Music
Overview
Through singing, playing instruments, and composing, music students express themselves creatively. A knowledge of notation and performance traditions enables students to learn new music independently throughout their lives. Leland and Gray has a particularly vibrant musical community. In addition to the large performing ensembles that meet during the school day, students perform in jazz bands, samba band and the a cappella group. Music students are called upon to perform in theater productions, both in the pit and on stage. At concerts, variety shows and “music nights” throughout the year Leland and Gray music students rock.
Middle School Band (M82205)
Grades 7-8
Meeting every other day, band is for students who have an interest in playing band instruments in a large ensemble. There are at least two concerts per year. Rehearsals emphasize the elements of music, tone, time, and tune. Students attend 25-minute private or semiprivate lessons on a rotating basis throughout the year. Students may rent instruments through a local instrument supply company. Band and chorus meet on alternating days and students are encouraged to sign up for both.
Middle School Chorus (M82105)
Grades 7-8
Meeting every other day, chorus students learn music through singing. The chorus performs in at least two school concerts each year and in community events. Students explore and perform choral music from many time periods and cultures. They learn singing techniques, music reading, and singing
in more than one part at a time.
Band
1 credit
Grades 9-12 Fine Arts credit
Meeting every other day, Band is for students who have had at least one year of lessons on a band instrument and meet the requirements for entry into the school band. They participate in at least two concerts per year as a concert band, chamber ensembles, and several home varsity basketball games as a pep band. Students may rent instruments through a local instrument supply company. They attend 25-minute private or semiprivate lessons on a rotating basis throughout the year. Band and chorus meet on alternating days and students are encouraged to sign up for both.
Chorus (H82200)
1 credit
Grades 9-12 Fine Arts credit
Students study and perform choral music from many time periods and cultures. Students practice singing techniques and music reading. The chorus performs in at least two school concerts each year and in community events.
Introduction To Music Theory (H82300)
1 credit
Grades 9-12 Fine Arts credit
No prior knowledge or experience with music is required to take Introduction to Music Theory. Students learn ear training, dictation, harmony, and solfege (sight singing). They study the basics of composition including chord progressions, melody writing as well as a brief introduction to music history. In case this course is not held, students may pursue music theory as an independent study.
Advanced Music Theory (H82400)
1 credit
Grades 9-12 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Music Theory
Advanced Music Theory continues to develop concepts and techniques learned in the introductory course. Students learn a more detailed account of music history and work toward a greater breadth and depth of knowledge in the areas of ear training, dictation, harmony, and solfege. Students explore more advanced compositional techniques, chord progressions and melodic ideas. Students begin to explore transcription and arranging. In case this course is not held, students may pursue music theory as an independent study.
History of Rock ‘n Roll (M82300)
1 credit
Grade 7-12 Fine Arts credit
Rock n’ Roll has its origins in rebellion and self-exploration. Rock n’ Roll is the language of contemporary society and has immediacy in everyday lives. It’s the music that people move to. This class charts the early pioneers of Rock ‘n Roll, like Les Paul, Robert Johnson, and Jackie Brenston, and concludes with music written in the past year. Students explore the primary instruments of rock – guitar, bass, drums – with their own hands. They basic chord progressions on the guitar, bass and piano, as well as basic drum set patterns of Rock ‘n Roll. In case the course is not held, students may pursue this as an independent study.
