Performing Arts Courses

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 | 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

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: 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.

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.

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 | 2.5 | Prerequisite: B or higher in Beginning Piano within the previous year or Teacher Recommendation

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 | 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 | Credits: 2.5

In Beginning Guitar, students will gain the essential skills needed to play the guitar with confidence in a wide variety of genres. From learning the basics of fretting and strumming to exploring chords and melodies from popular songs, this course will provide a solid foundation for students to enjoy modern music performance. This course will also teach students how to use the guitar as a tool for musical improvisation and composition. Focusing on both traditional note reading and TAB reading, students will be able to apply their skills from Beginning Guitar to many other classes and opportunities in the Performing Arts department.