Piano III Honors is an advanced-level piano course where students will divide their time between individual practice, group practice, listening, journaling, and written analysis. This advanced level course is for pianists who have already proven themselves to be proficient at Level V CM, RCM or ABRSM equivalent (or higher) and who wish to deepen their knowledge of music expression, theory, history, and technique. Students will study music from all historical time periods as well as explore historical trends and performance practices in music. Class may be repeated for Fine Arts credit.

Additional Expectations: Private Lessons are required, Conservatory Honors Membership and Participation in Either Certificate of Merit, RCM or ABRSM Strongly Recommended

Performance Opportunities: FOTA, and various School and Fundraising Events.

This advanced level course is for pianists who have already proven themselves to be proficient at Level VII CM, RCM or ABRSM equivalent (or higher) and who wish to deepen their knowledge of music expression, theory, history, and technique. In addition to polishing their personal repertoire, this class will provide possible opportunities to perform for school events as well as participate in a masterclass. Students will study music from all historical time periods as well as explore historical and current trends in musicology. This course can be repeated for Fine Arts credit.

Additional Expectations: Private Lessons are required, Conservatory Honors Membership and Participation in Either Certificate of Merit, RCM or ABRSM Strongly Recommended

Possible Performance Opportunities: FOTA, and various School and Fundraising Events

Prerequisite: Piano III Honors, Proficiency in Level V CM, RCM or ABRSM equivalent (or higher), or Audition and Instructor Approval

Introduction to Guitar and Electric Bass is an entry level music course that exposes students to the technical, innovative, and expressive aspects of the guitar and electric bass. While studying the fundamental concepts of playing the guitar and bass, students also learn western tonality, music theory, and the great guitarists and bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course emphasizes intervallic reading and also develops the ear with the inclusion of aural training. Students acquire the language of music, including pitch, chord, scale, articulation, meter, and harmonization. Repertoire ranges from blues, to jazz, to rock, including folk songs. Students express themselves creatively through a variety of projects and repertoire and learn how to assess the success of their own work and that of others using vocabulary specific to the course content.

Additional Expectations: This course typically requires 30 minutes of practice each course period, but more practice benefits the student’s ability to learn guitar and electric bass.

Guitar II is an intermediate-level music course that immerses students in the technical, innovative, and expressive aspects of the guitar. Building on the fundamental concepts of playing the guitar, the course covers soloing and improvisation, advanced techniques in soloing, becoming an artist (forming a band), recording, advanced use of chords, advanced strumming and fingerstyle, and songwriting. This course also explores music theory and some music history (the great guitarists of the 20th and 21st centuries). Through cutting edge media tools, each week includes a variety of playing techniques such as bending, tapping and harmonics; a thorough assimilation of music theory concepts, such as note identification, chord construction and intervallic reading; a variety of music genres such as rock, jazz, and blues; and a panorama of music history through active listening exercises focusing on a famous guitarist. The course emphasizes practical participation. Acoustic guitars are provided to each student to use throughout the course. Director placement required.

Guitar III is an advanced music course which immerses students in the technical, innovative, and expressive aspects of the guitar. While studying the technical concepts of playing the guitar, this course will also cover music theory (western tonality) and some music history (the great guitarists throughout the last four centuries). Through cutting edge media tools (iPad applications, YouTube projection, textbook/DVD, etc.), each week will include: a variety of playing techniques, such as tapping and bending; opportunities to perform in front of their peers and others; a thorough assimilation of music theory concepts such as note identification, chord construction and intervallic reading; a variety of music genres such as rock, jazz, and blues; and a panorama of music history through active listening exercises focusing on famous guitarists. The course emphasizes practical participation with clear communication and demonstration by the instructor. Students must provide their own guitars and will be provided a locker to store them during the day. Director placement required.

This performance course aids in the development of proper vocal technique and skills, focusing on improving tone quality, music reading, sight-reading, and ear training abilities. There are opportunities to perform solo and ensemble literature and to rehearse and perform intermediate and advanced choral works. Students may participate in county and state choral events, sing individually and in ensemble, and perform literature in foreign languages.

Additional Expectations: Participation in approximately 10 performances/festivals throughout the year. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.

This yearlong course is designed to support students in developing the musical and spiritual maturity needed to lead musical worship. Students will focus on building foundational musical proficiency, exploring the theology of worship, and growing in their personal faith and leadership abilities. Through guided practice, classroom instruction, and mentorship, students will prepare to lead worship with confidence and integrity. The course provides opportunities for students to lead worship as they demonstrate readiness, based on the instructor’s evaluation. This course emphasizes growth, preparation, and the heart of servant leadership in worship.

This yearlong course is designed for students to develop their skills in leading musical worship during weekly junior high and high school Chapels, with a focus on both musicianship and teamwork. Class time will be divided between rehearsing music for Chapel services and studying the theology and practice of worship. Students will build their musicianship by studying music theory, improving instrumental and vocal techniques, and expanding their repertoire across various worship styles. The course also focuses on teamwork, equipping students to communicate effectively, collaborate, and plan worship sets that are musically and spiritually impactful. This course highlights spiritual growth, technical skill, and leadership qualities essential for creating worship experiences that inspire and unite the school community.

Additional Expectations: 7:00 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. Soundcheck/ Huddle every Wednesday Chapel before 1st Period. Lent worship Night worship service (Date TBD). Student Spiritual Retreat (Date TBD). Baccalaureate (Date TBD).

This course further develops jazz skills through performing intermediate and advanced-level literature. The curriculum is divided into the following categories: composition, jazz history, improvisational theory, and jazz styles/specific instrumental skills. Students achieve performance skills incorporating the historically oral and aural tradition of jazz music. Additional rehearsals and performances are scheduled at the discretion of the director. This course may be repeated for additional credit. Director placement or audition required.

Additional Expectations: Participation in approximately 10 performances throughout the year. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.

This course builds and develops experience with orchestral performance through intermediate and advanced-level music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary music periods. The curriculum includes music theory and history in addition to technique. Additional rehearsals and performances are scheduled at the discretion of the director. This course may be repeated for Fine Arts credit.

Additional Expectations: Private lessons are strongly recommended and students are encouraged to supplement their studies outside of the school in area youth symphonies, solo competitions, and summer music festivals.

Performance Opportunities for Chamber Ensemble (H): Students will participate in approximately 10 performances/festivals throughout the year, which often require travel.

Prerequisite: Audition required with at least 1 or more years of performing experience; at least a level 3 or above according to the Suzuki Method, and instructor approval.