access to an instrument at home or outside of school for independent practice.

Grades 7 | Credits: 2.5 | Semester option for students with schedule conflicts on a limited availability basis

Chorus at the Junior High School is a full-year elective that develops the interest of the student who enjoys singing using a widely varied repertoire of grade appropriate music. Pieces may include classical selections, festival literature, folk arrangements, popular music, musical theatre songs, spirituals and selections from world choral music. Students learn basic choral technique: breathing, intonation, score reading, articulation, and diction.  Basic concepts of theory, sight-singing with solfege, and ear-training are further developed. The Churchill Chorus prepares and performs one concert each semester. Small ensembles, duets, and solos may be performed in the rehearsal setting to add to the performing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and formal concerts is required.  A semester option exists only for students with schedule conflicts on a limited availability basis. 

Grade 7 | Credits: 5

Chorus at the Junior High School is a full-year elective that develops the interest of the student who enjoys singing using a widely varied repertoire of grade appropriate music. Pieces may include classical selections, festival literature, folk arrangements, popular music, musical theatre songs, spirituals and selections from world choral music. Students learn basic choral technique: breathing, intonation, score reading, articulation, and diction.  Basic concepts of theory, sight-singing with solfege, and ear-training are further developed. The Churchill Chorus prepares and performs one concert each semester. Small ensembles, duets, and solos may be performed in the rehearsal setting to add to the performing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and formal concerts is required.

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 2.5 | Semester option for students with schedule conflicts on a limited availability basis

Chorus at the Junior High School is a full-year elective that develops the interest of the student who enjoys singing using a widely varied repertoire of grade appropriate music. Pieces may include classical selections, festival literature, folk arrangements, popular music, musical theater songs, spirituals and selections from world choral music. Students learn basic choral technique: breathing, intonation, score reading, articulation, and diction.  Basic concepts of theory, sight-singing with solfege, and ear-training are further developed. The Churchill Chorus prepares and performs one concert each semester. Small ensembles, duets, and solos may be performed in the rehearsal setting to add to the performing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and formal concerts is required.  A semester option exists only for students with schedule conflicts on a limited availability basis. 

Grades 8-9 | Credits: 5

Chorus at the Junior High School is a full-year elective that develops the interest of the student who enjoys singing using a widely varied repertoire of grade appropriate music. Pieces may include classical selections, festival literature, folk arrangements, popular music, musical theater songs, spirituals and selections from world choral music. Students learn basic choral technique: breathing, intonation, score reading, articulation, and diction.  Basic concepts of theory, sight-singing with solfege, and ear-training are further developed. The Churchill Chorus prepares and performs one concert each semester. Small ensembles, duets, and solos may be performed in the rehearsal setting to add to the performing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and formal concerts is required.

Grades 7-8-9 | Credits: 5

Honors Chamber Choir is an honors-level course open to a limited number of singers through an audition process.  Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Students study and perform choral repertoire of greater difficulty written for three or four parts. Pieces may include classical selections, festival literature, folk arrangements, popular music, musical theatre songs, spirituals and selections from world choral music. Students learn increasingly advanced choral techniques: breathing, intonation, score reading, articulation, and diction.  More advanced concepts of theory, sight-singing with solfege, and ear-training are further developed. Students are encouraged to audition for Region Choral groups. The Churchill Choral Groups prepare and perform one concert each semester. Small ensembles, duets, and solos may be performed in the rehearsal setting to add to the performing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and formal concerts is required.

Grades 7-8 | Credits: 5

This section is designed for students with prior experience playing a brass or woodwind instrument. These courses are similar to previous band classes, with more in-depth study included and more advanced literature performed. Group lessons are part of the course requirement and are offered on a rotating schedule. Daily home practice is required to complete assigned scales, etudes, technical studies, and performance literature successfully. Band students must attend extra after school and evening rehearsals and public performances.  Qualified students are encouraged to audition for Region Band. There is a prerequisite of prior participation in the band program or a minimum six months of study with a private teacher (documentation required). New students must complete an informal audition with the director to determine eligibility before enrolling.  Instruments that students are encouraged to begin are oboe, bassoon, french horn, trombone, baritone horn, or tuba. Churchill students who wish to participate in the high school marching band must maintain enrollment in this course or the Wind Ensemble.

Grades 9 | Credits: 5

This section is designed for students with prior experience playing a brass or woodwind instrument. These courses are similar to previous band classes, with more in-depth study included and more advanced literature performed. Group lessons are part of the course requirement and are offered on a rotating schedule. Daily home practice is required to complete assigned scales, etudes, technical studies, and performance literature successfully. Band students must attend extra after school and evening rehearsals and public performances.  Qualified students are encouraged to audition for Region Band. There is a prerequisite of prior participation in the band program or a minimum six months of study with a private teacher (documentation required). New students must complete an informal audition with the director to determine eligibility before enrolling.  Instruments that students are encouraged to begin are oboe, bassoon, french horn, trombone, baritone horn, or tuba. Churchill students who wish to participate in the high school marching band must maintain enrollment in this course or the Wind Ensemble.

Grades 7-8-9 | Credits: 5

Concert Band (Percussion) is open to any student playing a percussion instrument.  Students study and perform standard literature written or transcribed for concert band and percussion ensemble.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.  Churchill students who wish to participate in the high school marching band must maintain enrollment in this course or the Wind Ensemble.

Grade 7-8-9 | Credits: 5

Wind Ensemble is an honors-level course open to a limited number of wind players and percussionists through an audition process.  Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Students study and perform music of greater difficulty written for wind band. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.  Students are highly encouraged to audition for Region Band.  Due to the definition of a Wind Ensemble, placement is limited and based upon the need for a balance of instrumentation. Churchill students who wish to participate in the high school marching band must maintain enrollment in this course or the Concert Band.

Grades 7-8 | Credits: 5

This course is similar to the sixth grade orchestra, except more in depth study is included and more advanced orchestral literature is performed. Students learn orchestral bowings, applications and technique. Qualified eighth graders are encouraged to audition for the CJMEA Intermediate Region Orchestra. Group lessons are part of the course requirement and are offered on a rotating schedule. Daily home practice is required and is monitored by the instructor via the assigning of etudes and technical studies. Orchestra students must attend extra after school rehearsals, group lessons and public performances. There is a prerequisite of prior participation in the orchestra program or a minimum of six months to a year of private study (documentation required). New students will complete an informal audition with the director to determine eligibility before enrolling.  Instruments that students are encouraged to begin are cello, viola, and string bass.

Grade 9 | Credits: 5

This course is similar to the grades 7/8 orchestra, except more in depth study is included and more advanced orchestral literature is performed. Students learn orchestral bowings, applications and technique. Qualified ninth graders are eligible to audition for the CJMEA Senior Region Orchestra. Group lessons are part of the course requirement and are offered on a rotating schedule. Daily home practice is required and is monitored by the instructor via the assigning of etudes and technical studies. Orchestra students must attend extra after school rehearsals, group lessons and public performances. There is a prerequisite of prior participation in the orchestra program or a minimum of six months to a year of private study (documentation required). New students will complete an informal audition with the director to determine eligibility before enrolling.  Instruments that students are encouraged to begin are cello, viola, and string bass.

Grades 7-8-9 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Select Orchestra is a full year honors level course open to a limited number of 8th & 9th grade string players (violin, viola, cello and bass) accepted through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained through the Music Department. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students will increase their technical proficiency on their instrument. Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances. Students are encouraged to audition for Intermediate or HS Region and Intermediate or HS All-State Orchestra. Students not able to audition must complete an alternative performance experience of comparable difficulty. Instrumentation is limited and based upon the need for balance between violins, violas, cellos and basses.

Grades 7-8-9 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Advanced Orchestra is an honors-level course open to a limited number of string players through an audition process.  Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Students study and perform music of greater difficulty written for string orchestra. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.  Students are expected to audition for Region Orchestra.  Students not able to audition must complete an alternative performance experience.  Due to the definition of the Advanced Orchestra, instrumentation is limited and based upon the need for a balance between violins, violas, celli, and basses.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

Acting Studio provides students with a rich scope of theater experiences. Students will experience various aspects of theater production: acting, scene study, and character examination. Students must be willing to perform monologues, scenes, and improvisations in front of the class.  A fun way to explore theater and see if more advanced/intense classes are necessary. 

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Acting Studio

This course allows students to refine their acting skills through intensive studies of scenes and monologues. Students will develop a richer understanding of theater history, from Ancient Greece to modern day through performance of repertoire from various time periods.  Audition techniques and acting for film and television will also be explored.

Grades 11-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Acting Studio II

This course will provide an opportunity for students who have completed Acting Studio II to hone their acting skills, and explore higher level acting work with peers. Students will explore advanced acting concepts and apply them to scene work, and real world situations such as auditioning for college or professional shows. Also covered is the application of techniques gleaned through the study of such theorists as Michael Chekov, Jeremy Whalen, and Sanford Meisner. Students will finish with a 10-15-minute solo show, performed for an audience.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course provides an opportunity for students to explore characterization/acting through bodywork. Students will explore different types and styles of movement, characterization through body acting including unarmed stage combat, movement theory, and isolating body acting through mask work.  This work will be applied to projects and scenes, and in so doing, students will learn how to transfer these theories and their own impulses to the stage for effective performances.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

Singing for Musical Theater is a semester course to allow personal instruction in both solo and ensemble singing for musical theater. Vocal technique, staging, and characterization will be stressed using repertoire from the Musical Theater genre.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course is open to any student with a love for music but have no formal training.  Students will explore music arranging, mixing, sampling, and live performance using computers, keyboards, drum pads, and other devices.  This course will feature solo and collaborative music production, and students will finish the course with a portfolio of 5-8 finished tracks.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Digital Music Studio or Demonstration of Music Reading Skills/Faculty Recommendation

Advanced Music Studio is designed for students who want to learn more advanced composing and recording techniques. Students will use computers, MIDI keyboards and other instruments to create new songs and song arrangements in a wide variety of musical styles. Music and audio software will allow students to compose, record, and edit music and to create original recordings. This class will also focus on composing and arranging music for live performers, recording and editing live and digital performances, and creating music to sync with video.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5

This course is open to any student wishing to learn the fundamentals of music. Areas of study will include note reading, scales, rhythm, chord structure, and key signatures.  Music from all periods and styles will also be explored. This course is recommended for students planning to take AP Music. 

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5 l Prerequisite: Successful completion of 1542 Musicianship (or placement test) and recommendation of the AP Music Teacher.

This course is designed specifically for the serious music student, offering an in-depth study of all the elements of music theory including harmony and counterpoint. A portion of the course is devoted to listening to music in order to understand how the elements combine to create a total composition. Students will gain greater skill in music analysis, sight-singing and music dictation. Independent music performance, composition, research and attending live concerts are encouraged.

Grades 10-12 | 2.5

This course introduces the fundamentals of playing any keyboard instrument.  A music technology lab equipped with MIDI keyboards, computers and headsets will be used to learn to read and play music in the treble and bass clef using two hands.  It is recommended that students have access to an instrument at home or outside of school.

Grades 10-12 | 2.5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of audition or Beginning Piano at EBHS or CJHS (Grade of B- or better)

This course provides an opportunity for students who have completed Beginning Piano to continue their development as keyboard musicians. In addition, through course admission by audition, this course can provide an appropriate placement for students who have acquired some level of piano proficiency through private lessons.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5

Concert Band is open to any student playing a brass or woodwind instrument.  Students study and perform standard literature written or transcribed for concert band.  Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day.  Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instrument.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.  Enrollment in band is a prerequisite for performing in any other ensembles such as marching band, jazz band, orchestra, or percussion ensemble.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5

Concert Band (Percussion) is open to any student playing a percussion instrument.  Students study and perform standard literature written or transcribed for concert band and percussion ensemble.  Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day.   Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instrument.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.  Enrollment in band is a prerequisite for performing in any other ensembles such as marching band, jazz band, orchestra, or percussion ensemble.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Wind Ensemble is an honors-level course open to a limited number of brass, woodwind, and percussion students selected through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Students study more difficult repertoire written for smaller wind bands. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the day. Through private practice and group lessons, students increase their technical proficiency. Students are required to attend all scheduled afternoon and evening rehearsals and all performances. Students are expected to audition for Region Band. Students not able to audition must complete an alternate performance experience. Due to the nature of the wind ensemble, the following is the recommended instrumentation. This instrumentation may be modified to accommodate balance challenges with the group. Participation in the Wind Ensemble is limited to the following instruments:

• 4 Flutes
• 2 Bassoons
• 3 Trombones
• 2 Oboes
• 2 Alto Saxophones
• 2 Euphoniums
• 6 Bb Clarinets
• 1 Tenor Saxophone
• 1 Tuba
• 1 Alto Clarinet
• 1 Baritone Saxophone
• 3 Percussion
• 1 Bass Clarinet
• 4 French Horns
• 1 Mallet Percussion
• 1 Contrabass Clarinet
• 5 Trumpets
• 1 Timpani

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Prerequisite:  Successful completion of an audition

Chamber Orchestra is an honors-level course open to a limited number of string players through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Wind, brass, and percussion students from the Wind Ensemble may be added to form a Symphony Orchestra. Students study and perform music of greater difficulty written for chamber orchestra. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments. Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances. Students are expected to audition for Region Orchestra. Students not able to audition must complete an alternative performance experience.  Due to the definition of a Chamber Orchestra, instrumentation is limited and based upon the need for a balance between violins, violas, celli, and basses.

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5

Orchestra is open to any student playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass).  A broad selection of music, encompassing different styles and periods, is performed.   Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day.  Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments.  Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.

1505 - Chorus (Full-Year)

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5

Chorus is a full-year choral ensemble open to students without an audition. In Chorus, students will learn how to improve their vocal technique and music reading through singing a variety of music. Previous musical experience is not necessary to be successful in this class. All Chorus classes combine for dress rehearsals and concerts. Chorus performs at both the Winter and Spring Choral Concerts and may have a few additional concert opportunities throughout the year. Attendance at all dress rehearsals and concerts is required. 

1506 - Chorus (Semester Option)

Grades 10-12 | Credits 2.5

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Concert Choir Honors is a full year elective course offered to 10th through 12th grade students. Enrollment is by audition only. Concert Choir Honors students should anticipate additional after school and evening rehearsals in preparation of many public performances and choral festivals.  Concert Choir Honors students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirement. Qualified advanced students are expected to audition for Regional and New Jersey All-State Chorus. This course emphasizes advanced applications of previously learned fundamentals of ensemble singing through study and performance of quality vocal music. Solo and small ensemble singing are an integral part of this course. The size of the Concert Choir is dependent on a balance of voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass).

Grades 10-12 | Credits: 5 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Bella Voce Honors is a full year elective course offered to 10th through 12th grade students. This course is designed to focus and explore literature and vocal technique specifically for the mature treble voice. Enrollment is by audition only. Bella Voce Honors students should anticipate additional after school and evening rehearsals in preparation of many public performances and choral festivals. Bella Voce Honors students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirement. Qualified advanced students are expected to audition for Regional and New Jersey All-State Chorus. The course emphasizes advanced applications of previously learned fundamentals of ensemble singing through study and performance of quality vocal music. Solo and small ensemble singing are an integral part of this course.