Music Department

The basic purpose of the music program is to give students the opportunity to find a richer life by guiding them to a better understanding of music. There are courses for students who are interested and skilled in vocal or instrumental performance and wish to concentrate in these areas. Students who are not performing musicians, but who wish to learn more about music, will find valuable courses available. Additional information is available in the NHS Department of Music Education HANDBOOK. The HANDBOOK is distributed in hard copy to all ninth grade students who enroll in any music course, and is also accessible through the district web site (visit www.niskayunaschools.org and access the Friends of Music pages through the "Niskayuna A-Z" link.)

Graduation Requirements in the Arts
To fulfill graduation requirements, all students must earn at least one (1) unit in music or art. The choices include one unit in any of the music courses listed in the Program of Studies, or Studio in Art, or Design and Drawing for Production.

Music as a Sequence of Study
Students planning to major in music must have either a three- or five-unit sequence of music courses. The three-unit sequence can consist of performing ensembles (Skill Development) and music theory classes (Musical Knowledge). For the five-unit sequence, MIDI Technology-Studio I (Attitude Development) is added.

Advanced Regents Diploma
If pursuing the Advanced Regents Diploma, students must choose one of the following sequences:
• Fine Arts - Studio in Art and four units of music and/or art courses
• Music - The five-unit music sequence
• Visual Art - A five-unit sequence beginning with Studio in Art
• Career Technical Education (CTE)
• Language Other Than English (LOTE) - A sequence totaling 3 units
(Please note: Successful completion of the language competency exam at the end of the 8th grade meets the one unit of LOTE required for graduation.)

 

Vocal Majors	3-unit sequence	5-unit sequence
Music Theory I	1 credit	1 credit
Music Theory II/AP Music Theory		1 credit
Ensembles	2 credits	2 credits
Attitude Development	---	1 credit
Instrumental Majors	3-unit sequence	5-unit sequence
Music Theory I	1 credit	1 credit
Music Theory II/AP Music Theory		1 credit
Ensembles	2 credits	2 credits
Attitude Development	---	1 credit
(Music Theory II/AP Music Theory is available to all students who meet the prerequisites, not just students seeking a 5-unit sequence in music.)

Skill Development
Students who enroll in ensembles do so because they find musical performance a satisfying experience. As students mature and further develop their musicianship skills, they also develop important leadership qualities. These student members serve as positive role models for less experienced performers. Without them it would be difficult to maintain the high standards of excellence associated with the high school performing ensembles. Therefore, once enrolled in performing ensembles it is anticipated that students continue to enroll in ensembles in subsequent years.

Music ensembles are available to all students through an “open audition” process. “Open auditions” are held each January for the following school year. Information about auditions is available from music teachers or the music office.

Students enrolled in Studio Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Strings or Bel Canto Voices must also be members of their respective core ensemble — Concert Chorale, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Ladies First or Choir.

Courses
5855 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
1 year, 1 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Previous members and ninth grade orchestral string students who as eighth graders have played in the middle school orchestra may enroll in the Symphony Orchestra. All other interested students must audition for admission.
The Symphony Orchestra performs works from the standard orchestral repertoire, representing various composers and literature. Students will be scheduled into an instrument/small ensembles class.

5883 ORCHESTRA WINDS/PERCUSSION
1 year, 1/4 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Participation is by audition and/or invitation by the conductor.
Wind and percussion students are an integral part of the Symphony Orchestra. Instrumentation is specific to symphony orchestra literature.

5850 CHAMBER STRINGS
1 year, 1/2 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Advanced string students may audition.
The Chamber Strings study music from string and chamber orchestra literature. Opportunities for performance outside of school are available throughout the year.

5860 SYMPHONIC BAND
1 year, 1 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Admission to this advanced ensemble is by audition and/or teacher recommendation. Maintaining proper instrumentation is considered in the selection process.
The music studied and performed is from the finest band literature, both contemporary and traditional. Performance opportunities include evening concerts and assembly programs both on and off campus. Students will be scheduled into an instrument/small ensembles class.

5865 CONCERT BAND
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
This ensemble performs medium to medium-advanced band literature, emphasizing the refinement of basic musicianship skills. Performance opportunities will include evening concerts and assembly programs. Previous members and ninth grade students who in eighth grade played in a middle school band are eligible for automatic enrollment. All other interested students must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument before enrolling in the course. Students will be scheduled in instrument lessons.

5870 JAZZ ENSEMBLE
1 year, 1/2 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Study and performance will include music of jazz, Latin, and fusion idioms. Students will also learn to develop skills in improvisation. Admission to this ensemble is by open audition. It is required that Jazz Ensemble members also be members of the Symphonic Band or Concert Band with the exception of piano and guitar players.

5888 CONCERT CHORALE
1 year, 1 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Concert Chorale is one of the two large mixed-voice choral ensembles in the high school. Students will be admitted to this advanced choral group after passing an audition that includes Level 4 sight-reading and teacher recommendation. The music studied and performed is from the finest advanced choral literature of both sacred and secular styles. Concert Chorale members will have the chance to audition for All-State, ESYO Chorale, Suburban Council and Area All-State, Studio Singers and Bel Canto Voices. Activities may include national competitions, NYSSMA evaluations and major choral works performed with Symphony Orchestra. A one-time fee of $110 will be assessed for concert wear. Freshman and sophomores will be scheduled in voice lessons.

5885 CHOIR
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
Choir is one of the two large mixed-voice choral ensembles in the high school. Membership is open to all high school students after an audition and/or teacher recommendation. The music studied and performed is from the finest choral literature of both sacred and secular styles. Choir members will have the opportunity to audition for Concert Chorale, Studio Singers, Bel Canto Voices and Suburban Council Chorus. Freshman and sophomores will be scheduled in voice lessons.

5890 LADIES FIRST
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
Ladies First is a treble choir open to all young women after an audition and/or teacher recommendation. The music studied and performed is from the finest choral literature for treble voices in both sacred and secular styles. Ladies First members will have a chance to audition for Concert Chorale, Studio Singers and/or Bel Canto Voices, and Suburban Council Chorus. A one-time fee of $85 will be assessed for concert wear. Freshman and sophomores will be scheduled in voice lessons.

5875 STUDIO SINGERS
1 year, 1/2 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Studio Singers is a “commercial”-style choral group. Study will include popular, folk, jazz, rock and standard styles. On occasion, this group performs with the Jazz Ensemble. Enrollment is limited to 24 students selected by open audition. It is required that Studio Singers, by virtue of their musical experience and leadership, also be members of Concert Chorale, Ladies First or Choir. A one-time fee of $100 will be assessed for concert wear.

5880 BEL CANTO VOICES
1 year, 1/2 credit - Honors, Grades 9-12
Bel Canto Voices is an a cappella vocal ensemble. Study and performance will include Renaissance music from England, Italy, France and Germany. Admission to the ensemble is by open audition. It is required that Bel Canto members, by virtue of their musical experience and leadership, also be members of Concert Chorale, Ladies First or Choir. A one-time fee of $85 will be assessed for concert wear.

MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE
5895 MUSIC THEORY I
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: This course is open to all students in the high school.
This course includes the study of the basic elements of music — chords, intervals, major/minor scales, keys, meter and rhythms. Prior music reading experience is recommended.

5897 MUSIC THEORY II
1 year, 1 credit - Honors, Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or demonstrate proficiency by passing an exam for Music Theory I equivalency.
This course offers students the opportunity to study music theory and composition at an advanced level. Students will learn to recognize, understand and describe the materials and processes presented in a music score. The development of students’ aural, sight-singing, writing and analytical skills will be emphasized. Students will be provided the opportunity to earn college credit for qualifying work on the Advanced Placement Music Theory examination. It is recommended that Theory II be taken in the senior year.


ATTITUDE DEVELOPMENT
5899 MUSIC AND MIDI TECHNOLOGY I
1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
It is recommended (although not required) that students enrolling in this course possess a basic proficiency in music, as evidenced by one of the following: the completion of Theory I, enrollment in an ensemble, teacher recommendation or informal interview. Students will learn how to use MIDI sequencing software for arranging and composition. This course fulfills Regents arts requirements.

5900 MUSIC AND MIDI TECHNOLOGY II
1/2 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Music and MIDI Technology I or teacher recommendation.
This is a course primarily for students who have completed Music and MIDI Technology I or those who can demonstrate a knowledge and proficiency of MIDI technology extending beyond that of the first course. Students will develop extended projects in the areas of electronic composition, arranging and film scoring.

5903 PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
According to state Education Department guidelines, the credit earned through Course #5903 CAN NOT be used to fulfill the music/art graduation requirement.
1 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
Students who take private music lessons may receive credit providing:
A. Before being admitted for credit, a student must have completed at least one (1) year of study in the branch of applied music in which he/she desires credit.
B. Student files proper forms with the director of music education in the district Music Office during September of the school year when credit is desired. (Registration is not possible through the Guidance Department.)
C. A lesson is taken every week.
D. Private teacher is approved by the Department of Music Education.
E. Student practices five (5) hours per week.
F. Student performs a solo or duet at the NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival held in the spring, performs for music staff in June, OR provides evidence (printed program) of a recital performance during May or June of the current year.

Students who study privately with a teacher are encouraged to participate as a member of a quartet, quintet or other small ensemble when these small ensembles are available.

VOICE/INSTRUMENT CLASS AND SMALL ENSEMBLES
1 year, 1/4 credit, Grades 9-12
All members of high school performing ensembles will be scheduled to receive instruction in a small group or ensemble. Scheduled one time each week during the school day, they occur on a rotating basis. Lessons focus on skill development, general performance practice, chamber music and musicianship. Students receive quarterly grades. Students may be asked to purchase music for lessons ($10-$15 per year), which remains the property of the student at the end of the school year.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL
Students renting school instruments will be charged a $100 fee for the period September through June.

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