Music

VOCAL MUSIC

Beginning Treble Chorus, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4182

Grade 9

Prerequisite: Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome.

Cantabile (Intermediate Treble Chorus) is a non-auditioned choral ensemble composed of treble-voice students who are beginning their choral studies at Portage High School. Through the study of a wide variety of choral literature, students will be provided opportunities to grow their musical and performance skills through ensemble and solo singing. Cantabile will focus on developing sight-reading skills, diction proficiency, free and resonant vocal production, and a comprehensive knowledge of focused repertoire at a beginning/intermediate level. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Students should be dedicated, responsible, and show high-levels of initiative. Participation requirements include, but are not limited to, four to five evening concerts and a Saturday contest. Members of this ensemble are expected to participate for a full school year. Solo and Ensemble festival participation is not required, but encouraged.

Intermediate Mixed Chorus, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4186

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome.

Concert Choir (Intermediate Mixed Chorus) is a non-auditioned choral ensemble composed of students who are beginning or refining their choral studies at Portage High School. Through the study of a wide variety of choral literature, students will be provided opportunities to grow their musical and performance skills through ensemble and solo singing. Concert Choir will focus on developing sight-reading skills, diction proficiency, free and resonant vocal production, and a comprehensive knowledge of focused repertoire at a beginning/intermediate level. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Students should be dedicated, responsible, and show high-levels of initiative. Participation requirements include, but are not limited to, four to five evening concerts and a Saturday contest. Members of this ensemble are expected to participate for a full school year. Solo and Ensemble festival participation is not required, but encouraged.

Advanced Treble Chorus, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4188

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Membership by audition only.

Bella Voce (Advanced Treble Chorus) is the elite, audition-only treble-voiced choral ensemble at Portage High School. Membership in this ensemble is based on students who have demonstrated high levels of ability, work-ethic, and positive attitude in previous choral ensembles. Through the study of a wide variety of choral literature, students will be provided opportunities to grow their musical and performance skills through ensemble and solo singing. Bella Voce will focus on developing sight-reading skills, diction proficiency, free and resonant vocal production, and a comprehensive knowledge of focused repertoire at an advanced level. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Students should be dedicated, responsible, and show high-levels of initiative. Participation requirements include, but are not limited to, four to five evening concerts, a yearly choral festival, and a Saturday contest. Members of this ensemble are expected to participate for a full school year. Solo and Ensemble festival participation is not required, but encouraged. Auditions for this ensemble take place in the early spring semester.

Advanced Mixed Chorus, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4188

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Membership by audition only.

Chorale (Advanced Mixed Chorus) is the elite, audition-only mixed-voiced choral ensemble at Portage High School. Membership in this ensemble is based on students who have demonstrated high levels of ability, work-ethic, and positive attitude in previous choral ensembles. Through the study of a wide variety of choral literature, students will be provided opportunities to grow their musical and performance skills through ensemble and solo singing. Chorale will focus on developing sight-reading skills, diction proficiency, free and resonant vocal production, and a comprehensive knowledge of focused repertoire at an advanced level. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Students should be dedicated, responsible, and show high-levels of initiative. Participation requirements include, but are not limited to, four to five evening concerts, a yearly choral festival, and a Saturday contest. Members of this ensemble are expected to participate for a full school year. Solo and Ensemble festival participation is not required, but encouraged. Auditions for this ensemble take place in the early spring semester.

Vocal Jazz (Choraliers), 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4184

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Membership by audition only. Students must be concurrently enrolled in another music ensemble while a member of Choraliers.

Choraliers (Vocal Jazz) is Portage High School’s show choir. Membership is composed of students who have prior choral or instrumental experience; have demonstrated high levels of ability, work-ethic, and positive attitude; and can learn and perform music and choreography at an advanced level. Choraliers provide students with opportunities to develop performance skills through movement, stage-presence, and solo/ensemble singing. Students will perform a variety of music from the jazz and pop idioms. Rehearsals occur during class time as well as scheduled outside-of-school choreography sessions, for which attendance is mandatory. This ensemble performs regularly at festivals, contests, community- and school-sponsored events. Community performances are frequent and occur during after-school hours, evenings, and some weekends. Transportation to these events is up to the student to arrange. Auditions for Choraliers occur during the spring semester for the following school year. Students must be able to commit to a full-year of participation.

Note: Choraliers dues of $100 (excluding shoes and basics) and attendance at Choraliers summer camp (one week during late summer) are required for all members. More detailed information will be provided at auditions.

BAND

Concert Band, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4160

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Ability to play one's instrument at an acceptable performance level.

Students may audition during January of each year.
Placement into bands will be based on the students' level of musicianship.
This course will expand upon skills learned in middle school band.
Instruction is designed to develop musicianship skills in every student.
Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest is encouraged.
Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day.
Private lessons are encouraged.

Note: A student MUST be enrolled in one of the high school bands to be a member of the marching or pep bands, unless Director approval is granted.

Intermediate Band I and II, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4168

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Membership in this group is by audition only.

Students may audition during January of each year.
Placement into bands will be based on the students' level of musicianship.
A moderate level of proficiency on one instrument is required to qualify for this band.
Instruction is designed to develop musicianship skills in every student.
Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest is encouraged.
Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day.
Private lessons are encouraged.

Note: A student MUST be enrolled in one of the high school bands to be a member of the marching or pep bands, unless Director approval is granted.

Note: Advanced Concert Band members who wish to perform on a secondary instrument, in addition to their major instrument, may enroll in this band with Director approval.

Advanced Concert Band, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4170

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Membership in this group is by audition only.

This is the top-performing band at Portage High School.
Students may audition during January of each year.
Placement into bands will be based on the students' level of musicianship.
Members must demonstrate a high level of proficiency on their instruments.
Mastery of advanced wind band technique must be evident.
Participation in Solo & Ensemble Contest is encouraged.
Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day.
Private lessons are encouraged.

Note: A student must be enrolled in one of the high school bands to be a member of marching/pep/jazz band, unless Director approval is granted.

Marching Band, 1 semester, 1 credit Course #3542

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Membership in Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced Concert Band unless pre-approved by the Directors.

Ensemble music, visual movement, and marching skills will be emphasized.
This is a one term course.
Physical conditioning will be integrated into the course curriculum.
Performances in parades, home football games and contests are mandatory.
Attendance at band camp two weeks prior to the start of school is mandatory.
All evening rehearsals and weekend rehearsals are mandatory.
Students who successfully complete two seasons of marching band will earn 1 Physical Education credit.
Students interested in Color Guard (flags) may also take this course.
Additional fees are associated with this course
All fees are due by the end of the first week of band camp.

Note: Band members who qualify to perform on a secondary instrument may do so during the marching season. A student MUST be enrolled in one of the high school bands to be a member of marching/pep/jazz bands, unless approved otherwise by the Directors.

Jazz and Advanced Jazz Ensemble, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4164

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Sufficient performance ability on the needed instruments. Students in grades 9-12 MUST also enroll in Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced Concert Band to be a member of a Jazz Ensemble. Any exception to this MUST be approved by the Director.

Students in grades 8-11 may audition during January of each year for membership in our select Jazz Ensembles.
Jazz ensemble membership is by audition only.
Placement will be made on the basis of criteria determined by the Directors.
Students will explore a wide variety of jazz repertoire in large and small ensemble settings.
Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day.
Students that play piano, guitar and bass (acoustic or electric) may also audition for membership. Membership in other bands is not required for these students.

ORCHESTRA

Beginning Orchestra, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4166

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Ability to play one's instrument at an acceptable performance level.

This is a preparatory string orchestra composed mostly of students who desire to increase their skills before advancing to Intermediate or Advanced Orchestra. Students taking this course are provided with a comprehensive study of music, which develops the skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Emphasis is placed on developing string techniques, ensemble playing, rhythmic accuracy, and vibrato. A student in grade 10-12 may perform on a secondary instrument in this group. Entrance is permitted upon recommendation of the school music director. Performance at school concerts and contests is part of the course requirement. Participation in Solo Ensemble is required.

Intermediate Orchestra, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Tuning one's instrument, shifting positions, and the ability to perform intermediate literature are required.

This is an intermediate string orchestra. It is composed mostly of freshman and sophomore students who are preparing for Advanced Orchestra. Students taking this course are provided with a comprehensive study of music, which develops the skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Entrance is permitted upon recommendation of the school director. Performance at school concerts and contests is part of the course requirement. Private lessons are encouraged.

Note: This string group may combine with the band winds and percussion for select concerts and contests.

Advanced Orchestra, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4174

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Ability to play intermediate to advanced orchestral literature.

This is the top performing orchestra. Students taking this course are provided with a comprehensive study of music, which develops the skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Members for this orchestra are selected by the music director. Performance at school concerts, festivals, and contests is part of the course requirement. Attendance at workshops, concert observations, and private lessons are strongly encouraged. Orchestral repertoire must be of the highest caliber, and mastery of advanced orchestral technique must be evident. Evaluation of music and music performances is included.

Note: This string group combines with the band winds and percussion for select concerts and contests.

ELECTIVE MUSIC

Music Theory and Composition AP, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4210

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Playing an instrument (piano, band instrument, orchestra instrument, voice, etc.) is required.

This class develops the students' understanding and use of the basic elements of music through the study of scales, intervals, chords, rhythmic dictation, harmonic dictation, introductory composition, and harmonizing of melodies. Recommendation: Ability to read music and play a band or orchestra instrument or piano proficiently. A continuation of Music Theory with more extensive stress on ear training, dictation skills, harmonic analysis of period compositions, and music composition and arranging is available.

Note: Music Theory is highly recommended for students who wish to sharpen their performance skills, but especially for students who intend to major in music in college..

Music History and Appreciation, 1 semester, 1 credit Course #4206

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course develops the students' understanding of the progression of music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, 18th and 19th centuries, and modern times with an emphasis on classical music. Folk music, popular music (jazz and rock), cultural and historical influences are also included. Additional emphasis is placed on developing active listening skills, class discussion and concert attendance. The course is designed for both non-musicians and musicians who seek a wider understanding of music.

Electronic Music/Music Technology, 1 semester, 1 credit Course #4202

Grades 10, 11, 12 (9th by instructor permission only)

Prerequisite: Music Theory I and/or completion of Intermediate or Advanced Chorus, Orchestra or Concert Band is required. (Exception: 9th grade students who meet course instructor approval.) Piano skills are strongly recommended.

This course is designed for all musicians who seek an understanding of current music technology.
This course will explore areas of electronic technology, sound recording, as well as computer programming/MIDI ensemble mixing.
This course will give students the opportunity to explore the areas of sound recording & mixing & begin to explore the necessary skills for application in a live performance setting.
This course will allow students to utilize music technology software such as Sibelius & Logic Pro to transcribe, create, arrange, & organize music & audio files into complete, large-scale finished musical products ready for audience consumption.
This course is highly recommended for musicians who are potentially interested in continuing with any type of career in music or in college.

Piano and Electronic Keyboarding, 1 semester, 1 credit Course #4204

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Students who have previously been, or are currently enrolled in any PHS Band, Orchestra, or Choir performance course must remain enrolled, or re-enroll in such a PHS Band, Orchestra, or Choir performance course prior to enrolling in either Piano I and/or II.

Students enrolled in Piano Class develop musicianship and specific performance skills through the development and refinement of keyboard skills. All students will, through daily practice and application, improve their piano keyboard skills and achieve the highest level of which they are capable. Beginner to Intermediate will be the level at which students will be working in this course. Additional levels of this course are available at an advanced level.

Instrumentals Ensemble/Percussion Studies, 2 semesters, 2 credits Course #4162

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is composed of students who have successfully completed multiple years of middle school band/private lesson studies as a percussionist
Students meet as a separate class to learn percussion specific techniques & reading skills for a wide variety of percussion instruments & concert literature.
Percussion students will perform with one of four PHS concert bands for all concerts & contests. This includes required after school coordination rehearsals & scheduled performance opportunities.
Students will be placed to consistently perform with a specific PHS concert band based on the student's level of musicianship.
Percussion students will perform a solo or ensemble piece on a percussion focused concert as part of a chamber music curriculum.
Students will be encouraged to perform at Solo & Ensemble Contest & to take private lessons outside of school.
Percussion students will be selected to perform with the choirs & orchestras on an as needed basis.

Note: A percussion student MUST be enrolled in the instrumental ensemble - percussion studies course in order to be a member of the marching, jazz, or pep bands unless prior Director approval is granted.